More than two decades have passed since AEM and The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) joined forces with the goal of being able to collaborate and bring together all stakeholders in the asphalt and pavement industries – asphalt producers, contractors, dealers and government officials, as well as equipment manufacturers – in the off-years between CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade shows.
Today, World of Asphalt is the leading asphalt trade show and conference for those sectors to see the latest and greatest products and technologies, as well as a best-in-class educational resources. AEM, NAPA, and The National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (NSSGA) are looking forward to bringing the asphalt and pavement industries back together again St. Louis, Missouri. World of Asphalt 2025 is set for March 25-27, at America’s Center Convention Complex.
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As this year's show continues to draw near, AEM recently caught up with Dan Friedman, vice president of marketing for AEM member company and World of Asphalt exhibitor Eagle Crusher Co. Inc., to get his thoughts heading into this year’s show, how new exhibitors can get the most out of their experience at World of Asphalt, and much, much more.
AEM: World of Asphalt is right around the corner, with the show set to take place this March in St. Louis. What is top of mind for you and your colleagues at Eagle Crusher as this year’s event approaches?
Friedman: For Eagle Crusher, our top priority is to make our presence known to current and potential customers. We’re thrilled that a show like World of Asphalt offers us a uniquely valuable opportunity to be able to showcase new equipment, connect with our customers, and be a part of an event that brings together what can best be described as “the crushing public at-large.”
If one were to ask what brings people to World of Asphalt each year, to me it comes down to being able to see new things. However, when it comes to crushing rock, laying asphalt, and producing asphalt, some of these things don’t really change. After all, there are only so many ways you can crush a rock. That said, there are improvements to be had – better production, better manufacturing, for example – that will benefit customers today and tomorrow. And you can see it all at World of Asphalt 2025.
AEM: World of Asphalt is such a unique show. From an exhibitor standpoint, what is the value proposition for this event for you and your organization, and what keeps you coming back every year?
Friedman: The show has continued to grow. AEM, NAPA, and NSSGA have continued to invest in the show and make it better and better over time. For us, that adds value and makes us want to bring our equipment to the show – something we only started doing as recently as 2019.
With the show’s focus being asphalt and aggregates, two areas Eagle Crusher focuses on as well, it’s just a perfect fit for us from an exhibiting standpoint. There are only so many people crushing aggregates, recycling concrete, crushing asphalt, or producing asphalt. It is nice to have a show where more people are going to be part of a company that’s a qualified buyer. It just makes it so much easier for us to sell and promote our equipment.
AEM: What can your fellow exhibitors do right now to prepare for World of Asphalt, which is just shy of two months from now?
Friedman: Every business is different in terms of how they are going to connect with current and potential customers. Some may use their dealer networks, while others might find social media or direct mail works better for their purposes. Exhibitors need to lock into the best ways they can promote that they’ll be at World of Asphalt. Because if you’re the first thing a customer thinks about when they come to the show, that also gives you the best chance among your competitors to connect with them on the show floor. To me, it’s an easy decision. Why not be that top-of-mind exhibitor for your customers?
AEM: Every year, there are new exhibitors who make their way to World of Asphalt for the first time. From your perspective as a longtime supporter of the show, what does it take for them to get the most out of their involvement in it?
Friedman: The show has grown from an attendance standpoint, while the overall cost of exhibiting hasn’t. Just based on that alone, the value is there. So, investing in World of Asphalt just makes sense to us at Eagle Crusher. It’s a nice-sized show, but it’s one that’s also small enough where people wandering around have an exceptionally good chance of finding you.
The pre-show marketing opportunities, even if it something like upgrading your profile in the World of Asphalt Map Your Show exhibitor list, will significantly help your visibility without breaking the bank. And, more importantly, you’re going to see more than enough people to make that investment recoupable in time.
AEM: Any other thoughts to add?
Friedman: Eagle Crusher is excited to be a part of World of Asphalt 2025. This show has the potential to continue to be bigger and better than ever before, and we can’t wait to see everyone in St. Louis later next month!
