The Construction Industry’s Top Trade Shows to Attend

The Top Construction Trade Shows to Attend

By Jacinda Matherne

Nothing beats a firm handshake! It’s no secret that construction trade shows can have a big impact on a contractor’s business growth. After all, where else can you meet industry experts, network face to face, “Sharpen the Saw” as Stephen Covey would put it, and shop new equipment and technologies with hands-on demonstrations?  But with limited budget and time, how do you know which trade shows will drive the most brand awareness and ROI?

We tapped our more than 25 years of construction trade show experience to identify the absolute best exhibits for each industry, hands down!

#1 Trade Show for Electrical Contractors

NECA – Seattle – Oct 8-10, 2017

It’s not too late to register for NECA 2017. This #1 trade exhibition and conference for electrical contractors packs a powerful punch with over 4k professional attendees and 1.7k exhibitors from around the world. Busy owners, co-owners, and senior executives will benefit most from this event. A whopping 66% of NECA attendees don’t go to any other trade show. And with free access (using invitation code 17EXH) it’s a no brainer! Check it out at http://www.necashow.org.

#1 Trade Show for Sheet Metal and HVAC Contractors

SMACNA – Maui – Oct 22-25, 2017

Best suited for your leadership team the SMACNA Annual Convention offers an intimate learning experience and the opportunity to widen your network of mentors, advisors, and experts in the Sheet Metal and HVAC industry. This event is well known for its extraordinary networking receptions, education sessions, and knock-your-socks-off entertainment. See the full conference brochure.

#1 Trade Show for Construction Software Users of eSUB, Smart Bid, and STACK

ConTech – Dallas – Oct 24, 2017
ConTech – Oakland – Dec 5, 2017

These best-of-breed software providers make it easy for users to learn, and in some cases, get certified in construction management software by co-hosting a full day of training sessions for each major region of the U.S. With over 10k users of eSUB’s construction project management software alone, these classes draw from a large pool of like-minded, technology-forward contractors and subcontractors exchanging ideas and best practices, and learning the latest in construction technology at the coinciding ConTech conference and trade show. Though classes are crafted for existing users, anyone can attend for as low as $255. Early bird registration for ConTech Dallas ends Oct 1, 2017.

#1 Trade Show for Merit Shop Electrical and Systems Contractors

IECCon17 – Phoenix – Oct 25-28, 2017

This conference offers a more intimate networking and educational opportunity for top electrical and systems contractors from across the country. An interactive expo hall features the latest electrical products, services, and software to improve work efficiency and save money. Registration is open.

#1 Trade Show for Concrete and Masonry Contractors

World of Concrete – Las Vegas – Jan 23-26, 2018

This gargantuan trade show is the largest annual international event for the concrete and masonry industries attracting more than 55k professional attendees and 1.5k exhibitors. World of Concrete offers hands-on exhibits, education sessions, and a “masonry madness” of skill challenges, demonstrations, and competitions. Registration is open for as low as $75.

#1 Trade Show for Commercial Subcontractors

ASA SubExcel – Tempe – Feb 28 – Mar 3

ASA SUBExcel is the American Subcontractors Association’s flagship convention best suited for larger commercial subcontractors. This intimate conference offers premier networking and education workshops with an invitation-only trade show for only the best products, services, and software for the industry. Keep an eye out for registration to open soon.

#1 Trade Show for Walls and Ceilings Contractors

INTEX Expo – Orlando – Mar 24-28, 2018

INTEX Expo, co-located with AWCI’s and CISCA’s annual conventions, is the largest trade show specifically catering to the wall and ceiling industry. Contractors and architects benefit most from this event showcasing the latest and greatest products and services for drywall, ceilings and acoustics, lath and metal framing, plaster, EIFS, insulation, and software from over 150 exhibitors. Registration opens in November through either AWCI or CISCA.

#1 Trade Show for Mechanical Contractors

MCAA Convention – San Antonio – Mar 25-29, 2018

Best suited for larger mechanical contractors, this is another premier conference with an invitation-only trade show for only the best products, services, and software in the industry. No scanners, no giveaways, no overbearing sales pitches. Registration isn’t open yet but you can watch for it.

#1 Trade Show for Multiple Construction Industries

ConExpo CON/AGG – Vegas – Mar 10-14, 2020

You have plenty of time to plan ahead for North America’s largest construction trade show, ConExpo CON/AGG, slated next for Las Vegas in 2020. Every major construction industry is represented among 2.8k exhibitors and more than 150 education sessions including asphalt, aggregates, concrete, earthmoving, lifting mining, utilities and more. Enter your email to be notified of early bird specials for the 2020 show.