World of Concrete Brings the Industry Together to Kick Off the 2017 Construction Season Words: Steven PomerantzWorld of Concrete 2017 provided exhibitors with a hugely successful platform to start the year off strong, packing the show floor with qualified industry-related attendees, ready to make purchasing decisions on the latest equipment, products, and technologies available. Many exhibitors commented WOC 2017 was one of the best shows in recent memory, resulting in a 73% rebook on booth space for WOC 2018. This international event for the concrete and masonry industries, and THE first annual event of the year, drew 50,770 registered professionals and featured more than 1,455 companies exhibiting across more than 681,196 net square feet of space. Tom Cindric, Sr. Vice President, Informa Exhibitions U.S., Construction & Real Estate said: “We are very pleased with the results of this 2017 event. As the construction industry continues with its upward momentum over the past few years, World of Concrete has successfully kept pace, providing the industry with the latest products, technologies, and educational offerings. This once again positions WOC as THE event for concrete & masonry professionals.” Jackie James, Director, World of Concrete added: “Exhibitors & attendees seemed very pleased with WOC 2017 from the show floor to the educational opportunities. Although the show was earlier than in past years, the industry showed up in force to see new products, network with their peers, and prepare for business in 2017. International attendance was strong with representation from India, Italy, Philippines, Costa Rica, Brazil, China, Japan, South Korea, Chile, Argentina and many other countries.” Also presented was the Weatherton Scholarship, providing funds to help the next generation of concrete professionals attending the CIM (Concrete Industry Management) Program. Dan Regad, from New Jersey Science & Technology University, was the recipient of the $2,500 scholarship. In addition, CIM held its annual unreserved silent and live auctions at World of Concrete. The silent and live auctions raised an initial tally of approximately $875,000. More information on the CIM Program can be found at www.concretedegree.com. Join us for WOC 2018: January 23-26; Seminars 22-26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.