15 industry events to add to your 2023 calendar
Pack your bags. There’s lots to see and do in the new year.
Thousands descend upon Las Vegas every three years for CONEXPO-CON/AGG.
The past few years haven’t exactly been a golden age for in-person events. COVID-19 threw all major gatherings up in the air for years. However, we have gradually seen many major events make their return after delays and cancellations. Here are some major ones that are already planned for the coming year.
Canadian Construction Association Annual Conference
The annual event is organized by the Canadian Construction Association and it features speakers, webinars and networking events. One of this year’s keynotes will be done by Peace by Chocolate CEO and founder Tareq Hadhad who will tell his story of coming to Canada as a Syrian refugee. Session topics include procurement, workforce retention, trade-enabling infrastructure, green public procurement and more.
When: March 7-10
Where: The Hilton El Conquistador in Tucson, Arizona
CONEXPO-CON-AGG 2023
It’s the largest trade show in North America and it only happens every three years. This year it’s set to break records with 1,800 exhibitors and 150 education sessions during its run. There will be more than 2.8 million square feet of exhibits to check out. Organizers say this year’s focus will be on the next level of sustainability in the construction sector.
When: March 14-18
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada
World of Concrete
This is a big one for all things concrete and it’s coming up quick. The event features original equipment manufacturers from around the world and exclusive U.S. distributors of equipment, tools, products and services for the commercial construction, concrete and masonry industries. The event attracts approximately 1,500 exhibiting companies and occupies more than 700,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space.
When: Jan, 17-19
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada
Canadian Concrete Expo
After concrete aficionados are done in Las Vegas, they can zip over to Toronto to check out this event. This coming year will feature mixed martial arts fighter and actor Georges St-Pierre, a full scale 3D construction printing demo and discussions around the path to net-zero.
When: Feb. 16-17
Where: The International Centre in Mississauga, Ont.
Pacific Northwest Economic Region Annual Summit
What: This even brings together U.S. and Canadian industry experts and government officials. More than 550 legislators, business leaders, academics and policymakers will come together to discuss issues that impact the region.
When: July 16-20
Where: Boise, Idaho
The Good Roads Annual Conference
Organized by Good Roads, a municipal association concerned with the quality and design of roads in Ontario. The annual conference is three days of speakers and exhibits all centered around the cutting edge of roads.
When: April 16-19
Where: Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Ont.
Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association Conference
Pack your snorkel for the Hawaiian beaches if you plan on attending. Gary Mar, president & CEO of the Canada West Foundation will kick this event off by talking about the Role Western Canada should play in global trade. Other speakers include CCA president Mary Van Buren, former Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
When: Feb. 5-9
Where: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Waikiki, Hawaii
Buildex Vancouver
It’s all about the built environment at Buildex. The series of shows features panels, seminars, workships, innovation showcases and more. The upcoming conference includes a greenbuild pavilion, the climate resiliency and retrofit learning lab and showcases of construction software.
When: Feb. 15-16
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West, Vancouver, B.C.
Buildex Alberta
Who could forget B.C.’s neighbour to the east? Buildex is Alberta’s largest B2B construction event. It covers construction, architecture, engineering, design and property management professions with live demos, activations and installations. It will have more than 100 speakers and more than 1,400 participants.
When: Oct. 18-19
Where: Calgary Telus Convention Centre in Calgary, Alta.
Groundbreaking Women in Construction Conference
Organizers state that the conference serves as a catalyst for women to expand their presence, influence and career success in an ever shifting industry. They added that It also has grown into the leading talent development and networking event for construction industry professionals. The 2023 event will be kicked off by Nancy Bray, an industrial engineer and 33-year NASA veteran.
When: May 11-12
Where: Hilton San Francisco Union Square in San Francisco, California
Construction Specifications Canada Conference
This conference promises education, professional development, networking, entertainment and fun. Topics include design considerations for current construction trends, smart buildings, mentorship, material transparency and more.
When: May 24-28
Where: The Westin Calgary Hotel in Calgary, Alta.
The Buildings Show
This massive show has been around for more than 30 years. It features industry experts sharing their knowledge about the built environment. Speakers and sessions are geared towards design, architecture, construction, renovation and property management professionals, experts and suppliers.
When: Nov. 29 to Dec. 1
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ont.
Expo Grands Travaux
Eastern Canada’s largest heavy equipment industry trade show includes major industry OEMs and dealers, and tons of big iron. Attendees can check out educational seminars, plus the all-new Demo Zone to watch equipment live in action.
When: April 21-23
Where: Espace Saint-Hyacinthe in St-Hyacinthe, Que.
ROOFtech
Roofing experts, this one is just for you. ROOFtech is dedicated to Canada’s roofing industry. It includes a trade show and educational sessions. The show features more than 150 exhibitors and live demonstrations. It is produced by the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Informa Connect, and the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association
When: April 4-5
Where: The International Centre in Toronto, Ont.
CSAM: The Safety Conference
Organized by the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba, the event aims to provide participants with education and practical hands-on training. Each year the conference issues 2500 training certificates and sees more than 1,500 registrants. Organizers say it is the largest construction safety conference in North America.
When: Feb. 14-15
Where: RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Man.
