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Crane Hot Line

CONEXPO 2026 Preview: New Tech, Equipment and Solutions for Crane Operations

Exhibitors and events on the show floor: March 3-7, 2026

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News from Exhibitors

A1A Software

A1A Software will highlight its new fleet management platform, iFleetTrax. The software is designed to support mixed fleets, including cranes, trucks and other heavy equipment, with an integrated suite of management tools.

The platform offers telematics, GPS reporting, dash cam integration, mixed fleet dispatch, maintenance tracking, sales management and online document handling. iFleetTrax also integrates with QuickBooks and includes enhanced user permission controls to streamline operations for fleet managers.

Whether managing equipment across multiple sites or different types of vehicles, iFleetTrax aims to provide a centralized solution for improving efficiency, visibility and business oversight.

Attendees can experience iFleetTrax firsthand at booth F20967, located at the main entrance of the Festival Lot.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar will highlight its latest equipment, digital tools and services at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas, focusing on technologies that improve jobsite efficiency and safety. Exhibits include the Festival Grounds exhibit (F29929), West Hall display (W40416) for compact equipment and South Hall exhibit (S80229) for industrial diesel engines.

The displays will feature advanced automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and connectivity solutions, including VisionLink equipment management, full fleet solutions with Cat Grade and Cat Command remote, semi-autonomous and autonomous capabilities. New technologies, such as Cat Detect Collision Mitigation, will be highlighted in live demos at Operator Stadium.

The company will feature new programs and services, such as Cat Rewards (formerly Cat Vantage Rewards), the Cat Commercial Account and the services commitment offering next-day parts and two-day repair guarantees. Cat Rentals will showcase a refreshed brand and upgraded digital platform.

Caterpillar Group President Tony Fassino will deliver a keynote on CONEXPO-CON/AGG’s Ground Breakers Stage on March 4. He will discuss how Caterpillar is addressing industry challenges, advancing construction innovation and shaping the future of jobsite technology.

In addition, Caterpillar will host the Global Operator Challenge finals and the Global Dealer Technician Challenge, demonstrating operator skills, machine expertise and service capabilities.

DICA

DICA will highlight its expanded product line of ground protection and site access solutions designed for a variety of construction and lifting applications.

The exhibit will feature the new Ranger HD, Defender and Titan access mats, engineered to provide temporary jobsite support for equipment ranging from light machinery to heavy mobile and crawler cranes. Ranger HD mats measure four by eight feet and are intended for light-duty access and surface protection. Defender mats, three by six feet and one-inch thick, are designed for medium-duty applications, including boom trucks, concrete pump trucks and rough terrain cranes. Titan mats are two inches thick, covering 71 square feet and are suited for heavier lifting and ground stabilization needs.

In addition to the new mats, DICA’s booth will include its existing line of engineered ground support products, such as SafetyTech outrigger pads, FiberMax crane pads, LevelRight leveling pads and updated WorkSafe hole covers.

Kris Koberg, CEO of DICA, noted that SafetyTech has been available for more than two decades and continues to be the top-selling outrigger pad in the industry. He added that attendees will have the opportunity to see why the product is widely used, describing it as dependable, easy to handle and trusted by operators in the field.

The company positions its ground protection and access solutions as designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency across multiple industries, including crane operations, utility work, tree care, concrete pumping and vegetation management.

DICA’s exhibit will be open March 3–7 at booth F42066, providing attendees the opportunity to see the new access mats and full ground support product range in person.

DPL Telematics

DPL Telematics plans to preview an upcoming upgrade to its ClearView smart dashcam at booth N10152, with enhancements aimed at simplifying installation and expanding driver performance reporting.

According to the company, the update will add OBDII powering options, eliminating the need for a hardwired connection, along with additional driver scorecard reporting capabilities. The enhancements are intended to support fleets seeking more flexible deployment options and expanded visibility into driver behavior.

The ClearView smart dashcam, launched in August 2025, combines real-time video monitoring, GPS tracking and AI within a single device. The system is designed to provide fleets with video documentation, driver alerts and integrated telematics data through the DPL Telematics platform.

Incus5

Incus5 will be introducing its next-generation analytics platform designed for the equipment rental and construction industries, located in the North Hall at booth N13254.

The platform is a device-agnostic data intelligence solution that integrates fragmented data streams into intuitive dashboards and actionable reports. It provides fleet managers and contractors with insights into equipment utilization, operational trends and maintenance forecasting. The goal is to enhance operational performance, increase utilization and support informed decision-making across organizations.

