By Gina McCarthy, AEM Marketing Communications Director —
Attending my first CONEXPO-CON/AGG Exhibitor Meeting last week felt like stepping into the beating heart of North America’s largest construction trade show. The room buzzed with a vibrant mix of insightful industry experts, eager first-timers, seasoned veterans, supportive show vendors, and the dedicated AEM team.
As I listened, observed, and engaged, it became clear that the relationship between exhibitors, vendors, and show management is not just transactional, but transformational. We rely on each other to elevate the show experience, and AEM’s unwavering commitment—reflected in its “white glove” service, tailored resources, and education programs like the Exhibitor Meeting—takes us all to the next level.
Throughout the Exhibitor Meeting, speakers highlighted the importance of preparation, innovation, and engagement. The discussions went well beyond logistics, they focused on empowering exhibitors to transform their investment into real, measurable results.
With all that said, and with the 2025 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Exhibitor Meeting behind us, here are some top takeaways from last week’s event in Chicago:
- Live event experiences have a greater impact on audiences. According to our keynote speaker, attendees are seeking genuine and hands-on engagement with brands, especially in an era when consumers are proactively researching and forming opinions before they step onto the show floor. Booth staff should be both subject matter experts and skilled at fostering meaningful connections to build trust among today’s informed audiences.
- Invest in pre-show marketing to give your product(s) the attention it deserves. Successful exhibitors recognize that pre-show strategies are just as important as in-booth engagements. Make sure your brand is represented before the show with a complete profile in the online directory, exciting social media content, and diverse marketing initiatives to attract attendees and increase booth traffic.
- Understanding your audience can help improve outreach efforts. CONEXPO-CON/AGG attracts a large and varied audience, so identifying customers relevant to your business is important. When you understand what interests them and their challenges, your booth will attract the right visitors. Tailoring demos, conversations, and giveaways increases your impact and makes genuine connections that can become lasting partnerships.
- The devil is in the (planning) details. Logistics, regulations, and deadlines are all critical to a successful show experience. Whether you’re new or returning, early planning and close attention to support from the AEM team will help you navigate the details, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
One of AEM’s main goals is to ensure that every exhibitor is prepared to make the most of their investment of time, effort, and resources in CONEXPO-CON/AGG. And to ensure you won't just survive, but will instead thrive, during your week in Las Vegas this coming March, we provided you with two full days of can’t-miss CONEXPO-CON/AGG-related information, insights, and resources last week in Chicago.
However, if you were unable to attend the Exhibitor Meeting, don’t worry. The valuable education and insights shared are still within reach. Take advantage of the soon-to-be-available and on-demand recordings available for purchase to access expert advice, actionable strategies, and best practices shared at the event.
The conversations and insights shared at the 2025 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Exhibitor Meeting were just the beginning of these next few months of show planning. And as exhibitors look ahead to the biggest and best construction show out there, one thing above all others remains certain: show success is a partnership, and AEM is invested in every step of the exhibitor journey.
