The latest in information technology for construction will
be on display at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2002 in an Information Technology Pavilion
sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
“AGC felt it was important to sponsor the Information
Technology Pavilion because technology has become an integral part of the
construction industry,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC chief executive
officer. “Those without the most up-to-date technology are quickly
finding themselves at a competitive disadvantage.”
This show within a show will provide show-goers with a
comprehensive range of technology products available to increase the efficiency
and profitability of their operations, helping them quickly find all the
information technology products and service providers they are looking for in
one convenient location.
The pavilion will feature software for applications like
computer-aided design, construction surveying, project management, bidding and
estimating. It also will feature the hardware and peripherals that run the
software, business-to-business e-commerce services, telecommunications
equipment and other related products and services.
ConExpo-Con/Agg added the Information Technology Pavilion at
the previous show in 1999 in recognition of the growing importance of
technology to the construction and construction materials industries and to
help contractors, materials producers, distributors and other industry
professionals stay aware of its rapid changes.
The pavilion was a resounding success at that event, and
this time it has already surpassed the previous technology pavilion’s
total square footage. More than 90 exhibitors (33% more than before) reserved
over 25,000 sq ft of exhibit space.
Summits in the desert
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), one of the
co-owners and producers of the show, will stage two interactive focus groups
and two industry summits at ConExpo-Con/Agg.
The focus groups will use the show’s ability to draw a
broad cross section of construction equipment users to ask how they purchase,
use and dispose of equipment, so manufacturers can better understand customer
preferences.
One of the industry summits will be an open forum between
equipment manufacturers and their customers on how equipment consumers want to
do business with manufacturers. The other will focus on the subject of distance
learning.
AEM will use an immediate-response audience polling system
at the open forum summit to confirm the results of its “Doing Business
With Manufacturers Survey.” Equipment consumers also will expand on the
survey results by discussing specifics of their dealings with manufacturers.
Distance learning, with an increasing emphasis on e-learning
combining interactive Internet and telephone presentations, has long been an
important AEM activity. At the show, AEM will team with the American Council
for Construction Education on a summit highlighting the use of web technology
to train personnel, clients and customers.
The show also will offer a cyber cafe offering free Internet
access to show-goers and exhibitors.
ConExpo-Con/Agg will not feature a live auction, contrary to a mention in the show program, although it will feature several equipment demonstrations.
