Tech and Innovation on Display at IFPE and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017

Posted on 05/01/2017 by Fluid Power Journal in Features 0 Comments

A forward-looking vision for construction and infrastructure took center stage at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2017, from the unveiling of the world’s first 3D-printed excavator and the new Tech Experience to the largest show floor in history and a stellar education lineup featuring leading innovators.

The exhibitions, held March 7-11, 2017 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, highlighted the newest product innovations and best practices for the construction and fluid power/power transmission/motion control industries.

The exhibition spanned a record 2.8 million-plus net square feet of exhibits with a record 2,800-plus exhibitors from leading U.S. and global manufacturers, from multinational giants to small firms with specialized products.

Sneak Peek at the Future

The new Tech Experience amplified the technology throughout the show floor, with an emphasis on emerging construction innovations that are driving change and process improvements across the industry. Three interactive zones gave attendees a first-hand glimpse at the technologies shaping the jobsites of tomorrow, infrastructure development, and workforce development.

The world’s first fully functional 3D-printed excavator anchored the Tech Experience, with a 3D Printworks further exploring additive manufacturing’s possibilities for construction applications.

The “Tech Talks” forum gave attendees a chance to hear from global innovators and technology leaders to discuss what lies ahead with an emphasis on applied and blue-sky innovation to benefit infrastructure projects and construction jobsites.

Transportation Reimagined: Infrastructure Vision 2050

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) helped to convene a high-level conversation on the future of transportation infrastructure. The campaign’s three phases—Complain, Dream, and Build—drew hundreds of ideas from across the world about how to revolutionize infrastructure. Five finalists squared off in the challenge finale event. The top winner was a proposal from a pair of University of California-Berkeley students to leverage autonomous vehicle technology to develop a surge-priced “Hyperlane” to ease congestion and improve mobility.

Over $100,000 Raised to Help Connect Military Veterans with Industry Jobs

Attendees and exhibitors partnered to raise over $100,000 to help military veterans find quality industry jobs through multiple charity events throughout the week. The proceeds, which benefit the show’s official charitable partner, the Call of Duty™ Endowment, were raised through online, silent and live auctions, as well as an after-hours concert on Wednesday by the multiplatinum rock band Foreigner.

Education and Exhibits: Industry Best Practices and Product Innovations

Comprehensive education programs helped attendees sharpen their professional skills and improve their businesses’ efficiency and productivity.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG offered a record 143 education sessions, grouped into 10 tracks, including a new Technology Track. IFPE hosted the industrywide Energy Efficient Hydraulics and Pneumatics Conference in addition to hands-on “college courses” on effective use of hydraulics in mobile equipment.

On the show floor, IFPE featured the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) exhibit pavilion, and CONEXPO-CON/AGG included the Demolition & Recycling exhibit pavilion from the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA) and the Lift Safety Zone from the National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators and International Powered Access Federation.

Eight country-specific international exhibit pavilions reinforced the global scope of the shows and expanded business contacts between attendees and exhibitors: IFPE with China, Italy, Korea, Taiwan, and CONEXPO-CON/AGG with China, Germany, Korea, and United Kingdom.

The shows received U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) International Buyer Program status, signifying their status as a leading worldwide event, and offered a variety of services to facilitate international industry participation, including an International Trade Center onsite. For more information, visit www.ifpe.com.