Tag: PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE

Conference Whispers: CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026
Las Vegas, NV March 3-7, 2026

Published: March 9, 2026 ID: TBW2150

Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli

Computer Talk Radio Coverage

ABSTRACT:

“CONEXPO‑CON/AGG 2026 delivered a packed week of press announcements, massive exhibits, and next‑generation jobsite innovation, 140,000 attendees and over 3 million square feet of exhibits. Press Day highlighted electrification, repairability, and asset intelligence, while the show floor showcased automation, telematics, lifecycle support, and equipment spanning every hall and lot of the LVCC. We live‑streamed daily coverage and completed research for six forthcoming Whisper Reports. Readers can explore the full experience through the Conference Whispers playlist and upcoming video edition.”

The Conference
- A community of over 140,000 attendees from 128 countries including 2000 vendors gathered at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. The event spanned over 3 million square feet of exhibit space.
Cautions
- Friendly reminder: this research provides examples of what was shared with us at the event, not an evaluation, validation, or recommendation of the given technology.
Press Events

CONEXPO-CON/AGG featured an entire Press Day on Monday, the day before the formal opening. We were able to capture a few of the events. First, we captured Moog Construction’s event featuring their Adaptive Electrification Management System – AEMS. Moog is a motion control company, provides electrification solutions for heavy vehicles, aiming to improve motion control systems. Moog technology enables any manufacturer to use any type of electric solution they would like. Their design is focused on improving simplification through design and reducing costs. The result is a modular solution that achieves remote diagnostics and over the air updates. If someone can physically replace a module, over the air capabilities flash the module to act like it should in that specific system. The solution is targeted at 6-25-ton compact loaders and excavators.

The right to repair is alive and well in Europe but that is not the only thing that has come to life. Cojali USA solution focuses on the ability to maintain and repair a fleet of heavy equipment across manufacturers. Bringing you telematics that can act enabling not just predictive maintenance, but remote maintenance is also realized.

The equipment leveraged in construction and agriculture are rather expensive. Even smaller tools are highly expensive and can be quite costly if lost or stolen. Samsara Asset Tags leverages industrial strength Bluetooth to help increase your chances of recovery. Each asset added to the network adds to the network’s density in tracking other assets. Their network is connected to an inbuilding network for asset tracking thus covering all the highways and major commercial building across major geographies.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG saw an announcement of the arrival of Twins! Mack Trucks press event announced the updating of their very popular Granite Model of Mack Trucks. The second announcement that their every popular Pinnacle Model was being replaced with Keystone. The Keystone includes everything the Pinnacle model included plus additional chassis and sleeper options. The MP13, a13-litre engine in the Granite, now has 540 horsepower and a whopping 1950 torque.

Exhibits

Beyond the press events, Exhibits are always massive and physically impressive at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. John Deere didn’t just bring the equipment but wanted to make sure you know they support the entire lifecycle. Specifically, John Deere’s highlighted its connected support and the massive span of maintenance it represents to the customers. Bobcat introduced their RogueX3 concept machine which is electric, autonomous and module leveraging Moog’s electrification technology from the aforementioned press event. For those seeking brand agnostic, machine agnostic, roof mounted automation, CNF more commonly known as simply Case, shared their patented adaptable solution. Komatsu burst into expo hall with 7 brand new models across their lines. Epiroc not only shared their machines and automation, but also their customers appreciated span of services offering. Hyundai had a detailed display highlighting their leaps forward in advanced telematics improving reliability. Sometimes it is not about the machine as much as it is the components. Does your excavator or loader need a new bucket? Weir Group’s ESCO division exhibited their innovative buckets optimized for safety, durability, and performance. If your reason for hesitation in upgrading is moving your older assets off the books, have no fear! Ritchie bros. specializes in rotating equipment so you are free to upgrade your equipment today!

For OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in construction and agricultural equipment seeking to automate and optimize their equipment, MOBA Automation was hoping to speak with you. If you are an OEM and you really want to connect your physical equipment with the digital world, Trimble bridges the divide. Their massive booth highlighted their hardware, software, and services for positioning, modeling, analytics, and connectivity. Of course, predictive maintenance, remote maintenance, automation and all of these advanced capabilities that shined brightest are only possible IF the OEM installed the right sensors. To that end, sensor manufacturers were also on sight such as SIKO featuring location sensors. These location sensors can ensure you are never lost – even if GPS is denied in your location.

