World of Concrete (WOC) 2026, the global event dedicated to the concrete construction and masonry industries, concluded on 22 January at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in the US, attracting more than 47,400 registered professionals.
More than 1,300 exhibitors spanned multiple product categories, comprising material handling, concrete producers, construction technology, precast, concrete masonry, concrete reinforcement, cement production, demolition and repair, surfaces and decorative. There were also 284 new exhibitors.
Participating countries included Australia, Canada, Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, India, Italy, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Korea, Libya, Mexico, New Zealand, the UK, and more. From Singapore, AiR Digital Solutions – the technology subsidiary of global concrete innovation leader Pan-United Corporation Ltd – joined the event for the first time.
“World of Concrete is where the future of concrete and masonry construction is built. We are honoured to be part of a worldwide community that champions innovation, elevates performance and celebrates the artistry of craftsmanship,” said Jackie James, vice president of World of Concrete. “Each year, our exhibitors and attendees come together to connect, collaborate and uncover new opportunities that will continue to shape the industry’s future.”
Comprehensive educational programme
The comprehensive WOC 2026 education programme introduced new resources to the community, adding bilingual seminars to the established Spanish track for core classes and incorporating key education highlights and question and answer sessions in Spanish. The event hosted several experts who shared insights on timely topics, such as economics, engineering and future forecasting for the industry.
Wednesday (21 January) began with ‘The Economic Forecast with Ed Sullivan and Pierre Villere’, focusing on navigating economic volatility with strategic insights from distinguished economists revealing critical market projections and sector-specific intelligence. Mr Sullivan, economist at The Sullivan Report and Mr Villere, senior managing partner at Allen-Villere Partners, provided critical information on data-driven cement and construction forecasts, economic analysis, and market outlooks.
Two new engineering courses were introduced this year to discuss concrete construction efficiency and strategic choices, namely ‘Engineering: Designing for Constructability’ and ‘Engineering: Bridging the Gap Between General Contractor & Engineer’. They addressed both strategic design choices and improving construction productivity through enhanced communication.
Other notable features
The Construction Industry Management (CIM) live and silent auctions raised a record-breaking US$2.3 million for the CIM initiative, which awards students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management programmes at five public universities: California State University, Chico; Middle Tennessee State University; New Jersey Institute of Technology; Texas State University; and South Dakota State University.
The world championship Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 assembled 28 masons from around the world, competing for the title of ‘World’s Best Bricklayer’ along with US$125,000 in cash and prizes. Mason Grant Helms and tender Keith Helms, both from North Carolina, took home the grand prize.
Interactive sessions – including Epoxy Live!, American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) Decorative Concrete Experience, Artificial Rock Carving Live!, and the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) Scaffold Builders Challenge – highlighted cutting-edge techniques while celebrating the exceptional skills and talent driving the concrete and masonry construction industries forward.
“The ability to engage with our largest audience of end-users, understand market sentiment and seeing projects develop, continues to be key at World of Concrete,” said John Paul Marcantonio, president and CEO of Bosch Power Tools North America. “This event is the destination of the year for the industry.”
WOC will return to the Las Vegas Convention Centre on 19-21 January 2027, with education beginning 18 January.
