World of Asphalt Show and Conference and the AGG1 Academy and Expo Breaks Records in Texas
March 13, 2018
The record-breaking 2018 World of Asphalt Show & Conference and AGG1 Academy & Expo concluded a successful run, March 6-8, as attendees and exhibitors conducted business and discussed issues affecting future growth such as infrastructure funding, and industry experts shared best practices during well-attended education sessions.
The collocated exhibitions were held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
“This was one of our best events ever that delivered it all for industry professionals: product innovations, focused education and quality networking,” said Kevin Kelly, president of Walsh & Kelly and World of Asphalt 2018 chair. “It is always an incredible opportunity to come together and learn from each other, and we thank all participants for their continued support.”
Registered attendance topped a near record of more than 8,300 at the close of the shows, with attendees coming from all 50 states, all 10 Canadian provinces and more than 60 other countries worldwide.
Both World of Asphalt and AGG1 hosted a sold-out show floor that broke size records and spanned a combined 174,000 net square feet of exhibits.
More than 460 exhibitors, including more than 160 new to the shows, displayed their latest products and technologies for the aggregates, asphalt, and pavement maintenance and traffic safety sectors.
Education was an integral component of the event, with attendees purchasing more than 10,000 tickets for the shows’ signature learning programs: People, Plants and Paving Conference from the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and AGG1 Academy from the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA).
“These outstanding numbers emphasize the value of the convention and AGG1. This really is the best time for anyone in our industry to connect with peers, examine business issues that affect our operations and get energized for the future,” said Joel Galassini, CEMEX regional president and AGG1 Academy & Expo chair.
The next World of Asphalt Show & Conference and AGG1 Academy & Expo will be held Feb. 12-14, 2019, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
Exhibit space sales are open to companies, with space assigned on a first come, first served basis.
The shows are held annually except in CONEXPO-CON/AGG years, when that show spotlights the exhibitors and products of AGG1 and World of Asphalt.
Industry support amplified the shows’ networking and knowledge sharing. More than 25 allied groups from the United States, Canada and worldwide participated as official supporting organizations.
The shows are industry-owned and managed. World of Asphalt is owned by AEM, NAPA, and NSSGA, and produced by AEM. NSSGA owns and produces AGG1.
AGG1 Academy & Expo focuses exclusively on the aggregates industry as its leading exposition and education resource, also co-located with the NSSGA Annual Convention.
World of Asphalt Show & Conference is the largest education conference and exhibition focused on the asphalt, pavement maintenance and traffic safety industry sectors.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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