ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026, scheduled for March 3-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, represents the construction industry’s premier gathering. Every three years, this event brings together manufacturers, dealers, contractors, and industry professionals for five days of equipment demonstrations, product announcements, and networking.

For contractors and fleet managers planning to attend, understanding what to expect—and how to prepare—maximizes the value of this significant investment of time and travel budget.

Event Scale and Scope

ConExpo-Con/Agg consistently ranks as the largest construction trade show in the Western Hemisphere:

Exhibition space: Over 2.8 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits spanning multiple halls and demonstration areas.

Exhibitor count: Approximately 1,800 exhibitors representing equipment manufacturers, technology providers, and service companies.

Attendance: Expected attendance exceeds 130,000 registered professionals from over 130 countries.

Product focus: Earthmoving, lifting, concrete, aggregates, underground construction, and related equipment and technology.

The show’s scale demands strategic planning—attempting to see everything is impossible, and prioritization is essential.

Major Product Launches Expected

OEMs traditionally reserve major announcements for ConExpo, and 2026 should be no exception:

Electric and Alternative Power Equipment

The electrification trend that dominated recent shows continues accelerating. Expect announcements including:

Battery-electric compact equipment: Expanded offerings in excavators, loaders, and telehandlers with improved battery technology and extended run times.

Larger electric machines: Manufacturers are pushing electric technology into heavier equipment categories, with several likely to announce prototype or production machines above 25 tons.

Hydrogen fuel cell applications: Demonstration units and pilot programs for hydrogen-powered heavy equipment.

Hybrid systems: Refined hybrid powertrains offering fuel savings without full electric dependency.

Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Technology

Automation continues advancing from concept to practical application:

Remote operation systems: Expanded capabilities for operating equipment from control stations.

Autonomous haulage: Additional manufacturers entering autonomous haul truck segments.

Assisted operation: Enhanced grade control, collision avoidance, and productivity optimization systems.

Digital twins: Integration of real-time equipment data with project planning and management systems.

Connectivity and Telematics

Data and connectivity remain central themes:

Unified platforms: Movement toward standardized data formats and cross-manufacturer compatibility.

Predictive maintenance: Advanced analytics predicting component failures before they occur.

Fleet optimization: Integrated tools for maximizing equipment utilization and reducing idle time.

Outdoor Demonstration Areas

ConExpo’s outdoor demonstration areas offer hands-on equipment experiences:

Festival Grounds

The Festival Grounds area features:

Live demonstrations: Scheduled demonstrations of earthmoving, paving, and concrete equipment.

Operator challenges: Competition events showcasing operator skill.

New product reveals: Many manufacturers stage outdoor reveals for large equipment.

Tech Experience

The Tech Experience area focuses on:

Simulator experiences: Equipment operation simulators demonstrating technology capabilities.

Autonomous demonstrations: Controlled demonstrations of autonomous equipment operation.

Startup showcase: Emerging technology companies demonstrating innovations.

Silver Lot

The Silver Lot expansion provides additional space for:

Large equipment displays: Cranes, large excavators, and mining equipment.

Attachment demonstrations: Working demonstrations of specialty attachments.

Educational Programming

Beyond equipment exhibits, ConExpo offers extensive educational content:

Conference Sessions

Educational sessions cover diverse topics:

Safety: Best practices for jobsite safety, regulatory compliance, and safety technology.

Business management: Fleet management, financial planning, and operational efficiency.

Technology adoption: Implementing telematics, automation, and digital tools.

Workforce: Training, recruitment, and retention strategies.

Certification Programs

Various certification programs are offered:

Operator certifications: NCCCO and other operator certification testing.

Safety certifications: OSHA and industry-specific safety credentials.

Technology certifications: Manufacturer-specific technology training.

Keynote Presentations

High-profile keynotes address industry trends:

Economic outlook: Construction market forecasts and economic analysis.

Industry vision: Leaders discussing future direction and challenges.

Innovation spotlights: Showcasing transformative technologies and approaches.

Planning Your Visit

Effective ConExpo attendance requires advance planning:

Registration and Logistics

Early registration: Discounted registration rates are available through early deadlines.

Hotel accommodations: Las Vegas hotels fill quickly during ConExpo; book early and expect premium rates.

Transportation: Consider transportation between hotels, convention center, and off-site venues.

Pre-Show Preparation

Before arriving:

Identify priorities: Review exhibitor lists and identify must-visit companies and demonstrations.

Schedule meetings: Arrange meetings with key contacts in advance; calendars fill quickly.

Download apps: Official ConExpo apps provide floor maps, schedules, and meeting coordination.

Study the layout: Understand hall layouts and distances to optimize your schedule.

Onsite Strategy

During the show:

Arrive early: Halls open at 9 AM; arriving early allows productive time before crowds build.

Pace yourself: The show spans five days for a reason—attempting to compress everything into fewer days is exhausting and counterproductive.

Take notes: Document contacts, impressions, and follow-up items; details blur together after viewing hundreds of products.

Network intentionally: Many attendees focus exclusively on exhibits, missing valuable networking with peers and industry contacts.

Key Exhibitors to Watch

While the exhibitor list is extensive, several major players warrant attention:

Major OEMs

Caterpillar: Typically occupies significant space with comprehensive equipment displays and technology demonstrations.

John Deere: Strong presence across construction and roadbuilding equipment lines.

Komatsu: Major focus on technology, including intelligent machine control and automation.

Volvo CE: Emphasis on sustainability and electric equipment development.

Hitachi: Partnership announcements and excavator line updates expected.

Attachment Manufacturers

Attachments International: Significant attachment category presence.

Leading attachment brands: Innovative attachments enhancing equipment versatility.

Technology Providers

Trimble, Topcon, Leica: Construction technology and positioning systems.

Telematics providers: Fleet management and data analytics solutions.

Software companies: Project management and estimating tools.

Regional Events and Networking

Beyond the main show floor:

Hospitality Events

Many exhibitors host evening events:

Customer appreciation events: Often invitation-based gatherings for key customers.

Industry association events: AEM, ABC, AGC, and other associations host receptions.

Technology showcases: Some companies present detailed briefings in private settings.

Dealer Meetings

Equipment dealers often schedule meetings around ConExpo:

Manufacturer meetings: OEM-dealer conferences and announcements.

Peer networking: Dealers connect with counterparts from other regions.

Post-Show Follow-Up

ConExpo value extends beyond the event itself:

Organize contacts: Compile business cards and contact information promptly.

Schedule follow-ups: Contact priority leads within two weeks while the show is fresh.

Share insights: Brief colleagues on significant observations and trends.

Evaluate purchases: Apply insights to upcoming equipment and technology decisions.

Looking Ahead

ConExpo 2026 arrives at a transformative moment for the construction equipment industry. Electrification, automation, and connectivity are moving from future concepts to present-day product offerings. The event provides unmatched opportunity to evaluate these developments firsthand and make informed decisions about fleet evolution.

For contractors committed to operational excellence and competitive advantage, ConExpo attendance represents a worthwhile investment. The insights, relationships, and product knowledge gained shape equipment decisions for years following each show.

For related coverage, see our 2026 event calendar and analysis of emerging equipment technologies.