The new analytics capabilities include both company-level KPI dashboards and user-specific dashboards, combining advanced visualization with customizable metrics. This allows organizations to monitor underperforming assets, track utilization across multiple locations and forecast maintenance needs.

Incus5’s open-platform design ensures that rental and construction companies can integrate multiple systems without being locked into a single ecosystem, providing flexibility while delivering comprehensive data intelligence.

IPAF

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) will bring its focus on mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) and mast climbing work platform (MCWP) safety, training and digital solutions to the event.

At booth GL31205 in the Grand Lobby, IPAF will feature a range of resources designed to help contractors, rental companies, supervisors and operators improve productivity while reducing risk on North American jobsites. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore practical guidance, training tools and digital solutions applicable to everyday MEWP operations.

Key themes for IPAF’s exhibit include eLearning options that support ANSI/SAIA A92.24 compliance, its How to Stay Safe on or Near Roadways campaign addressing vehicle-related incidents and demonstrations of the ePAL app, which provides digital PAL Cards, operator logbooks and training records to streamline verification and safety compliance. IPAF will also engage with visitors interested in joining its North American community to promote safe and effective powered access operations.

Tony Groat, IPAF North America regional manager, will lead a seminar on March 5, titled “Smart MEWP Selection: The Accessories That Take Safety Further”, focusing on the role of safety accessories in mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) operations. 

IPAF’s presence at CONEXPO will allow attendees to interact with experts, view training and safety materials and see digital solutions that support safer, more productive powered access operations.

Liebherr

Liebherr will exhibit a broad range of cranes and construction equipment at booth F35055 and P7761, highlighting the company’s recent developments and offerings for North American jobsites.

Under the theme “Hands on the Future,” the exhibit will include mobile and crawler cranes, tower cranes, deep foundation machinery and material handling equipment. The display will also feature digital solutions for machine monitoring, fleet management and operator productivity.

Among the machines on display are the MK 140-5.1E mobile construction crane, which features hybrid power capabilities, and the LB 35.1 drilling rig, a next-generation foundation machine with modular leader options. The LH 60 E electric material handler, equipped with an energy recovery system, and the L 586 XPower wheel loader, designed for industrial and construction applications, will also be shown.

Live demonstrations are planned in the main festival lot booth, allowing attendees to observe equipment in operation. The exhibit includes areas for technology demonstrations, operator simulators and information about deep foundation solutions in a dedicated Platinum Lot booth.

The exhibit will also feature tools and systems designed to support efficiency and safety on jobsites, including diagnostic software, planning tools and operator training resources. Additional sections of the booth will provide information on careers and technology applications in construction operations.

Tadano

Tadano plans to showcase an expanded global equipment portfolio, reflecting the company’s continued evolution into a full-line lifting and access solutions provider.

Under the theme “Reaching New Heights”, Tadano’s exhibit will highlight developments made since CONEXPO 2023, including a broader range of equipment now available to North American customers. This includes former Manitex product lines that have been fully integrated into the Tadano portfolio, supporting a consolidated approach to lifting, access and jobsite solutions.

In addition to its traditional crane offerings, Tadano will present equipment beyond crane technology. The company plans to highlight its growing aerial work platform lineup for the North American market, including crawler- and wheeled-chassis models. Multiple boom trucks and PM knuckleboom cranes are also expected to be on display as part of the company’s expanding lifting solutions range.

Several new and updated machines are scheduled to make their debut. Among them is the AC 5.250L-2 all-terrain crane, which features a bifold jib intended to improve on-site flexibility and efficiency. Tadano will also present developments such as a removable outrigger box for larger-capacity cranes, including the AC 6.300-1, with an emphasis on transport efficiency and jobsite adaptability. The GTC-600-2 telescopic boom crawler crane will also be featured, combining lifting performance with compact access and logistical considerations.

Sustainability, digitalization and customer support are expected to be key themes throughout the exhibit. Tadano plans to highlight its True Mission Zero Emissions strategy, including efforts aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating emissions. The company will also present digital tools and connected solutions designed to support fleet uptime, safety and operational transparency, alongside customer support offerings such as service, training, parts and lifecycle management.

Visit Tadano at booth F47010.

