World of Concrete 2003: it's bigger than ever and has more to offer

Concrete Construction, Dec, 2002

The World of Concrete is a magnificent melange of educational and product-related events that, as a concrete contractor or designer or producer, you really can't afford to miss. In only a few days (February 4-7), you will learn enough to raise the level of your expertise in the concrete business above the competition. And, not only do you get all of that, but you get it in Las Vegas. Love it or hate it, you have to agree it's one of America's most exciting venues. Look over the event descriptions on these pages and if you have any questions, check your World of Concrete brochure, go to www.worldofconcrete.com, or give me a call (Bill Palmer, 303-823-8284).

Action

Seeing the newest in concrete construction live in action is 1000 times better than reading about it--and it's all free as part of your show admission.

Mega Demos--Three Mega Demos will let you see and learn about superflat floors, slipforming, and compact excavation equipment. At the superflat demo on Tuesday, hosted by Bob Simonelli, one of the nation's top experts, you will see the complete process of installing a superflat floor, from the initial setup to placing concrete to final finish. Wednesday's slipforming demo will highlight how to form a tapered pavement with a full-sized highway paving machine and will demonstrate slipforming other structures, like barrier walls, and even The final demo on Thursday will give you a chance to see the newest in compact equipment, wheeled and tracked, and all of the various attachments that can be added to give these machines the ability to dig or grade or move materials around the jobsite.

Artistry in decorative concrete--CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION and the Decorative Concrete Council of the American Society of Concrete Contractors are hosting a 2-day free-flowing event that will give you the chance to watch the decorative industry's most creative artists turn plain gray into incredibly beautiful floors and countertops. We've invited the best of the best to do their thing on small sections of concrete, and you will be right there where you can watch every move and ask questions. If decorative concrete is something you do now or ever plan to do, don't miss this chance.

Action exhibits--Get up close to see power trowels, saws, scarifiers, and much more operate on real concrete.

Education

Seminars--Attend several of the 93 seminars you have to choose from. Over the years, the WOC staff has assembled the industry's most knowledgeable team of speakers on subjects that range from basics to management, from residential concrete construction to repair: Bruce Suprenant, Terry Holland, Brent Anderson, Bill Phelan, Peter Emmons, Eldon Tipping, and the list goes on from there.

Certification--Four important certification programs will be run during the show. Earn your credentials as an ACPA concrete pump operator, an ICPI concrete paver installer, a TCA tilt-up supervisor, or an ACI flatwork finisher.

Industry insights--These free 1-hour sessions will give you a chance to learn about some of the exciting new developments in our industry. Among the topics to be addressed are interlocking concrete pavements, white cement, tilt-up construction, masonry construction, and concrete housing.

Products

The centerpiece of the whole show is the product exhibition. It's like the greatest concrete hardware store imaginable multiplied by 100. Every vendor, large or small, who makes something related to concrete is here. Whether you're looking at a 56-meter boom pump or a hand-held drill, whether you need admixtures or tie wire, it's all here. But make a plan in advance because you simply cannot walk every aisle in 4 days--there are 210 manufacturers of sealers alone.

Most innovative products competition--To help you find the newest stuff at the show, CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION is holding a contest for the most innovative products in the show. Get a ballot when you register and get the chance to win a free trip to next year's World of Concrete. Vote for the best new products while learning about what's new and exciting in our industry.