Tradeshow season is well underway, and so far, Delta’s only lost my luggage once! Despite the travel challenges, the new machines, interactive booths, and the opportunity to see industry friends has been worth the effort.
World of Concrete was well attended even though it’s a ConExpo year. I spent time with Jeff Elsner from Hilti and Jeff Jacobsmeyer from Kubota learning about their new products. You can check out their videos here. However, true to a ConExpo year, Jeff from Kubota stated they are releasing a new product in Vegas in a few short weeks. Our marketing department will locate Jeff to learn what equipment Kubota is adding to their product line. If your company is displaying a new product at ConExpo, please let us know, so we can feature you on our social media.
Interested in one of the coolest booths at WOC? That award goes to Husqvarna. Their booth had a professional photographer which made your pictures look “work tough”, and it was freezing outside which added to the “cool” factor! Just behind the Husqvarna’s booth, Vacuworx displayed the Husqvarna Demolition Robot with a Vacuworx attachment. Look for the display at ConExpo as that may be a nice set up for your next demolition job in a dangerous area.
While WOC was busy at the Convention Center, the Turn Around Management Association’s Annual Conference kicked off at the Wynn. I spent a few days learning pain points for Private Equity firms and what they look for in their leadership teams. If you are an innovation leader or if you know of a company you would like to purchase and lead, please contact me, as several firms are interested in you!
Additionally, the overall sentiment was a prediction for a dip in the economy in 2021- 2022; however, the dip will not be as bad as what we experienced in ‘08-’09. I believe our industry is seeing a bit of a slow down as we’ve seen layoffs from Deere, Cummins, and a few other industry leaders. Hopefully these adjustments will set companies up to weather the next few stormy years. But, if we can get an infrastructure bill passed, the construction industry will stay on the top side of the curve. This bill may not be passed on a federal level, but we have a good chance of passing smaller bills in our local towns and cities. Don’t forget to vote!
Leaving the chilly Vegas weather for a warm and sunny ARA show in Orlando was divine. Many vendors decided to show new machines here before we reach Vegas. Sany displayed a new telehandler, LiuGong showed new AWP’s, and Sunward entered the US market via rental. The downturn may be a good time for the Chinese manufacturers to shine and take some market share. A point to note, SANY has brought manufacturing to the US making them “one to watch” in the next few years.
ARA was well attended and the show was dominated by Genie and JLG. They were front and center for the entire show, and their booths were full. Wacker also had a strong booth and a good show from all the reports. Rental managers were buying and Wacker was all too happy to accommodate. JCB showed their equipment, but unfortunately, we won’t see the Dancing Diggers this year as JCB isn’t setting up a booth at ConExpo. We will miss the skill of the operators and watching the machines move in a smooth choreographed routine.
But we are anxiously awaiting the next few weeks. Only 16 more days until new machines are unveiled, old friends reunite and we have the opportunity to meet new people in our industry! We will see you in Vegas!
-Kristie