Additional Exhibitors

Arrowhead Winch — Supplies winches and hauling equipment for lifting, load control and rigging in crane operations. Booth N12125

Bedrock Technologies LLC — Develops advanced targeting and boom-tip optical systems for cranes and lifting applications. Booth F41001

Bigge Crane and Rigging Co. — One of the world’s leading crane dealers and fleet service providers. Booth F41020

Bigfoot Construction Equipment — Designs and manufactures specialized outrigger and rigger pads for heavy-duty lifting and crane applications.. Booth F24054

Butti — Offers a full line of buckets, forks and crane attachments for heavy lifting. Booth C30174

CICB — Provides crane and rigging training, safety education and industry support. Booth N11362

CMC North America — Supplies tracked lifts and compact solutions for difficult access in crane and lifting operations. Booth D1044

Cranes 101 — National leader in crane workplace safety and operator training programs. Booth N10665

Crescent Foundry Co. Pvt. Ltd. — Produces casted counterweights and machined cast components for cranes and heavy lifting equipment. Booth N11372

De Haan Special Equipment BV — Manufactures lifting blocks and wire rope/chain end terminations used in crane rigging. Booth F41010

Fascan International Inc. — Exclusive U.S. distributor of specialized crane attachments and rigging accessories. Booth F40054

Henan Weihua Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd. — Supplier of material handling solutions, including cranes and heavy lift systems. Booth D1025

Hunan Yige Special Steel Science Technology Co., Ltd. — Manufacturer of cold-drawn steel tubes for crane booms and structural components. Booth D1363

ITI — Provides virtual crane operator training and operational safety programs. Booth N10466

Jining Hengwang Mining Machinery Co., Ltd. — Offers lifting and material handling equipment, including cranes for industrial applications. Booth N10045

KOBELCO Construction Machinery USA — Offers crawler cranes and heavy lifting equipment for construction and industrial projects. Booth F35004

Kito Crosby — Supplies hoists, rigging hardware and lifting systems for cranes and industrial applications. Booth N11827

Line Work Bucket Products, LLC — Provides overhead platform and organizational equipment supporting crane and aerial lift productivity. Booth S63339

Link-Belt Cranes — Designs and builds telescopic and lattice boom cranes for construction and industrial lifting. Booth F35029

Magni Telescopic Handlers — Produces rotating, heavy-lift and fixed-boom telehandlers often used alongside crane operations. Booth F16045

Manitou — Manufacturer of rough-terrain and electric forklifts and telehandlers for crane support and material handling. Booth F42042

OptiCrane Inc. — Provides advanced technology and solutions for tower cranes and mobile crane operations. Booth N13137

PALFINGER North America, LLC — Offers truck-mounted cranes and lifting solutions for industrial and construction use. Booth F46041

ROTZLER USA Inc — Produces hoisting and pulling winch technology for crane rigging and heavy lifting applications. Booth N10263

Ritchie Bros. — Global asset management and auctioneer of heavy equipment, including financing and online bidding solutions. Booth W41567

Shuttlelift — Builds rubber-tired mobile gantry cranes for heavy material handling. Booth F42078

Spydercrane — Manufactures mini-crawler cranes designed for lifting in low-access or confined spaces. Booth F40084

The Manitowoc Company, Inc. — Provides crawler, lattice boom and mobile cranes. Booth F39029

TKA Cranes — Produces cranes and aerial lifts for construction and industrial heavy lifting. Booth D1241

Venco Venturo LLC — Offers truck cranes and crane service bodies for mobile lifting and utility operations. Booth N12906

VMAC Global Technology Inc. — Designs mobile air compressors and multi-power systems for service vehicles and lift fleets. Booth S62331

WireCo — Global supplier of wire rope, rigging and lifting products for cranes and aerial equipment. Booth N10519

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. — Manufacturer of cranes and heavy lifting machinery for construction and industrial markets. Booth F42027

Events & Workshops

EmpowerHER Workshop

The EmpowerHER Workshop is a two-day event aimed at women in construction, including business owners, decision-makers and future leaders. The workshop takes place Friday, March 6, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., with a registration fee of $199. Sessions will focus on mentorship, health and wellness, leadership development and strategies for business growth. 

Attendees will have two networking opportunities to connect with peers and gain industry insights. The program also includes a panel discussion with content creators Missy Scherber, Katie Kelleher and Amy Underwood of The Digger Girl. Participants can expect to explore approaches for expanding industry presence, amplifying their voices in the construction community and supporting the development of the next generation
of leaders.

Shop Talks and Walks: Equipment Maintenance Workshop

This workshop offers hands-on training from seven industry-leading manufacturers. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with registration priced at $199.

Participants will engage in interactive sessions on the show floor covering fleet management, parts and service strategies and the use of digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and technical knowledge. Exhibiting manufacturers include Caterpillar, Hyundai, John Deere, Kubota, SANY, Vermeer, Volvo and Ford Pro.

The day begins with a breakfast spotlight panel featuring Austin Conti, CEO and co-founder of Tenna; Alex Craft, CEO and founder of Heave; and Luke Powers, CEO and co-founder of Gearflow. Panelists will share insights on maintenance best practices, emerging technologies and how smart systems and real-time data are shifting operations from reactive fixes to proactive strategies.

