CONEXPO-CON/AGG is a few short days away! With over 2.9 million square feet of exhibit space, the show features over 2,000 exhibitors and 150 education sessions, offering attendees an all-in-one environment to see equipment in action, gain practical insights, and connect with peers across every sector of the construction industry.
As the show draws near, AEM sat down with Eric Sauvage, President and CEO of LBX Company, and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Show Chair. Sauvage discussed what attendees and exhibitors alike can expect from LBX Company at North America’s largest construction trade show, what he looks forward to seeing at the show, and why its important for exhibitors to make their presence known.
AEM: How has your experience as Show Chair of CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2026 been so far?
Sauvage: It has been an amazing experience! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the great AEM Exhibitions & Events Team, and to lead the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Committee, which is made up of very experienced and talented members.
Although I have participated in many CONEXPO-CON/AGG shows as an exhibitor, being on the other side and providing direction and recommendations to the AEM show staff and vendors on all operational and support functions of the show brings a different perspective. It makes me even more appreciative of all the planning and execution that goes into the largest construction trade show in North America.
We will present several new initiatives and programs that are aimed at amplifying industry stories, providing attendees with additional value and enhanced experiences, and offering new engagement opportunities to exhibitors. In short, there is nothing quite like CONEXPO-CON/AGG, and I am very proud to be part of it!
AEM: What are you and your colleagues at LBX looking forward to most about the upcoming show?
Sauvage: Our number one priority at the show is to connect with our dealers, our customers, and to celebrate our partnership with our business partners. Of course, we want to demonstrate our relevance in this industry with a 150-plus-year legacy, showcase our branding and our forward thinking, while displaying and embracing our Core Purpose [To Build Stronger Communities], with our Pink-Belt auction that supports breast cancer awareness, our Strategic Anchors [Premium Products and Solutions, Relationship Based, and Strength of Culture] with our two VIP nights on Tuesday and Thursday at our booth.
AEM: If you could provide advice to attendees who are planning to gather in Las Vegas, what would it be?
Sauvage: Avoid improvising your day(s) at the show. You could use the My Show Planner tool and plan your route, ensuring you hit key manufacturers (of course don’t forget to stop by our booth at the Festival Ground, F35043), networking opportunities, educational sessions, various workshops on Friday, and the new “Shop Talks & Walks” on Saturday. And most important, stay hydrated!
AEM: Conversely, if you could offer advice to exhibitors, what would it be?
Sauvage: Because of the massive scale of the show, I believe that solely relying on foot traffic is insufficient. Use social media and try to maximize your pre-show marketing and digital presence to proactively outreach before arriving.
AEM: Why is it so important for exhibitors to make their presence known at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026?
Sauvage: As someone who has spent a career in construction equipment manufacturing, I can confidently say there’s nothing quite like CONEXPO-CON/AGG. It’s a great opportunity for all exhibitors to showcase who they are. It is also critical for our industry as a whole to display on a gigantic scale what we do for the betterment of our communities, to policymakers, and to the general public.
AEM: What industry trends do you think attendees will see at this year’s show?
Sauvage: More technology in equipment, such as machine guidance, machine control, and autonomous capabilities, that will help address jobsite safety and labor shortages in our industry. Smart jobsite technology with enhanced connectivity, predictive maintenance, and improved project management. A continued focus on electric and hybrid models as well.
AEM: How has LBX evolved alongside the industry to get the most out of the show and make its presence known?
Sauvage: Our theme this year is “HERE BY HARD WORK.” Beyond the innovative products that we have displayed over the years at the show, we are putting more effort into providing our attendees with an unforgettable experience in our booth through various interaction opportunities with our great team members who are passionate about our Link-Belt brand, proud of our heritage, and honored to be part of a legacy that spans more than 150 years.
AEM: What does it mean for LBX to participate in North Americas largest trade show, and what can attendees look forward to seeing from LBX at the show?
Sauvage: This show requires a large investment every three years, and we do a lot of work to prepare for it. This is a great opportunity to showcase who we are as an organization and what we do to support our dealers, our customers, and our communities. We will welcome all our business partners with our largest structure, 8,000 square feet, and our largest space ever, 31,900 square feet, with 12 machines being displayed!
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