More than 3,200 asphalt industry professionals attended the World of Asphalt 2004 Show and Conference March 15-18 in Nashville, Tenn. A record-breaking 54,915 sq ft of exhibit space was used by 174 companies. Organizers noted a positive buying mood onsite with highly qualified attendees from small and large contracting companies.
World of Asphalt 2004 featured its broadest range of industry-specific education ever and saw record participation. More than 50% of attendees registered for onsite education.
"There was a very positive mood onsite, a sense that the industry is turning the corner," said R. Wayne Evans, chair of the World of Asphalt 2004 Management Committee. "Information industry-specific education was a key component of World of Asphalt 2004, drawing asphalt professionals from around the world who also used the show and conference as their go-to source for networking and products to help build their businesses."
A U.S. Department of Commerce delegation from Russia and other newly independent former Soviet states visited World of Asphalt 2004. International association support also grew behind the involvement of the Mexican Asphalt Association adding to the existing endorsement of foreign national associations and five international groups. World of Asphalt also received important support from U.S. associations and government agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration.
Participants from over 35 countries helped World of Asphalt meet an exposition standard for international events, drawing 10% of its buyers from outside the U.S.
Participation in World of Asphalt's expanded industry education was at an all-time high with over 3,300 session tickets sold.
