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(Photo courtesy of Informa Markets)
With almost 58,000 registered attendees, World of Concrete dove into its next decade of service to the concrete construction and masonry industries this past January. The 2025 event featured thousands of the latest tools, technologies and equipment to be previewed throughout the expansive show floor inside and outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Over 1,500 companies exhibited this year, putting a spotlight on the latest heavy machinery, tools, products and services for material handling, concrete reinforcement, concrete masonry, cement production and decorative concrete for all types of building, repair, demolition and reconstruction.
Along with the exhibits, the event also had an educational side, with more than 180 learning sessions available to attendees, with topics ranging from business and project management to concrete fundamentals courses, to support both new and experienced industry professionals.
“This event sets the standard for excellence in construction, both excelling in size, attendance and engagement as well as the ability to deliver highly relevant and tailored content to our various audience types,” explained Jackie James, vice-president of World of Concrete. “It provides actionable insights and tangible takeaways that attendees can take into the real world, empowering them to thrive in their roles and stay ahead as the knowledge gained at WOC is applied in the day-to-day work.”
Moving from the classroom to the outdoor competition sites, this year’s show saw 27 masons from around the world competing to be “the world’s best bricklayer” in the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 World Championship, while apprentices in the trade competed in their own Masonry Skills Challenge.
Ohio mason Cole Stamper, working with his brother Forest as his tender, laid 738 bricks in one hour win a new Chevrolet Silverado truck, an Essick Pro12 mixer and thousands more in additional cash and prizes as the Bricklayer 500 champion.
“We created this competition in 2003 to highlight the incredible skill and pride that bricklayers all over the world dedicate every day to the projects they build,” said Spec Mix vice-president, Brian Carney. “Now it’s the masonry industry’s most celebrated annual event that gains more popularity each year and becomes the top recruiting tool for the next generation of skilled masons.”
In addition to being transformed into the competition battleground, the parking lots surrounding the convention centre were teaming with machinery and tool demonstrations, as well as the Western Star Trucks Get Tough Challenge, where commercial drivers could test drive vocational trucks on an outdoor obstacle course.
Tuesday night saw tool manufacturer DeWalt put the industry on display for all of Las Vegas to see, with a coordinated Sphere and drone show in the skies above one of the city’s newest attractions and concert venue. The exterior screens of the giant dome were lit up with images from the industry, “revealed” by drones flying in the shape of a giant crane and other lifting equipment.
At its booth, the company immersed attendees in its lineup of concrete tools, encouraging active participation.
(Photo courtesy of Informa Markets)
“Attendees really embraced the hands-on aspect of the event, whether it was taking a rammer for a drive or crushing through blocks of concrete with a demolition hammer,” explained Richard Cacchiotti, the company’s director of product development. “Every year, we look forward to connecting with concrete pros at the show, and this year was no exception. It’s always exciting to see the passion and curiosity that drive our industry forward. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!”
Inside the halls of the convention centre, even more booths were buzzing as attendees checked out product displays in the North, Central and South halls that ranged from trowels, grinders, pump trucks, concrete slipform pavers, software, and even a prototype rebar tying robot.
“Attending World of Concrete provides an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with our customers and showcase our innovative equipment, parts, and technology,” stated Craig Olson, director of sales at Astec Industries. “This year’s show really stood out, with strong attendance and exceptional engagement from the customers who drive our industry’s success!”
Next year’s World of Concrete will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 20 to 22, 2026, with education beginning January 19.