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.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact