If you work in the construction industry, chances are you’ve heard of CONEXPO unless you live under a rock (or are too busy excavating them). CONEXPO is the industry's largest trade show and networking event, hosted every 3 years in Las Vegas. This year, the event was highly attended with over 140,000 industry professionals from all over the world. Over 2,000 exhibitors came to debut new equipment, technology, and solutions to further revolutionize our industry. This year, ECI was represented by Ray, President & Founder, and Nicole, Client Relations Manager. Read more to get their personal takes on how technology advancements are shaping the future of the industry.

Our team had three main goals in mind for this year’s CONEXPO:

1. Learn more about what is coming in terms of technology changes and enhancements for heavy equipment since we last attended in 2023

2. Meet like-minded individuals who could share their insights and expertise with us

3. Meeting up with our clients and friends in attendance - always a pleasure, especially since we work with contractors in various geographies, making it challenging to get to see them throughout the year

Overall, attending the trade show and the manufacturer-hosted parties added some fun amongst all the learning, exploring, and steps!

One of the technological advancements we noticed was the increasing use of AI integration within our industry. Specifically, Autonomous Equipment, especially with rollers, is a good starting point on a dynamic construction site. In addition, one brand showcased its new AI Assistant, a voice-controlled tool that guides operators, technicians, and fleet managers through troubleshooting and maintenance procedures, ultimately decreasing downtime. Not surprisingly, safety remains a focus in technology advancements. Some new features displayed included smart machines that automatically stop on busy job sites to prevent accidents. The AI assistant highlights how these developments can reduce fatalities and help address the industry's labor shortages. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, approximately 400,000 to 500,000 additional workers will be needed by the end of 2026 to meet the demand. Therefore, any innovations that can help combat this statistic will drive progress within the industry. One of the biggest misconceptions is that AI will replace the workforce. After the information we gathered during our time in Vegas, we do not foresee that outcome. Construction is one of the few industries that is immune to AI taking jobs away. On the other hand, what we might see sooner than later is an operator controlling from an office environment versus being on-site.

It was also exciting to learn that the number of contractors using machine control is rising nationwide - something we have been waiting for and were excited to hear! Technological advances in machine control have significantly improved efficiency over the years by creating a more digitally connected job site. The technology facilitates greater accuracy in project execution, which reduces errors and minimizes rework. These systems provide real-time feedback so you can monitor progress during the entire project lifecycle. This enables you to make adjustments if need be to keep the job on track. The integration of machine control shortens the learning curve, allowing new operators to be more productive quickly. A major hurdle some companies face in not keeping up with technological advancements is that they are not as competitive in the bidding process. They can’t compete with the speed and costs of other companies that have invested. In fact, a speaker at an event, Ty Findley, claimed: “Autonomy is no longer a futuristic concept - it is an operational necessity.” The goal of autonomous equipment is to have one operator control multiple machines.

Another awesome perk of going to CONEXPO is the workshops and sessions. One workshop we attended was called ‘Building A Construction Brand Online’. The panelists from this workshop were Brian Dietz, Co-Owner at Bob Dietz and Sons; Matt Stanley, Founder at Raised on Blacktop; Taylor White, Director of Business Development at Ken White Construction; Mike Simon, Owner at Dirt Perfect; and Amy Underwood, Plant Operator at The Digger Girl. Some tips from top content creators were to “be AUTHENTICALLY you”! They advised to look online for other speakers, using YouTube, social media, and Podcasts. They specifically mentioned the short clips, ‘Be You’, as a good resource. Ensure you don’t only display quality work, but also the people who make it happen, and showcase your company's culture. The goal is to build a lasting relationship with your audience. The second workshop Nicole attended was EmpowerHER. Speaker Jennifer Todd shared a concept she calls the double tax. “The Doubt Tax” is the penalty women pay for existing in rooms, systems, and industries that have historically doubted their abilities.” Not only is the concept internalized, but it's learned and reinforced culturally. She detailed how this tax costs industries like ours the ability to retain women. However, her main takeaway was Todd’s advice on how to eliminate doubt, how to recognize it, and dare to disrupt it. All in all, it was a busy and productive week in Vegas.