by Jon M. Casey

Organizers of the AGG-1 and World of Asphalt 2015 were delighted with the success of this year’s event held March 17-19 at the Baltimore Convention Center in the Inner Harbor district of Baltimore. With record attendance of more than 7,600, this year’s show reflected a 26 percent increase over the previous event held two years ago. Attendees from all 50 states, and from more than 50 other countries including nine of the ten Canadian provinces, spent their time attending seminars and visiting the three day trade expo, during the show.

The overall event, conducted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and hosed by the National Asphalt Paving Association (NAPA) and the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA), included other events, co-located in this venue for additional support of their industries. These included the Maryland Asphalt Association annual conference, North East Asphalt User/Producer Group executive board and steering committee meetings, and American Road and Transportation Builders Association Safety in the Work Zone conference.

“Exhibitors and attendees alike cited the value of face to face dialog with so many industry professionals and companies in one place, and the consistently high quality environment of the shows,” stated Show Manager Rich Prausa of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

Rick Feltes of Lafarge North America and 2015 Chair of NSSGA’s AGG1 Academy & Expo, representing the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA), agreed. “The enthusiasm and industry support have been wonderful; it’s really important for us to come together to talk with and learn from each other, and that’s what these shows delivered,” he said. “The people and companies who were here understand the importance and the value of education and networking; and they’re the ones who will succeed.”

Joining Feltes in his appreciation for all who attended this year’s show, 2015 World of Asphalt Show & Conference Chair Rick Moore of Lehman-Roberts, representing the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) said, “This has been a tremendous event; the interaction and energy on the show floor as exhibitors connected with customers has been great, very positive. Attendees were focused and here to learn, to examine the latest equipment and products and make the wise choices for their businesses to stay competitive in today’s business environment.”

With more than 450 exhibitors filling 135,000-square-feet of the convention center’s floor space, attendees were able to shop for the latest in technology and products for their respective industries. Planned breaks for visiting the exhibit areas combined with the morning and afternoon educational and training sessions, provided a well-rounded approach for industry personnel to learn and network about improvements in their industries. As seen in the photos taken during the trade show, opportunities to learn more about equipment and services abounded.

Make plans for 2016 in Nashville

Planning is already underway for the 2016 World of Asphalt and AGG1 — to be held March 22-24 in Nashville, TN (Music City Center). Visit the show websites: www.worldofasphalt.com and www.agg1 for the latest attendee and exhibitor information.