TopCon

The 2008 Conexpo-Con/Agg show will have an estimated 2,200 exhibitors and more than 2.2 million square feet of space. As with its international counterparts, Bauma and Intermat, the scale of the event and the vast number of people visiting Las Vegas mean that it makes sense to arrange your transport and accommodation well in advance. See the box stories on this page for some details on how to book your hotel and register for the show.

It is certainly going to be worth the trip, with nearly all of the world's construction equipment manufacturers – including the vast majority of aerial platform and telehandler suppliers – planning to attend. Lifts and handlers are likely to be found in the Gold, Blue and Riveria Lots outside, and the North and Central Halls inside.

As ever at Conexpo, attendees can expect plenty of product launches, demos, product enhancements and more while wearing out the soles on their shoes – get ready to tread some serious ground.

There is a definite clash of shows, with World of Concrete, The Rental Show and Conexpo all taking place in the first three months of the year and in the same city. Still, Conexpo is the heavyweight of the three, and if you can't spare the time to attend all three, or even two, then Conexpo is likely to be your number one choice.

In terms of products, the division between the three is pretty clear: World of Concrete will be strong in mast climbing work platforms and construction hoists, and also, to a lesser extent, telehandlers; The Rental Show will have a fantastic selection of aerial platforms – as well as all the other compact equipment that rental companies favor – while Conexpo will be strong in both aerials and telehandlers, and is also likely to have a smattering of mast climber and hoist suppliers.

The January/February issue of ALH will have a full Conexpo-Con/Agg preview, giving more details about the aerials and handlers on show. Additionally, a full show guide will follow in the March/April issue. As news of the event continues to grow, ALH will report on exhibitor listings, new product launches and special events and programs.