ConExpo 2026: upbeat vibe

While Bauma sets the stage for a global audience, ConExpo Con/Agg is all about America. While ConExpo is a global show, the primary focus is on the American customer. Every three years this show is all consuming for manufacturers of cranes, trailers, rigging gear and related products and services.

ConExpo Con/Agg 2025 will be held March 3-7, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. PHOTO: AEM

ConExpo 2026 is shaping up to be a great show with most manufacturers set to roll out a bevy of new products. They have been planning for this show since the 2023 show ended, and they are hyper focused on the Las Vegas event.

The show will feature 2,000 exhibitors across 2.9 million square feet of exhibit space and 50 educational sessions designed to help construction industry professionals stay ahead of emerging technologies and workforce trends and sustainability practices shaping the industry’s future.

“ConExpo-Con/Agg brings the industry together to see the innovations, connect with the leaders and meet the makers who are redefining how the world is built,” said Dana Wuesthoff, show director. “This is where you see how technology, equipment and people are transforming infrastructure, workforce development and community impact. It is not just about observing the future. It is about standing in the middle of it and connecting with the industry leaders who are building it.”

Powerful platform

Wuesthoff said the trade show was designed with purpose, recognizing that time is one of the most valuable assets for today’s contractors and business owners.

“Instead of attending multiple niche events, ConExpo gives you a single, powerful platform to see equipment, experience technology and learn from innovators across every segment of construction,” she said.

ConExpo will feature the biggest names in construction equipment, all in one place. Beyond the exhibitions, AEM has put together a wide range of additional educational and hands-on learning opportunities for attendees, including maintenance solutions, reducing down time, lowering operational costs and improving safety.

In our first preview of the show, ACT wanted to offer a “vibe check” from some of the major OEM players.

Vibe check

“There’s a real sense of momentum building,” said Tadano’s Dean Barley. “Our customer engagement for the show has been excellent, and you can feel the energy picking up across the market. Our team has been preparing for this show since the last one closed, and we are bringing a booth experience that reflects Tadano’s commitment to quality, innovation and delivering real value to our customers.”

With the Manitex acquisition in 2025, Barley said Tadano will showcase the strongest and most diverse product lineup the company has ever presented.

“We also have some surprises in store, with meaningful advancements that will help our customers work smarter, operate more efficiently and get more out of every lifting solution in their fleet,” he said.

But there is also some hesitancy, according to Morrow Equipment’s Peter Juhren.

“There seems to be excitement about ConExpo, but I hear some hesitancy from some that attending is not in their plans due to not needing new equipment and the cost of attending,” Juhren said. “We know many of our customers are attending, and we are always appreciative of our partner Liebherr’s support. This year we will be showing the new Liebherr 91K self-erecting crane, and we will be in full force with our sales team and key executives on site.”

Product and steel tariffs are making an impact, Juhren said.

“Tariffs have absolutely had an impact on cranes, and anything imported this year at the show, also contributing to import reductions overall for tower cranes,” he said. “I believe many exhibitors scaled back the equipment they will be showing because of the steep tariffs.”

Kobelco Cranes’ Jimmy Hodges is expecting a really good show with strong attendance.

“Our marketing and service departments have been working tirelessly on making sure everything is ready to go,” he said. “We are all excited to catch up with old and new friends.”

Liebherr Cranes also is getting good vibes. “Liebherr is thrilled to be at ConExpo 2026, showcasing innovative machines and technologies that are driving the future of construction,” said Liebherr USA’s Simon Schuster. “Attendees will be able to experience over 30 exhibits across 71,000 square feet of booth space. From our mobile and crawler cranes division, the Liebherr MK 140-5.1 mobile construction crane will be a standout exhibit. We also look forward to the world premiere of Liebherr’s latest all-terrain crane. In addition to showcasing a variety of cranes and construction machines, the Liebherr Technology Pavilion will highlight multiple in-house technologies including MyLiebherr, Performance and CranePlanner 2.0 enhancing the customer experience and use of Liebherr products.”

Experience focus

In the tower crane realm, the JASO team is feeling an air of excitement. They are focusing on creating a positive customer experience.

“Our customers and vendors are both active with us in conversations about attendance and plans for the show,” said JASO’s Álvaro Urbistondo. “We are already seeing very strong momentum heading into ConExpo 2026. This week we are erecting the first two J638PA tower cranes in Canada for the emblematic Ontario Line project. The same derrick crane we will showcase at ConExpo has generated a lot of interest, and many customers are already asking to meet with us at the show. Visitors can expect a very open and approachable JASO presence at ConExpo. We have prepared an ‘open to talk’ space where customers and prospective partners will be able to meet directly with JASO’s management team and discuss projects, technology and long-term collaboration in a relaxed environment.”

Potential sticker shock

Urbistondo said the U.S. government tariff policy has introduced additional duties on machinery imported from Europe, which inevitably affects overall project costs.

Government tariff policies have introduced duties on imported machinery. PHOTO: Robert Dimmitt Photography

“This is especially relevant for cranes and specialized transport systems, where logistics and compliance already represent a significant part of the investment,” he said.

DICA’s Kris Koberg said the vibe from customers is very upbeat and positive.

“Infrastructure, industrial and energy projects are still driving a lot of activity – especially for crane, lifting and heavy-equipment applications. We’re gearing up with our most comprehensive ConExpo presence yet, including exciting new introductions in ground protection and proven solutions across our engineered outrigger pad and cribbing product lines.”

He said customers can expect DICA’s presence to be solutions focused.

Transport Products and Service Enterprises’ (TSPE) Michael La Scala said that he has high expectations for ConExpo. “ConExpo provides the perfect venue for a supplier like TPSE to connect with existing customers, potential customers and future customers, suppliers and other associates to not only show off our globally recognized lines of heavy load transport products but also to hear and exchange information, plans and strategies concerning the issues arising throughout our industry,” he said. “Issues such as tariffs, rising costs of materials and freight, workforce fulfilment – they all will be up for discussion.” n