CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 opened in Las Vegas today. The Association of Exhibition Organizers and Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) was optimistic about the number of visitors.
AEM told the media that the number of people registered in advance showed that the number of people attending this week might exceed 130000. Last December, the organization reported that the exhibition venue had been sold out and became the largest CONEXPO-CON/AGG in history. The exhibition area will reach 3 million square feet, which will increase by 5% over 2020.
Megan Tanel, president of AEM, said at the AEM news conference on the eve of the exhibition, "The offline exhibition will not disappear. I think it is meaningful to deal with a real and living person about the trading process."
The exhibition in 2020 was affected by the outbreak of the epidemic, but this year AEM was boosted by the number of pre-registered visitors and the scale of exhibitors, with 2000 companies participating.
At the exhibition site, the large new west hall was used on CONEXPO-CON/AGG for the first time. The underground ring of the Las Vegas Convention Center will transport tourists between the south hall and the diamond section/west hall.
AEM released a report before the exhibition, emphasizing the role of equipment manufacturing in the U.S. economy, supporting 2.35 million jobs, accounting for 11% of the total employment of the U.S. manufacturing industry, that is, one ninth of the manufacturing jobs.
Tanel said: "The equipment manufacturing industry has shown time and again that it is a strong force in the North American economy. From the global epidemic to the supply chain disruption, it has withstood all tests with strength and determination."
"Looking forward to the future, we can believe that in the face of new challenges, the industry will continue to adapt and innovate to provide stable employment and economic opportunities for communities across the United States mainland."
The exhibition will be held from March 14 to 18 (Tuesday to Saturday), open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, and end at 3 p.m. on the last day.