CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: A Must-Attend Event for the Compact Equipment Industry
North America’s Biggest Construction Show Returns March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas
It’s crazy to think about this, but CONEXPO-CON/AGG has shaped the equipment industry for more than a century. What started as the “Road Show” in 1909 with just 40 exhibitors now spans nearly 3 million square feet. The event formally became CONEXPO-CON/AGG in 1996, uniting the concrete, aggregates and general construction sectors under one roof in Las Vegas. Today, it’s the largest construction tradeshow in North America — and one of the most important events globally for compact equipment professionals. The show happens only once every three years. That makes it a rare opportunity to explore equipment advancements, network with peers and suppliers and get hands-on with new technology.
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, which organizes this massive event, just released a fun timeline of this historic show, and here are some cool highlights:
- 1909 — The inaugural Road Show, Columbus, Ohio, spotlighted machinery soon dubbed “hazardous equipment” over 40,000 sq ft.
- 1928 — Detroit hosted the Combined Biennial Show, later known as the Concrete & Aggregates Show.
- 1963 — The Columbus Road Show rebranded to the Construction Equipment Exposition & Road Show.
- 1969 — “ConExpo” emerges as the new moniker for the event.
- 1996 — ConExpo and Con/Agg formally unite under the CONEXPO‑CON/AGG banner in Las Vegas, transitioning to a triennial frequency.
- 2005 — AEM assumes sole responsibility for managing the show; in 2018, it secures operation rights through 2040.
Why It Matters for Compact Equipment Pros
Compact equipment plays a critical role in today’s construction, landscaping and utility sectors. CONEXPO-CON/AGG is one of the few shows that offers a complete look at machines under 130 hp — mini excavators, compact track loaders, small wheel loaders, attachments, grade control, engines, OEM parts and more. The 2026 edition will bring more than 2,000 exhibitors and 150 educational sessions to Las Vegas. Most major compact equipment brands will be on-site, showcasing their latest offerings and technology. Whether you’re a contractor, dealer or landscape pro, the show delivers insight into new products, regulatory changes, sustainability efforts and more. You can talk directly with product experts, try out new attachments and compare competitive models — all in one place.
2026 Show Details
Dates: March 3–7, 2026
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center and Festival Grounds
Exhibit Space: 2.9 million square feet
Exhibitors: 2,000+
Educational Sessions: 150+
New for 2026:
- Ground Breakers Stage: Keynotes on innovation, workforce development and sustainability
- EmpowerHER Workshop: Programming for Women in Construction Week
- Small Business Workshop: Tools and networking for small contractors
- Shop Talks and Walks: Maintenance and uptime strategies
- Expanded Next Level Awards: Spotlighting equipment and technology breakthroughs
- Exhibit Design Awards: Honoring standout booth presentations
A Global Construction Hub
In 2023, CONEXPO-CON/AGG drew 139,000 attendees, including 24,000 international visitors from 133 countries. That global reach means broader exposure for compact equipment manufacturers — and more cross-border insights for attendees. Expect to see a strong presence from compact track loader, skid steer, mini excavator and attachment OEMs, alongside breakout sessions and demos relevant to small equipment users.
Mental Health and Industry Support
The 2026 show will also include resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This ongoing partnership promotes mental health awareness and support across the construction sector — a critical move in an industry facing high rates of mental health challenges. Learn more right here.
Plan Now
If you work with compact construction or construction equipment in general, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is a must. With its scale, scope and once-every-three-year schedule, it’s the most efficient way to see where the industry is heading — and how your business can stay competitive. Learn more or register at: www.conexpoconagg.com
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
Let’s take a look at the smallest mini excavators on the market.
