Be it a new driveway placement or the concrete roof on a 38-floor high-rise, outside working the latest concrete construction project concrete contractors have a ton of opportunity to further their education and learn about the latest innovations throughout the year. We’ve collected a short list of conferences and expos across the U.S. However, these aren’t them all. Your states concrete / cement association might have its own conference and local educational tracks and the American Concrete Institutes Resource Centers are a great place for certification and additional training.
Find more events for the construction industry as a whole at ForConstructionPros.com/events. Let’s start with the largest (and earliest) of them all …
World of Concrete, January 16-19 – Las Vegas
New this year is an “Innovative Product Awards” where industry professionals will be able to vote on innovative, forward-thinking equipment, materials, tools, and services available in the concrete and masonry markets. Voting will kick off on January 4 and close February 14 with winners announced on February 21. Exhibiting manufacturers and service providers at the year’s show are eligible to enter.
Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institution Convention & The Precast Show, February 21-25 – Columbus, Ohio
The Precast Show is a celebration of the precast concrete industry. With six associations represented – PCI, NPCA, NCMA, ICPI, CSI and CPCI, it truly unites the precast concrete industry under one roof. Along with the nearly 300 exhibitors and 75,000 sq.ft. of space already reserved for companies that will display their products and services, the show is planned to feature more than 100 hours of education sessions with industry leaders; the PCI Annual Meeting and Member Luncheon; PCI Design Awards Cocktail Reception; and The Precast Perspective that includes roundtable discussions and a walking tour of local precast concrete projects.
The Shotcrete Convention & Technology Conference, February 26-28 – Ojai, California
The Shotcrete convention is a unique opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art and innovations in shotcrete materials, equipment and applications, as well as looking ahead to future advancements. The event is a great opportunity to network with your industry peers, enjoy local attractions and activities, and celebrate the winners of the 2022 ASA Outstanding Shotcrete Awards at our awards banquet. Highlights include: Shotcrete Contractor Education Seminar; 2 Tracks, 12 Sessions; ASA Spring Committee and Board Meetings; and the Outstanding Shotcrete Project Awards Banquet.
Decorative Concrete Expo, March 2-3 – Wooster, Ohio
Attendees at the Decorative Concrete Expo will be able to find industry-leading vendors, raffles, doorbuster prizes, an auction as well as live concrete demos by decorative concrete artists Ray Anthony, Isaiah Pride, Rebecca Fuscardo, Josh Russell, Emil Gera, Bob & Lee Ann Harris, Jeff Kirt, Reuben & Norman Keim, Nic Lang, Rick Lobdell, Crystal Ploszay, Rachel Bruce, Andrew Weaver, Jason Geiser.
National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association AND National Stone, Sand, & Gravel Association AND Portland Cement Association Annual Conventions, March 10-13 – Las Vegas
Every three years the NRMCA, NSSGA, and the PCA hold their annual conventions together and 2023’s theme is apt: “Building The Future Together.” Cal Ripken Jr. is scheduled as the keynote speaker. Join fellow members of the three associations in committee meetings, breakout sessions, and the NRMCA Concrete Innovations Award Ceremony on March 14.
Directly following the NRMCA, NSSGA & PCA convention is the CONEXPO-CON/AGG, March 14-18.
Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association Annual Convention & Tech Fair, March 27-31 (Committee & Board Meeting / Golf Tournament on March 27-28) – Hamilton, Bermuda
Attendees are offered carefully selected business and technical presentations covering a range of subjects that can assist with both operational and financial elements of a company, from the implementation of structured programs and practices to how to address specific challenges on the jobsite. Panel discussions of contractors and manufacturer representatives share their knowledge and experience on a given subject. Now a mainstay for the show, the tabletop Tech Fair will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about the latest innovations and newest products in the industry. Events also include the President’s Reception, Awards Dinner, and optional activities.
ACI Concrete Convention, April 2-6 – San Francisco, California and October 29- November 2 – Boston, Massachusetts
With more than 2,000 attendees, the ACI Concrete Convention combines the brightest minds in concrete to collaborate and advance the industry – as well as their knowledge. Sit in on technical sessions and presentations on a wide variety of concrete topics, new research in concrete construction, structural engineering, and more (earn CEUs while doing so). Over 120+ committee meetings are held on diverse topics.
