World of Concrete 2019 exceeded expectations across the board and concluded its 44th edition as the largest World of Concrete in over a decade. This signature annual event for the international concrete & masonry industries drew 60,511 registered professionals and featured more than 1,500 companies (of which 259 were brand new) exhibiting across more than 776,800 square feet of space.
Jackie James, Group Director, World of Concrete, said: "This year has been a very successful event in which visitors experienced the newest products, technologies and educational offerings. The event - largest in 10 years - proves that the construction sector is strong globally. The education program was well received with a 5% increase in attendance. We want to thank all the exhibitors and attendees who made WOC a must-attend event for 2019, and we look forward to a successful WOC 2020!"
Said Kevin Archibald, Show Manager, World of Concrete, "The positive energy at WOC indicates a strong year ahead as we saw record breaking attendance, exceptional exhibits, and a very solid rebook rate of just over 538,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space, rebooking 70% of the total 2019 square footage onsite for next year's show."
Highlights of the 2019 edition included the Bob Weatherton Award established by WOC to honor his contributions to the concrete industry. The award includes a $2,500 scholarship and was presented at the CIM National Board Meeting at the event. This year's recipient of the Weatherton Award was Paige Silva, who attends California State University - Chico.
The 17th Annual SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® World Championship brought spectators from across the globe. 27 bricklaying teams travelled from all over North America and Australia to Las Vegas to compete for the World's Best Bricklayer title. This year's winner Mason - Mario Alves – A&M Masonry, Hamilton, Ontario with the help of Tender – Kevin Avila took home the coveted title and over $120,000 in cash and prizes, including a 2019 FORD F-250 4x4 truck and a John Deere Gator Crossover Utility Vehicle.
Concrete Industry Management (CIM) is a business program that has been developed specifically to provide students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management. The program gives students entering the concrete workforce industry experience early in their careers. CIM held its 14th annual unreserved silent and live auctions, which raised gross revenues of $1.2 million, setting a record for funds raised at WOC, and bringing a total of over $10 million to the CIM program in the past 14 years.
World of Concrete 2020 will be held from February 4-7; Seminars during 3-7 Feb, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
