Innovation Under Vegas Lights: CONEXPO Event Preview

Out in the desert, amid the glittering lights of the neon oasis, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 will gather thousands of industry professionals for the largest construction show in North America, March 3-7 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 2023, the event gathered more than 139,000 attendees to showcase the latest and greatest equipment, solutions and technology, and 2026 promises to deliver that same industry-leading experience while introducing innovations and features. With 2,000 exhibitors, 150 educational sessions and after-dark networking opportunities, CONEXPO-CON/AGG is set to be an essential event for the crane and aerial industries.

“This is where you see how technology, equipment and people are transforming infrastructure, workforce development and community impact,” said Dana Wuesthoff, show director of CONEXPO-CON/AGG. “It is not just about observing the future. It is about standing in the middle of it and connecting with the industry leaders who are building it.”

Attendees will have the chance to dive into new workshops, explore cutting-edge technologies and connect with peers and industry leaders in both formal and informal settings. From practical hands-on sessions to forward-looking presentations on AI, sustainability and workforce development, the show offers a full spectrum of experiences designed to inform, inspire and spark new ideas for every professional on the jobsite.

Must-Attend Sessions

With 150 sessions, a lineup of innovative new workshops and an exhibitor list spanning pages, planning what to see and when can feel overwhelming — but there are some educational sessions you won’t want to miss.

Tuesday, March 3

• “Eyes on Safety: Enhancing Mobile Equipment with Camera Technology” — Speaker: Colton Rhew, national safety manager at Buckner Heavylift Cranes
• “Safe Mobile Crane Operations in the Vicinity of Power Lines” — Speakers: Brandon Hitch, CEO at The Crane Industry Council of Australia, and Stephanie Wood, director, product safety at Terex Corporation
• “Ground Bearing Pressure and Your Work Ticket, What Do They Have in Common?” — Speaker: Michael Walsh, president at Dearborn Engineers & Constructors, Inc.
• “Preparing for Roadside Enforcement of Mobile Crane and Other Special Equipment” — Speaker: Chris Smith, vice president transportation at Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA)

Wednesday, March 4

• “Reducing Common CMV Over-the-Road Accidents Through Training” — Speaker: Jeffrey Hammons, vice president at JHam Group Consulting
• “Do You Know What You’re Doing? Understanding and Complying With Telehandler and Forklift Regulatory Requirements” — Speaker: David Brown, co-training director at International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 14-14B
• “Crane Inspection: What You Need to Know About Updates to B 30.5” — Speaker: Ray Feidt, corporate inspection/training manager at Stephenson Equipment, Inc
• “What’s the Difference?! Certification vs Certificate vs Qualification vs Competence. Ensuring You’re in Compliance” — Speaker: Thomas Sicklesteel, CEO at CCO Certification

Thursday, March 5

• “The Essential Role of a Lift Director and the Responsibilities of Everyone Working With Cranes on a Jobsite” — Speaker: Derek Sather, vice president, risk and safety at Sims Crane & Equipment Co.
• “Rigging Fundamentals - Below the Hook Lifting” — Speaker: Timothy Klein, principal engineer - structures and fabrication at WireCo
• “Smart MEWP Selection: The Accessories that Take Safety Further” — Speaker: Tony Groat, North America - regional manager at IPAF - International Powered Access Federation
• “Planning Load Handling Activities: ASME P30.1 and its Practical Applications” — Speakers: Kevin O’Neill, chief engineer at Bay Crane Companies, and Mathieu Chaudanson, senior associate and director of mobile crane engineering at Howard I. Shapiro & Associates

Big Fish Exhibitors

Whether you’re seeking telescopic cranes, truck-mounted hydraulic lifts, mini-crawler cranes or telehandlers, these leading manufacturers (and more) will have their latest equipment on display:

