CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: Exhibitor Playbook for High-Impact Booths, Bigger Deals, and Better ROI

Every three years, the construction industry converges on Las Vegas for CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the largest construction trade show in North America. With 2,000+ exhibitors competing across 2.9 million square feet, standing out requires strategic planning, smart booth design, and flawless execution. Smart booth design is especially crucial for visibility in such a massive venue. This playbook delivers the insider knowledge you need to maximize your investment and drive measurable results from March 3–7, 2026.

If you're preparing for the next show, you can also review detailed insights on CONEXPO 2026 to help shape your strategy and stay ahead of the curve.

What Is CONEXPO-CON/AGG, and Why It Matters for Construction Brands

Fast Facts: The Short Answer

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is the largest construction trade show in North America, held every three years in Las Vegas. It's where the industry's biggest deals get done and technology roadmaps take shape.

• 2026 dates: March 3–7, 2026
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
• Exhibit space: Approximately 2.9 million sq. ft.
• Exhibitors: 2,000+ companies
• Core sectors: Asphalt, aggregates, concrete, earthmoving, lifting, mining, utilities, trucking
• Typical audience: Contractors, fleet managers, OEMs, dealers, engineers, owners

For a broader look at major industry events and how they compare, you might also be interested in the 2023 CES trade show and its impact on technology adoption cycles.

A Brief History and Who's Behind the Show

CONEXPO and CON/AGG merged over decades into today's mega-event, organized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and industry partners. What started as separate shows for construction equipment and aggregates has evolved into a global decision-maker hub where multi-million-dollar fleet purchases and technology adoption cycles are shaped in real time.

Scale, Audience, and Economic Impact (Why It's a Big Deal)

Previous editions have drawn 130,000+ attendees, including contractors with purchasing authority, fleet managers overseeing hundreds of machines, and C-suite executives mapping equipment strategies for the next decade. The show's economic influence extends far beyond Las Vegas, major capital purchases, technology roadmaps, and supplier relationships are forged on the convention center floor, making it the industry's most concentrated buying event.

Who Should Prioritize CONEXPO-CON/AGG, and What They Can Gain

Core Audiences: From Contractors to OEMs

The show attracts decision-makers across the construction ecosystem: general contractors managing multi-state operations, equipment manufacturers launching next-generation machines, technology providers revolutionizing job sites, dealers expanding territories, rental houses sourcing inventory, and public agencies modernizing fleets. The concentration of buying authority on the floor is unmatched, attendees come with budgets approved and purchase timelines defined.

When You Should Exhibit vs. When You Should Just Attend

Exhibiting makes sense when you're launching new equipment within 12–18 months, targeting multi-state fleets, or have a mature product portfolio ready for scale. Budget thresholds typically start around $25,000 for meaningful presence. Companies still validating product-market fit or exploring partner channels should attend first to understand the landscape, then exhibit at the following show with refined positioning and proven demand.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 at a Glance: Dates, Layout, and What's New

2026 Dates, Hours, and Venue Basics

• Dates: March 3–7, 2026 (Tuesday–Saturday)
• Show hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Tue–Fri); 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Sat)
• Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), including North, Central, South, and West Halls, plus outdoor lots

The 2026 show will feature expanded outdoor demo areas, new technology pavilions, and enhanced shuttle service between halls. Plan booth placement early, prime locations are often reserved 18 months in advance.

Registration, Tickets, and Budgeting: What It Really Costs to Do CONEXPO Right

Exhibitor Costs: Typical All-In Ranges

A 10x10 inline exhibit typically runs $20,000–$40,000 all-in, including space rental, basic booth structure, installation labor, freight, and team travel. A 20x20 island exhibit ranges $60,000–$120,000+ depending on equipment displays and demo complexity. Major line items include space rental (typically $35–45 per square foot), booth design and construction, installation and dismantle labor, freight and drayage, plus travel and lodging for your team.

Turnkey rentals can reduce upfront investment by 20–35% compared to custom builds, especially valuable for first-time exhibitors testing their CONEXPO strategy. The rental approach also eliminates storage costs and provides flexibility to adjust booth size for future shows based on initial results.

For official guidelines and requirements, review the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Show Rules & Regulations to ensure your planning aligns with current standards.

A Simple Budget Framework (5 Buckets to Plan 12–18 Months Out)

Allocate your CONEXPO-CON/AGG budget across five major categories: exhibit space (25–35%), booth design and build or rental (25–30%), logistics and installation (15–25%), travel and lodging (10–20%), and marketing plus contingencies (10–15%). Lock hotel room blocks 9–12 months ahead to secure reasonable rates near the convention center. Build a 10–15% contingency line specifically for rush fees and last-minute graphic changes, both common in the final weeks before the show.