Conference Vibe

After 66 videos, three livestreams, and over two dozen fact checks, our coverage of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 closes. CONEXPO-CON/AGG welcomes over 140,000 construction professionals from 128 countries. CONEXPO-CON/AGG occurs once every three years in Las Vegas Convention Center – the only Convention Center built strong enough to be able to house heavy equipment indoors. Featuring over 2,000 exhibitors, the event spanned over 3 million square feet of exhibit space. The massive event spanned every inch of the Las Vegas Convention Center including exhibits* in all of the lots including the massive new lot in front of the Fontainebleau the current Diamond Lot. The diamond lot featured next-generations jobsite solutions including attached robotic systems. The traditional Silver Lot featured demonstrations for brands. West Hall was the hub for smart construction technology and interactive workflow solutions with over 40 machines and 20 brand new models featured. North Hall focused on operational innovations. Central Hall was very concrete and asphalt centric including mixing equipment. Both South Hall Upper and Lower were leveraged for this event. South Upper was the prominent exhibition area for power equipment including electrified engines. South Hall features the ultimate in large scale equipment. As is customary, food was available throughout the convention center with all the normal LVCC eateries open and ready to serve including the major food courts including West Hall and North/Central Hall Lobby Food Court. Transportation options included shuttles, buses, and of course the famous Vegas Loop connection South, Central and West Halls.

We once again live streamed from on site. On Media Day Monday letting you know we are on the ground covering the event. Tuesday we shared the excitement of Exhibits officially opening. And Wednesday specifically, I requested assistance on your favorite videos for my segment on the March 6th broadcast edition of Computer Talk Radio.

We conducted research for twelve additional forthcoming Whisper Reports for our clients. The reports spanned research on improvements to jobsite output, automation, uptime, telematics, innovations in safety and those affecting the labor gap issue. The playlists are unlisted but available with the video version to be distributed via YouTube Whisper Club upper tier membership area on our YouTube Channel.
Readers and viewers wishing to experience the entire event are encouraged to view the Conference Whispers: CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Playlist in its entirety. The playlist will be sited in the end screen, description, and as a pinned comment of the video edition.

The video edition will conclude with gratitude towards those that contributed and a montage of responses to the Bonus Question, “What’s the best part about attending the CONEXPO-CON/AGG live in Las Vegas?”.

Next Year’s Conference

The event is held every three years with the next event scheduled for March 13-17, 2029 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

^*When vendors’ names are shared as examples in this document, it is to provide a concrete example of what was on display at the conference, not an evaluation or recommendation. Evaluation and recommendation of these vendors are beyond the scope of this specific research document. Other examples of products in the same category may have also been on display.

Corporate Headquarters

2884 Grand Helios Way

Henderson, NV 89052

©2019-2026 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Technical Business Whispers, Fact-based research and Advisory, Conference Whispers, Industry Whispers, Email Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking, Whisper Club, Whispers, The Answer is always in the Whispers, Vegas Convention Library, and One Change a Month, are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.
March 8, 2026
Conference Whispers: CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2023
Analyst: Dr. Doreen Galli

Photojournalist: Dr. Doreen Galli

ABSTRACT

North America’s largest construction trade show, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE are held together every three years in Las Vegas. The conference featured over 3 million net square feet of exhibits, over 2400 exhibitors, 200 educational courses, and 139,000 attendees from 133 countries. There were endless examples of Industrial Intelligence of Things (IIoT) and early examples of digitally transformed construction sites. The digital transformation of the construction site is well underway enabling multivendor views to optimize asset use and the total carbon footprint of a given job.

The Conference
- The first CONEXPO was held in 1909 in Columbus, Ohio. The first CON/AGG was held in Detroit Michigan in 1928. CONEXPO and CON/AGG merged for the 1996¹ show held in Las Vegas. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is responsible for putting on the show. Today, CONEPXO is one conferences with three domains: specifically, CONEXPO, CON/AGG and IFPE. Due the size and complexity of bringing all the equipment together, it is held every 3 years at the LVCC – the only location that can physically accommodate the weight of the equipment.
- CONEXPO-CONN/AGG and IFPE was held in Las Vegas and leveraging the entire expanded LVCC including West, Central, South and North Halls and the festival lot. The Conference featured with 139,000 registered attendees including international attendees from 133 countries. The exhibitions featured over 2400 exhibitors in over 3 million net square feet of exhibits. There was a significant presence of women at the conference not simply joining attendees.
- Attendees at CONEXPO-CONN/AGG and IFPE 2020 held titles such as Job Site Director, Director Heavy Equipment Rentals, Machine Operator, Logistics Manager, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Director of Product Management, Director City Planning, and new this time – data scientist.
Highlights
- Sensors is standard on heavy equipment this time around. Today’s sensor solutions are more intelligent than ever. Predictive maintenance is a reality when information from telematics systems is integrated into maintenance systems.
- Digital transformation is arriving at construction job sites and heavy equipment rentals.
- While there are new Government regulations such as US bidding requirements to disclose carbon footprint and plan to reduce emissions, OEM (original equipment manufacturers) equipment itself does not provide this information. Additional work is required to understand one’s footprint.
Cautions
- The industry would benefit from leveraging six sigma or other practices common in manufacturing to formally document the business benefit of their digital transformation.
- There are many lessons learned in IT data management and manufacturing transformations that can benefit the construction digital transformation. Hopefully, these lessons will be shared so maximum success can be achieved.
Conference Vibe