The American Society of Concrete Contractors Concrete Executive Leadership Forum, July 20-23 – Beaver Creek, Colorado
Executives of concrete and general contracting firms of all sizes and up-and-coming leaders come together for interactive, energetic, and challenging learning opportunities. Regulars continually report that a major benefit of the experience is the relationships they build during the program. Participants learn they are not alone in the challenges they face both personally and professionally, and regular attendees become part of an ongoing group that continues the lifelong learning process and provides support to one another.
Concrete Foundations Association Annual Convention, July 27-29 – San Antonio
The Concrete Foundations Association Annual Convention features education, networking, exhibits, award presentations, certification, and more. Awards presented during the show are organized in three main categories: projects, safety and professional achievement.
Projects of the Year recognizes the combination of innovation, craftsmanship, and creativity of the concrete contractor.The Top Safety Awards celebrates the contractors committed to maintaining a safe working environment on the jobsite.Nominated members for professional achievement awards are categorized for Legacy Awards, Contractor of the Year, National Associate of the Year, Innovative Contractor of the Year, Kick-Start Member of the Year, and Most Valuable Player.
Deep Foundations Institute’s S3: Slopes, Support & Stabilization Conference, August 8-10 – Cambridge, Massachusetts
The two-and-a-half-day conference focuses on the practical application of deep foundations and ground improvement techniques for stabilizing soft ground, landslides and slopes, and supporting deep excavations. The technical program highlights the state-of-practice, current research, innovations, advancements and case histories of deep foundations, anchored earth retention, slurry walls, ground improvement and deep mixing.
A hallmark of the S3 conference is the annual software discussion, where a problem is presented to slope stability software providers who discuss, analyze and present solutions. The problem this year focuses on a large, deep excavation in Boston on a site with poor soil and an adjacent building. The solution requires a support system that needs to braced or anchored and designed to withstand earth, water and surcharge loads.
The event also includes an exhibit hall of material, equipment and service providers as well as networking events, such as the popular Women in Deep Foundations (WiDF) Committee networking reception.
The American Society of Concrete Contractors Annual Conference, September 27-30 – Grand Rapids, Michigan
Concrete contractors, manufacturers, designers, and other industry professionals gather for educational events and networking. The event holds seminar tracks on technology, business management, decorative/polished concrete, and safety. Each year, the ASCC recognizes the dedication of a handful of trendsetters within the concrete industry with a Gaining Strength Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Also announced are the winners ASCC Owner/Executive Safety Award, Safety award, Top Leaders, as well as the Decorative Concrete Awards.
National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association’s ConcreteWorks, September 29-October 3 – Nashville, Tennessee
Featuring the National Mixer Driver Championship, ConcreteWorks is dedicated to the professionals in the ready-mixed concrete industry. Network with colleagues throughout the U.S., attendees are able to participate in seminars, committee meetings, and check out the latest in the exhibit hall.
National Precast Concrete Association Annual Convention, October 12-14 – Oklahoma City, Ohio
The 58th annual convention by the NPCA brings company owners and managers together to look into the future. Learn more in its education program, exhibit hall, committee meetings, special networking, awards presentations, and the election of the association’s new officers. Previous years included a plant tour of a local precast facility.
The American Society of Concrete Contractors, Tilt-Up Association & The American Concrete Pumping Association Safety Summit, November 8-9 – St. Louis, Moussiri
The third annual Safety Summit features safety professionals from the concrete construction industry. They gather for a safety program focused on safety and health issues impacting the industry.
Note: This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all events, seminars, conferences, meetings, or educational sessions for the concrete and/or construction industry. Many associations have additional events planned throughout the year on various topics relevant respective to their segment of the concrete industry. If your favorite tradeshow, convention, or conference isn’t on this list, email Concrete Contractor editor Jonathan Kozlowski with information and a website – tell us why it’s your favorite.
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