Conexpo 2026: show director on what’s new and what’s next

It is expected that there will be approximately 2,000 exhibiting companies and 139,000 visitors to ConExpo 2026. Image: AEM

“We’ve been working on that for over a year already. We’ve been discussing things. Not all elements of it, of course, but some of those more strategic things, yes, we’ve been doing that for well over a year already.”

It is a testament to just what a behemoth the event is that, even though registration has only recently opened for the show, which will take place in Las Vegas, US, March 3-7, 2026, planning is already well underway for 2029. While Wuesthoff may already have half an eye on 2029, the 2026 show is looming into view and is shaping up to be just as big as its last iteration – if not bigger.

“We are expecting 2026 to be similar to the performance of the 2023 show. We’re anticipating over 2,000 exhibiting companies, 139,000 visitors to the show. Probably similar or maybe even a slightly larger footprint of around 3 million square feet of exhibits,” she says in a video interview.

Wuesthoff reveals that one of the strategic priorities of the AEM (the Association of Equipment Manufacturers), the organisers of the show, is to ensure it helps to raise the profile of the construction industry.

In line with this ambition, something that will be new to ConExpo in 2026 is the ‘groundbreakers’ stage where speakers will address the biggest topics of the industry. Wuesthoff reels off some of these big topics that will be addressed: “Overcoming labour shortages, sustainability strategies, environmentally conscious practices and mental health within the industry,” she says.

Wuesthoff becomes a bit more light-lipped when asked about exactly who the speakers will be, but the sense is that it will be a mix of OEM leaders and some speakers from outside construction who can share insights on addressing similar industry challenges. There will also be a specific focus on women within the construction industry, small business owners and mental health.

Face-to-face shows 

ConExpo show director, Dana Wuesthoff. Image: AEM

For many in the industry, Conexpo 2020 will be forever associated in their memories with the Covid pandemic. The event took place with the specter of the virus looming larger on each passing day, with many exhibitors and attendees leaving the event early for fears of travel restrictions being put in place. Just a few weeks after the show ended, most of the world locked down.

Wuesthoff mentions the pandemic when talking about the enduring popularity of attending physical rather than digital events.

“I feel like no one wants to continue to talk about Covid, but I do think that we learned some really important lessons from that because we had this inability to meet with one another, not just at trade shows, but in all aspects of our life. I think that what we’ve learned from that is humans as a species need to meet. We want to physically gather together,” she says.

“From a business and trade show perspective, it has been proven repeatedly that people want to come together. They want to see and experience the products and meet the people behind the products, the experts that make them. They want to connect with them in ways that it is impossible to replace with digital.”

What is also true is that in an industry like construction – where the purchase price of equipment is substantial – people see a real value in seeing what they are buying for themselves, as well as having face-to-face meeting that build trust.

ConExpo countdown is on

Time has a strange way of accelerating sometimes – before you know it March will be here, and the world of construction will once more be descending on a Las Vegas that seems to get more expensive with every passing year.

Wuesthoff takes a deep breath and smiles broadly at the thought of the show taking place. “Unless you work in this industry, I can’t describe the excitement that’s palpably in the air on opening morning. It’s like when you get to go to your favorite rock concert – that is the energy that’s in the air. This is my favorite event that we do, and I love feeding off that energy.

Even though ConExpo is not until next year, plans are already well in place for the 2029 event. Image: AEM

“One of my favorite things is simply to hang out in the registration area on opening morning or by the gates as people come in – they’re so excited to be there. I mean, wildly excited, giant smiles. They’re high-fiving me for no reason. They’re just really excited to be here and see everything and to hang out with their peers.”

There are clearly plans for the show to grow and evolve – Wuesthoff mentions more than once the goal of amplifying the industry’s voice and partnering with individuals and organisations outside of construction who have genuine insights to share is clearly on the agenda. However, she is also crystal clear that they must not lose sight of the core of ConExpo.

“The heart of why people are coming to the show, we can’t lose sight of that. They’re obviously coming to connect with the brands that are building the equipment and the products and technologies that they use in their everyday life.

“But that also helps them get ready for what’s coming next, because they have to be thinking about and be prepared for what’s coming in the future. I think that there’s more that we could do with that, and I would love to continue to see us build on that.”

Looking at the equipment and technology of today while keeping one eye on the future is a sound business strategy. With one eye already on the 2029 show, it is clear that Wuesthoff is practicing what she preaches.