World of Concrete Returns to Las Vegas
By Jessica Parks, Staff Writer
The industry’s only annual international tradeshow dedicated to concrete is back.
The World of Concrete returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center Jan. 20-22, bringing a packed schedule of exhibitions, hands-on demos and educational sessions for concrete professionals and masons alike.
In its 52nd year, organizers promise an even bigger stage focused on innovation, training and connection, with thousands of exhibitors spread throughout the convention center’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Last year, World of Concrete attracted over 58,000 registered professionals and featured 1,500 exhibitors across nearly 750,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Attendees are invited to explore three separate exhibit halls, each packed to showcase the latest innovations in the concrete and masonry industries. Exhibits include the latest software, equipment, tools and services. The outside exhibits in the neighboring Silver and Bronze Lots will display a variety of product demos and hands-on experiences with decorative concrete products.
Education seminars will launch a day early on Jan. 19 for this year’s event, with more than 160 sessions on an array of topics impacting industry professionals of all skill levels. Learning opportunities are offered in a variety of formats with a special focus on building strong leaders to ensure the future success of the masonry and concrete industries.
Education sessions that readers might be interested in attending include: Modern Concrete Technology and Durability (8 a.m., Jan. 19), Why Cement is Changing: Do We Have Any Options? (10:30 a.m., Jan. 19), Shotcrete for Repair, Rehabilitation and Repurposing (1 p.m., Jan. 19), Maintaining Structural Safety: Avoiding Collapse, Structural Deficiencies and Construction Defects (8:30 a.m., Jan 20), Concrete Toppings: Best Practices for Repairs (1:30 p.m., Jan. 20), Teamwork and Trust: Taking it to the Next Level (8:30 a.m., Jan. 21) and Protecting Concrete: Utilizing Sealers, Coatings and Membranes (1:30 p.m., Jan. 21).
To complement the seminars, attendees can start their day with “Breakfast with Experts,” engaging industry leaders in one of two morning sessions, or attend a special session where economists discuss market trends. Daily luncheons will explore topics such as concrete polishing, slab surface techniques and the impact of new building codes on 3D construction printing.
A new session, “Engineering: Designing for Constructability,” is open to engineers, architects, designers and other industry professionals involved with designing and constructing concrete structures. The session will give guidance on designing with a focus on constructability, what to avoid when designing slabs-on-ground and how to design fiber-reinforced slabs-on-ground.
A new workshop focused on strengthening communications between engineers and contractors will be introduced at the 2026 event. “Bridging the Gap Between the General Contractor & the Engineer Workshop” invites industry legends — Kim Basham, Cary Kopczynski, Mike Hernandez, Bryan Birdwell, and Jeffrey Coleman — to discuss the persistent communication challenges in the industry that stall project success.
A special pass offered to engineers will provide entry to both the “Engineering: Designing for Constructability” session and the “Bridging the Gap Between the General Contractor & the Engineer Workshop,” giving engineers a full day of industry-focused events.
World of Concrete isn’t just about classrooms and seminars — the show floor comes alive with crowd-drawing competitions that spotlight the skill and speed of the trades.
Bricklayers will go head-to-head for the title of world’s best, while masons race the clock to construct a 30-foot wall with precision and craftsmanship. This year also introduces a new feature, "Epoxy Live," where expert installers will transform student design concepts into full themed environments, showcasing the creative potential and technical demands of resinous flooring systems.
Attendees can support the future generations of concrete and masonry professionals with a series of live and silent auctions, the proceeds from which will go towards the Construction Industry Management program.
This program, which gives students the skills and tools needed to be successful in the construction industry, first began in 1996 at Middle Tennessee State University and is now offered at five universities across the country. The World of Concrete has raised over $20 million for the program over the past two decades.
With thousands of exhibitors, hundreds of educational sessions and hands-on demonstrations, World of Concrete 2026 promises to be the ultimate destination for concrete and masonry professionals to learn, connect and stay ahead in the industry.