Solid opportunities await at WOC 2000

Representatives of the concrete sector are to gather in the Sunshine State for the industry’s largest annual event, World of Concrete.

Officially known as WOC 2000, this year’s event is scheduled for Feb. 20-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Attendees from over 90 countries are scheduled to attend the international show that offers more than 1,400 exhibitors, specialized pavilions, a wide variety of seminars and the increasingly popular Mega Demos.

For more than a quarter century, WOC has amassed construction industry professionals in an environment ripe for networking opportunities. This year’s event is sure to be no exception.

ROADS & BRIDGES previews some of the highlights of WOC 2000.

Approximately 625,000 net sq ft of exhibit area, both indoor and outdoor, at WOC features equipment, supplies and services for the concrete industry.

According to WOC officials, specialized pavilions encompassing seven different areas offer attendees the opportunity to find specific products and services in a quick and efficient manner.

The seven WOC pavilions specifically cover computers; concrete repair; masonry; material handling; paving; precast; and ready-mix.

While the traditional indoor exhibit area is always popular, an outdoor exhibit area located in the back parking lot of the Orange County Convention Center offers attendees the opportunity to visit exhibitors who may want to demo a particular piece of equipment or technique in a hands-on environment.

While the trade show may be the most visible aspect of WOC, the educational seminars provide a core of educational topics that incorporates a solid foundation into the show.

WOC 2000 features 83 seminars on a variety of concrete-based subjects. Presented by industry experts, attendees can enhance the quality of their work via these modern and beneficial seminars.

Another benefit of the seminars is that attendees can acquire a Master Certification by being present at four seminars in a specialized subject area.

According to WOC officials, it is recommended that holders of the "Master Certificate" attach a copy to bid documents as proof of attendance at seminars on construction methods for that particular job or application.

The Master Certificates are available in eight categories: basics; floors; management; masonry; ready-mix; repair; residential; and troubleshooting.

The seminars are scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 20: 8 a.m. -11 a.m. and 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 21 - Thursday, Feb. 24: 8 - 11 a.m. Check out the WOC 2000 brochure for a complete listing of all the seminars.

While a variety of certification programs covering a number of topics are scheduled, ROADS & BRIDGES readers may want to take the opportunity to become certified in the American Concrete Pumping Association’s Concrete Pump Operator Training and Certification Program.

Attendees can become an ACPA Certified Concrete Pump Operator by attending Seminar 20-0 on Concrete Pump Safety in order to learn how to improve pump operating safety, production and prepare for the operator’s certification exam held later the same day.

Scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 20, the class will be held 8-11 a.m., while the test is slated for 3:30-5:30 p.m.

For full listing of certification programs, please refer to the WOC 2000 brochure.

A highlight at WOC every year, the Mega Demos are full-scale presentations and live construction demos that cover situations attendees might encounter on actual jobsites.

This year, three Mega Demos featuring the latest techniques and equipment are slated, the Concrete Placing Jamboree; Placing Decorative Flatwork; and Building with Precast Concrete.

According to WOC, attendees will be shown how to place concrete using a truck-mounted concrete pump and conveyor; how to pave a bridge deck using a transversing roller tube paver with a gang vibration system; and how to take advantage of a mobile concrete dispenser. Mega Demo attendees have the chance to learn how to build with interlocking concrete pavers and construct precast concrete retaining walls, as well.

The Mega Demos offer excellent networking opportunities with equipment operators and demo participants shortly after the daily demonstration.