• Liebherr — Global leader in construction equipment, offering a full line of mobile and tower cranes.
• Link-Belt Cranes — U.S.-based expert in lattice boom and telescopic boom cranes.
• The Manitowoc Company, Inc. — Iconic crane manufacturer with more than 100 years of experience.
• Tadano — Japanese global leader in hydraulic truck cranes and lifting solutions.
• Palfinger North America, LLC — Innovative truck-mounted cranes and lifting equipment.
• Elliott Equipment Company — Specializes in material handling, aerial work platforms and digger derricks.
• CORMACH S.r.l. — Italian-engineered truck-mounted hydraulic cranes.
• Shuttlelift — Rubber-tired mobile gantry cranes for lifting and material handling.
• Spydercrane — Mini-crawler cranes designed for tight-access lifting projects.
• STROS (Sedlčanské strojírny a.s. & Ucel Inc.) — Czech-based lifting equipment manufacturer with a global footprint.
• CM Labs — Vendor for simulation-based training solutions in the ports, construction and utilities industries. CM Labs will unveil new features for the Intellia Training System.
• Magni Telescopic Handlers, Merlo America and Manitou — Global leaders in telehandlers and heavy-lift material handling solutions.
• Bonus: Keep an eye on Bailey International, Nelson Manufacturing and other suppliers of hydraulic components, boom dollies and trailers for crane fleets.

Beyond Exhibits and Classrooms

The Community Zone

The 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG show will span across 2.9 million square feet of space, and you’ll be sure to get your steps in throughout the day.

Open to all attendees, the Community Zone located towards the entrance of the Festival Lot, offers a space to sit back and relax while listening to informal presentations, discussions and podcasts, networking and reconnect and reconvene with your team.

“Connections are essential in construction,” Wuesthoff said. “The Community Zone is where conversations spark new ideas, partnerships begin and industry professionals come together to share knowledge outside the formal educational sessions.”

After Dark

Keep connections going even after the show closes with CONEXPO-CON/AGG After Dark, a three-night series of exclusive networking events. Designed to provide an informal setting for attendees to network, unwind and build meaningful industry relationships, the series includes the After Dark kickoff party, the beer tasting experience and the nightlife experience package with open bar. Tickets can be purchased during the registration process.

What You Haven’t Seen Before

New Workshops

This year’s show also expands opportunities for peer-to-peer learning through hands-on workshops.

The “EmpowerHER Workshop” connects women in construction to build leadership skills, network with industry leaders and gain strategies for advancing their careers. Designed for those in women-owned construction businesses, decision-makers, future leaders and women seeking mentorship and resources, this workshop offers an empowering, inclusivity-focused program aimed at engaging women, representing 11% of the construction workforce.

For entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and owners and key staff from companies with up to 50 employees, the “Small Business Workshop” provides best practices and innovative strategies that can take businesses to the next level.

“Shop Talks & Walks” is an exclusive hands-on maintenance training focused on equipment maintenance and efficiency, giving attendees practical demonstrations and strategies to improve fleet management, minimize downtime and increase operational safety.

“These workshops are designed to share real-world insights, challenges and solutions,” Wuesthoff said. “They’re not lectures — they’re interactive learning opportunities for anyone looking to improve performance in their business or on the jobsite.”

Ground Breakers Keynote Stage

Debuting for the 2026 show, the Ground Breakers Keynote Stage will spotlight companies and individuals redefining construction and explore themes such as artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation tools, sustainability practices and workforce development, including mental health and leadership initiatives. Sessions on the stage are designed to offer actionable insights, showing how the industry is evolving and what operators, contractors and fleet managers need to know to stay ahead.

Topics will include how AI and connected systems are reshaping jobsite safety and productivity, the adoption of greener materials and construction practices and what future-ready workforce strategies look like. For crane operators and rigging professionals, these sessions provide insight into how technology is changing project planning, equipment deployment and safety oversight.

Start the Countdown

With only weeks to go, now’s the time to make sure you’re registered for one of the biggest events of the year. CONEXPO-CON/AGG represents more than a trade show. It’s a concentrated hub for knowledge, innovation and community in the construction industry.

For crane professionals, the combination of exhibitors, educational sessions and networking opportunities creates a one-of-a-kind environment to gain practical insights, explore new technology and connect with peers and experts who are shaping the future.

“With more sessions, more speakers and more opportunities to learn than ever before, attendees will leave equipped with knowledge, connections and strategies to elevate their work and business,” Wuesthoff said.

The event is produced by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) in partnership with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) and the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), with support from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

Learn more and register for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 at www.conexpoconagg.com.