The largest North American construction conference surpassed the attendance of their last conference which was held while Covid 19 was declared a pandemic². The conference requires an entire month to set up – complex enough that it is only held every 3 years. The exhibits leveraged the entire Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). It spanned the parking lots, South Hall, North Hall, Central Hall, the new West Hall, and the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. When asked attendees reported meeting their business objectives, the answer was a resounding Yes. Some indicated the expected deals came through along with a few pleasant surprises. Once again – the quality of attendees itself was mentioned by the exhibitors. Fortunately, the press room and many exhibits had coffee available – both regular and decaffeinated AND hot water for tea this time around.

Digital Transformation of Commercial Fleets and Job Sites

According to IFM³, 85% of vehicle telematics is used for vehicle tracking with only 27% used to track fatigue management. While the 2020 conference had education modules on digital transformation, in 2023 there were competing modules. CONEXPO 2023 live forced one to choose between ‘Top 10 Uses Cases using advanced Machine Data⁴’ and ‘Predictive Maintenance: Plan the Work and Work the Plan’. In 2020 participants were told the value of sharing one important piece of data⁵. In 2023, the conference offered a plethora of machine data transformational use cases.

Attendees saw a Plante Moran’s customer discuss how they learned to leverage data to better manage their fleets⁶. ICC provided a great session on crane operation safety using data analysis of standards and incidents. When all was finished, the audience understood that less than 23.8% of crane safety responsibility falls on the operator’s shoulders⁷.

POLARIS Laboratories® demonstrated the advantages of simply connecting one’s fluid analysis to the maintenance management system⁸. In another session, participants learned how to use their machine data for 10 separate use cases. The use cases varied from maximizing the ROI of their machines, saving money by maximizing use of remote investigation to minimizing the costs of batteries⁹. Another topic growing in popularity due to federal contracting requirements was understanding the carbon footprint of a job site. A complete solution set with various accuracy levels to measure fleet emissions was presented by Clue¹⁰. DOKA presented a platform that can estimate your carbon footprint. In addition, DOKA platform can optimize most metrics for job sites across the company and across machine vendors¹¹. Furthermore, DOKA offers an augmented reality solution to help customers and teams picture the job site before it is realized¹².

Finally, one cannot discuss all this technology and data without a great session on cybersecurity. To that end CONEXPO did not disappoint with a great panel revealing ransomware and DDOS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks are top of mind¹³.

In conclusion, it was exciting to see how far and how fast the construction and agricultural industries are progressing toward digital transformed job sites and enterprises. Unfortunately, transformations stories frequently could not communicate their business impact. If I had one piece of advice to share with the industry it would be leverage six sigma or some business process impact/improvement (BPI) assessment during the transformations. These types of processes capture the financial advantage of the actual transformation. Despite the lack of BPI assessment, construction benefits from the constant turnover of construction equipment within companies. Thus, I would not be surprised to see the construction industry successfully transform faster than manufacturing.

Next Year’s Conference

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is held every three years. The next CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE will occur March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas, NV. One may find more information here: The Future of Construction on Display: CONEXPO-CON/AGG Exhibitors Take the Industry.

Citations
©2019-2023 TBW Advisors LLC. All rights reserved. TBW, Conference Whispers, Technical Business Whispers, Whisper Reports, Whisper Studies, Whisper Ranking and Fact-based Research and Advisory are trademarks or registered trademarks of TBW Advisors LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without TBW’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of TBW’s research organization which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, TBW disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of such information. TBW does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by the TBW Usage Policy. TBW research is produced independently by its research organization without influence or input from a third party. For further information, see Fact-based research publications on our website for more details.
March 22, 2023

Tag: PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE

ABSTRACT:

The Conference

Cautions