Construction Industry Takes Over the National Mall for Multi-Day Showcase this Week

Bobcat, JCB, Bomag and More Display Equipment and Innovation in Sustainability, Safety and Alternative Power

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is hosting its bi-annual Celebration of Construction on the National Mall this week. The multi-day event takes over the iconic space between the Smithsonian Castle and the National Museum of American History, bringing construction equipment, technology and policy into the national spotlight. The event is open to the public and policymakers alike. It features hands-on displays, live demonstrations and workforce development highlights — all under this year’s theme: “Building a Stronger America.”

What This Event Is All About

The Celebration of Construction brings together lawmakers, industry leaders and manufacturers to spotlight critical construction innovations and the issues that affect the sector. This year’s focus includes:

• Emissions reduction technologies
• Alternative power sources
• New building materials
• More efficient jobsite methods
• Worker safety technologies

The event also includes a major POLITICO Live policy forum on May 14 at the International Spy Museum, where leaders from companies like Caterpillar and lawmakers from both parties will discuss the future of American manufacturing. You can livestream it right here. From the press release:

“The equipment manufacturing industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, and we must ensure that public policy keeps pace,” said Megan Tanel, AEM President and CEO. “As we continue the countdown to CONEXPO-CON/AGG in March 2026, this event will provide an important forum for discussing the economic, workforce, infrastructure, and innovation trends that will define the next generation of manufacturing leadership.”

Event Details

• What: Celebration of Construction on the National Mall
• When: May 14–16, 2025, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
• Where: National Mall, between the Smithsonian Castle and the Museum of American History

Bobcat Brings Compact Power and Smart Tech

Bobcat is showcasing several of its American-made compact machines designed to maximize jobsite productivity while highlighting safety and control features. Key equipment on display:

• T86 Compact Track Loader: Offers three hydraulic flow modes, including super flow, for advanced attachment use.
• E40 Compact Excavator: Delivers minimal tail swing, nearly 4,000 lbs of lift capacity and a long arm standard.
• PG50 Portable Generator: 38 kW of power at just 64 dB(A), ideal for jobsites and emergency use.
• PL65 Light Tower: Provides 119 hours of runtime with a rotating mast and independent lamp control.

Bobcat is also demonstrating its MaxControl remote operation, which lets users operate loaders via iPhone and a collision warning and avoidance system for jobsite safety. From the press release:

“This event is a great opportunity for manufacturers to share how our equipment and innovations are building a stronger America,” said Mike Ballweber, president, Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc. “Beyond showcasing our advancements and innovative products to policymakers, influencers and consumers, we also look forward to discussing the construction sector’s unique opportunities and challenges.”

JCB Highlights Military Support and U.S. Manufacturing

JCB is showcasing its 3TS-8T MTS variant compact track loader, developed for the U.S. Marine Corps and being delivered under a $39 million contract. This Teleskid model includes a JCB’s patented telescopic boom and is manufactured in Georgia. Also on display:

• 510-56 Telehandler: Built to handle heavy-duty material placement with lift capacities of 10,000 lbs and a lift height of 56 ft.

JCB’s participation also emphasizes veteran employment and its $500 million investment in a new San Antonio manufacturing facility. The plant will produce more telehandlers and expand JCB’s U.S. footprint even further. From the press release:

“JCB is proud to support the U.S. military – not only through the machines we manufacture but through the veterans we employ and the initiatives we support,” said Chris Giorgianni, vice president of product, government and defense at JCB North America. “From our Savannah workforce to our long-standing partnerships with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, we are committed to equipping, employing and empowering those who have served our country.”

Bomag Displays Compaction and Paving Tech

At its exhibit near the Smithsonian Metro, Bomag is demonstrating machines and systems that focus on safety, emissions reduction and jobsite mapping. Featured equipment includes:

• BMP 8500 Trench Compactor: Operated via remote control for safer trench work.
• BW 120 AD e-5 Electric Roller: Zero emissions with the same power as diesel units.
• BW 191 AD-5 AM Roller: Includes Asphalt Manager, three vibration systems, TanGO oscillation and real-time compaction monitoring with BOMAP.
• CR 820 T-2 Paver: Features a new HMI system, track tension automation and better visibility with Sideview.
• BM 1200/35-2 Cold Planer: Boasts Bomag’s exclusive BMS 15L holder system and uses its Ion Dusty Shield to cut fine dust pollution by over 80 percent.

From the press release:

“Bomag’s long equipment heritage is steeped in leveraging design innovation and technology. Our display on the National Mall tells the story of worker safety, efficiency and sustainability being at the heart of Bomag design,” says Brian Bieller, president of Bomag Americas. “We look forward to engaging with the public and policymakers in Washington at a time when they are set to debate several issues critical to off-road equipment manufacturers like Bomag Americas in the coming year.”  

Go Check It Out This Week

For anyone in the equipment industry — operator, fleet manager, dealer rep, hobbyist, whatever — the Celebration of Construction offers a live, hands-on look at how machines are evolving to meet modern challenges. With new technology, cleaner power and an eye toward safety and veterans, companies like Bobcat, JCB and Bomag are showing why machines are central to building tomorrow’s jobsite.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

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