Top Design, Building, and Construction Conferences and Trade Shows in North America

The construction industry is constantly evolving, and one of the best ways to stay on top of industry trends is to attend annual conferences, trade shows and conventions.

Whether you’re looking to learn more about sustainability in design or explore new construction technologies, this is our ultimate guide to the top 10 (and more!) design, building and construction conferences and trade shows in North America.

NOTE: This list is in chronological order, based on 2023 conference dates.

Table of Contents

1. AED Summit
2. World of Concrete
3. NAHB International Builders Show (IBS)
4. ConExpo CON/AGG
5. Groundbreaking Women in Construction (GWIC)
6. ENR FutureTech
7. AIA Conference on Architecture
8. Procore Groundbreak
9. Greenbuild International Conference + Expo
10. More Shows and Conferences to Consider

AED Summit

January 10-13, 2023

Featuring educational sessions, networking events and equipment purchasing opportunities, the annual AED Summit (Associated Equipment Distributors) is targeted toward dealers, manufacturers and equipment distributors as opposed to end users. In addition to construction industry professionals, it’s an important conference for those in the mining, forestry and agricultural sectors.

Locations vary from year to year. The 2023 show was held in Chicago. In 2024, the summit will take place in Las Vegas, NV.

World of Concrete

January 17-19, 2023

World of Concrete is held annually in Las Vegas. Featuring over 1,500 exhibits, including interactive ones, it’s a must-attend for concrete designers, materials suppliers and contractors.

More than 60,000 attendees visit World of Concrete to discover advanced technologies and machinery equipment, learn better ways to navigate the supply chain, and network with other concrete and masonry professionals.

NAHB International Builders Show (IBS)

January 31 – February 2, 2023

Organized by the National Association of Home Builders, the International Builders Show is one of the largest construction trade shows in North America. Over 70,000 attendees visit IBS yearly to see more than 1,300 exhibitors showcasing new products and technologies.

The NAHB IBS show occurs annually in Las Vegas. It’s one of the essential annual conventions for professionals in the residential construction industry looking to develop and discover new business strategies.

ConExpo CON/AGG

March 14-18, 2023

ConExpo CON/AGG is the largest construction show in North America. The 2023 show hosted over 2,000 exhibitors and 190 educational sessions in 2.8 million square feet of conference space. Unlike most trade shows, it is not an annual conference — this event takes place once every three years.

At ConExpo CON/AGG, visitors can attend educational panels and seminars hosted by industry leaders to learn about new construction industry trends, and connect with equipment manufacturers for demonstrations on new and existing equipment.

This expo attracts industry experts and construction professionals from various fields, including concrete, asphalt, hauling and trucking. The next show will be held in 2026.

Groundbreaking Women in Construction (GWIC)

May 11-12, 2023

Attend talent-building seminars and networking events at the Groundbreaking Women in Construction (GWIC) conference in San Francisco. In comparison to other events, this annual convention is smaller.

However, it’s a worthwhile experience for women in building construction looking to expand their influence, share experiences and inspire other women in construction.

ENR FutureTech

June 5-7, 2023

ENR FutureTech in San Francisco is an important annual conference for construction tech leaders. This conference features a series of speakers, panels, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.

Presentations, keynote speeches and panels will cover a broad range of topics this year, including:

• Remote site management
• AI-supported strategies regarding green concrete
• Integrating commissioning planning systems with project schedules
• Digitalization of highway design and construction
• Software advances in GPR, MD and MAG mapping
• Robotic construction debris recycling

AIA Conference on Architecture

June 7-10, 2023

The AIA Conference on Architecture in San Francisco is all about architecture. An important conference for architects and project owners alike, the AIA calendar includes more than 165 seminars on industry projects and trends, 20 workshop practicums where you can develop practical skills, and an expo with more than 60 product manufacturer solutions sessions.

AIA offers something unique that most other conferences do not:

A guided, architect-led tour that explores San Francisco’s most iconic architectural achievements.

Procore Groundbreak

September 19-20, 2023

In Chicago this year, Procore Groundbreak is a multi-track event focusing on construction technology. Featuring panels, speakers and workshops, this event will also bestow Groundbreaker Awards upon construction professionals who have made innovative achievements in the construction industry.

Greenbuild International Conference + Expo

September 26-29, 2023

The Greenbuild International Conference + Expo focuses on building green, sustainable designs with the future in mind. From how to develop healthier buildings to how to create more resilient infrastructures, the 2023 Greenbuild conference will take place in Washington, D.C.

It will include panels, workshops, and an expo hall, where visitors can meet with new suppliers, shop for business solutions and source materials.

More Shows and Conferences to Consider

Many construction and design industry trade shows don’t get as much recognition but are great to check out. Here are some additional conferences and conventions that you might want to consider:

NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) Convention and Trade Show

• Next show date: Sept 29 – Oct 2, 2023
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

LCI Congress (Lean Construction Institute)

• Next show date: October 24-27, 2023
• Detroit, Michigan

NFMT: National Facilities Management and Technology Conference and Expo

• Next show date: October 25-26, 2023
• Orlando, Florida

COAA (Construction Owners Association of America)

• Next show date: November 13-15, 2023
• Orlando, Florida

New York Build Expo

• Next show date: March 6-7
• New York, New York

AGC: (Associated General Contractors of America) The Construction Association Convention

• Next show date: March 19-22, 2024
• San Diego, California

Conclusion

Trade shows, conferences and expos offer endless opportunities to learn about new materials, discover new equipment and explore new technologies in the design, building and construction industry.

If you’re planning to attend a conference with your team, book corporate lodging with Engine. With us, you can save up to 60% on hotel stays without contracts, commitments or minimum spend requirements.

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