Optimism abounds at ConExpo 2017

The organisers of ConExpo 2017 announced that, over five days, a total of 128,000 people attended the show, which featured a record number of (over 2800) exhibitors. 20 percent of the visitors comprised international attendees from approximately 150 different countries.

The general consensus among manufacturers and customers was that the mood at the show was positive, with many reporting a tangible feeling of economic optimism. Exhibitors across the board reported good sales activity. This is supported by the organiser’s figures which show that general US buyer attendance increased 16 percent from the 2014 show, and total buyer attendance improved by almost 8 percent. 

“I think there was a noticeable difference in the attendees at this show, and the difference was their optimism,” said 2017 Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Chair Michael Haberman. “Optimism was on display throughout the show.”

According to Dave Foster, Vice President for Marketing and Corporate Communications at Volvo CE: “There was an element of confidence and pent-up demand at the show. These [visitors] are not tyre-kickers. These are people who are willing to buy multiple machines for work they have now and anticipated growth based on a renewed confidence in the market.”