Planning Your Trip: Travel, Hotels, and Navigating the Las Vegas Convention Center

When to Book Flights and Hotels

Book flights and hotels as early as possible, ideally 9–12 months in advance, to secure the best rates and proximity to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The official CONEXPO housing block opens about a year before the show and fills quickly. Consider properties along the Las Vegas Monorail route for easy access to all LVCC halls. If your team is large, coordinate room blocks and ground transportation early to avoid last-minute headaches.

Navigating the LVCC: Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Use the Las Vegas Monorail for fast, reliable transit between hotels and the convention center.
• Download the official CONEXPO app for interactive maps, shuttle schedules, and real-time updates.
• Plan booth visits by hall and cluster meetings to minimize walking time, LVCC spans over 2 million square feet indoors alone.
• Allow extra time for security checks and badge pickup, especially on opening day.

Building an Effective CONEXPO Schedule: Education, Demos, and Meetings

Education Program Overview: 150+ Sessions, But Which Matter to You?

The education program features main tracks covering business management, technology advancement, workforce development, equipment innovation, safety protocols, mental health, and sustainability initiatives. Select sessions that align with your top 3 company initiatives for the next 12–24 months. Prioritize sessions offering CEUs or professional certifications if your team needs continuing education credits. Choose at least one session directly related to your primary product category to stay current with industry developments and competitive landscape.

For more industry news and updates, explore our news section for the latest trends and event coverage.

How Exhibitors Should Structure Team Schedules

Plan staff shifts in 4–6 hour on-floor blocks to prevent fatigue and maintain energy for quality conversations. Keep at least 2 core closers on the booth during peak hours (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) when decision-makers are most active. Rotate technical experts and sales staff to match visitor needs throughout the day.

Schedule 15-minute team debriefs at the end of each day to refine talking points, adjust demo scripts, and share insights about competitor activities. Use these sessions to redistribute leads, plan next-day priorities, and address any booth operation issues before they impact the following day's performance.

Designing a High-Impact Booth for CONEXPO-CON/AGG (Without Blowing the Budget)

What Works at a Heavy-Equipment Show (Different From a Standard Expo)

Heavy-equipment shows present unique challenges: massive scale requiring visibility from 100+ feet, outdoor environments with noise and dust, and long buying cycles demanding relationship-focused interactions. Design solutions must address safe demo circulation for groups, easy lead capture, and clear branding that stands out in both indoor and outdoor settings. Consider large-format hanging signs, weather-resistant graphics, and interactive demo zones to draw in qualified prospects. Prioritize open layouts for equipment access and ensure your team is equipped with digital lead capture tools for efficient follow-up.

For additional exhibitor resources and tips, visit the official CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibitor portal for planning tools and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key strategies for designing a high-impact booth at CONEXPO-CON/AGG without exceeding budget?

Focus on modular, flexible booth designs that can be reused and adapted for multiple shows to control costs. Prioritize clear branding and interactive demos that engage visitors without relying on expensive tech. Partner with a full-service provider to streamline logistics and avoid last-minute expenses, ensuring your booth stands out through smart layout and impactful visuals rather than flashy extras.

Who are the primary attendees of CONEXPO-CON/AGG and what benefits can different construction industry professionals expect from participating?

Attendees include contractors, fleet managers, OEMs, dealers, engineers, and project owners. Contractors gain access to the latest equipment and technology to improve jobsite efficiency, while fleet managers and OEMs can explore innovations in vehicle and machinery management. Dealers and engineers benefit from networking and discovering new solutions, and owners can evaluate vendors and secure partnerships to advance their projects.

How can exhibitors maximize their return on investment (ROI) during the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 event?

Maximize ROI by scheduling targeted product demos and key meetings during the event, supported by pre-show marketing to drive qualified traffic. Use interactive booth elements to increase engagement and capture leads efficiently. Post-show follow-up and data analysis help convert contacts into sales, while working with an end-to-end partner reduces stress and ensures flawless execution, protecting your investment.

What logistical considerations should attendees keep in mind when planning their trip to CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas?

Book hotels and travel early to secure reasonable rates given the event’s size and popularity. Familiarize yourself with the Las Vegas Convention Center layout and plan transportation accordingly, including shuttle services and parking options. Account for booth setup and teardown times, labor rules, and shipping deadlines to avoid costly delays and ensure a smooth on-site experience.