The workshop is intended for maintenance professionals, fleet managers, owner/operators and technicians seeking practical strategies to reduce downtime, lower operating costs, improve safety and engage directly with experts from leading equipment brands.

Small Business Workshop 

Designed for small and family-owned businesses, the Small Business Workshop provides a full day of guidance on growth, operations and workforce management. The session is Friday, March 6, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with registration costing $199.

The workshop highlights practical solutions for common challenges in small business management. Attendees will explore topics such as tax planning, bidding and proposal strategies, employee recruitment and retention, fleet selection and technology implementation. Sessions feature industry experts, including James Starbuck, Scott Beebe, Michael Redd and Brian Dietz.

Participants can connect with peers during two networking opportunities, sharing insights and strategies to strengthen their businesses. The program also provides guidance on developing staff skills, improving operational efficiency, managing fleets effectively and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth.

The workshop is intended for owners, key staff, entrepreneurs and leaders of family-run businesses seeking actionable tools and knowledge to support their operations.

Eyes on Safety: Enhancing Mobile Equipment with Camera Technology

This session explores the use of camera technology to improve safety and operational awareness for mobile equipment, including cranes. Speakers from ABC, ARTBA, NCCCO and other industry organizations will discuss the benefits of adding cameras to fleets, covering applications in visibility, hazard detection and operator support, with an emphasis on practical safety outcomes.

Safe Mobile Crane Operations in the Vicinity of Power Lines

Industry experts address the risks and precautions involved in operating mobile cranes near energized power lines. Presenters from ARTBA, NCCCO, SC&RA and other associations will review hazard assessment, compliance requirements and best practices for maintaining safe distances while conducting lifts in high-voltage areas.

Ground Bearing Pressure and Your Work Ticket, What Do They Have in Common?

This session examines the role of ground bearing pressure in mobile crane operations and its connection to work planning. Speakers will discuss the importance of understanding load distribution, site conditions and crane setup to ensure stability and regulatory compliance.

Preparing for Roadside Enforcement of Mobile Crane and Other Special Equipment

Presenters will discuss evolving enforcement practices for mobile cranes and specialized equipment on public roadways. The session, led by ARTBA, NCCCO and SC&RA representatives, covers operator responsibilities, documentation requirements and strategies for ensuring compliance during inspections.

Reducing Common CMV Over-the-Road Accidents Through Training

This session focuses on preventing commercial motor vehicle accidents involving cranes and related equipment. Experts will highlight training approaches, operator awareness and fleet safety protocols that reduce risk during transport and improve overall operational safety.

Do You Know What You’re Doing? Telehandler and Forklift Compliance

Speakers explore compliance considerations for telehandlers and forklifts in construction and crane operations. The session addresses operator qualifications, regulatory standards and safe operation practices, highlighting the role of proper training in preventing accidents.

Crane Inspection: What You Need to Know About Updates to B 30.5

This session reviews recent updates to B 30.5 crane inspection standards. Presenters will discuss requirements for routine inspections, documentation and corrective actions to maintain equipment safety and ensure adherence to industry regulations.

What’s the Difference?! Certification vs Certificate vs Qualification vs Competence. Ensuring You’re in Compliance

The session clarifies distinctions between certificates, certifications, qualifications and competence in the context of crane operations. Speakers will emphasize how each designation impacts regulatory compliance and workforce safety, providing guidance for operators, employers and training programs.

The Essential Role of a Lift Director and the Responsibilities of Everyone Working With Cranes on a Jobsite

Presenters outline the responsibilities of lift directors and the roles of personnel supporting crane operations on job sites. The session covers OSHA requirements, site planning, coordination and accountability to maintain safe lifting practices.

Rigging Fundamentals – Below the Hook Lifting

This session addresses fundamental rigging practices for below-the-hook lifting operations. SC&RA and WireCo representatives will discuss load control, equipment selection and safety measures designed to minimize risk during lifting and hoisting activities.

Smart MEWP Selection: The Accessories that Take Safety Further

Speakers discuss the importance of equipping mobile elevating work platforms with appropriate safety accessories. The session highlights considerations for fall protection, platform stability and operational efficiency to reduce hazards during elevated work.

Planning Load Handling Activities: ASME P30.1 and Its Practical Application

This workshop provides guidance on planning lift operations using ASME P30.1 standards. Industry experts will review load handling requirements, risk assessment and practical implementation strategies to ensure compliance and safe execution of lifting tasks.




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