More than 160 education sessions are available to those attending ConExpo-Con/Agg next month. Several of them are geared specifically toward those vested in aggregates. Here are the 15 focused on crushed stone, sand and gravel, though producers should check the ConExpo-Con/Agg website for updates to each session’s location.
Tuesday, March 3
1. Aggregate Plant Processing 101
Time: 9:30-10:15 a.m.
About the session: This session will dive into the world of aggregate processing plants, exploring best practices for boosting efficiency and maximizing production. Using real-world quarry simulations and case studies, the session will highlight common bottlenecks that operators face and share practical strategies to overcome them. By the end of the session, producers will walk away with actionable insights and proven tactics to help their operations reach their full potential, ensuring smoother workflows and increased capacity.
Speaker: Jarod Lentz (Astec)
2. Smarter Quarries: AI Solutions Powering the Future of Aggregates
Time: 10:45-11:45 a.m.
About the session: Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept – it’s already transforming operations. This panel brings together experts implementing a wide range of AI solutions, from mine-to-mill optimization and real-time fragmentation analysis to predictive maintenance and intelligent logistics. Panelists will share real-world applications and case studies that demonstrate where AI is delivering measurable results –and where it still faces challenges.
Speakers: James Kenney (Strayos), Ranjeev Teelock (Command Alkon) and Jeffery Van Grootel (Inform North America)
3. Drilling and Blasting Fundamentals
Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
About the session: This course is designed for individuals who know little to nothing about drilling and blasting. The course will walk attendees through the very basic principles of drilling and blasting. It is intended to help attendees grasp what’s going on as a blast pattern is being drilled, loaded and fired. Once attendees have finished the course, they won’t be an expert but they’ll at least be able to understand the language used related to drilling and blasting – and what it means.
Speakers: Jake Cefalo (Dyno Nobel) and Mike Kotraba (Dyno Nobel)
4. An Updated Economic Outlook for the Aggregates Industry
Time: 2:30-3:15 p.m.
About the session: This session on the economic state of the construction and aggregate industries will offer an updated outlook as of early 2026. The presentation will examine the latest impacts of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, analyze where federal expenditures currently stand, and explore how major economic developments from 2025 (i.e., shifts in trade policy, the introduction of new tariffs) are shaping market conditions.
Speakers: Pierre Villere (Allen-Villere Partners)
5. From Debris to Dollars: Crushing Startup Secrets Every Contractor Should Know
Time: 2:30-3:15 p.m.
About the session: Thinking about getting into mobile crushing but not sure where to start? Join this contractor-led panel as it breaks down the essentials of launching a crushing operation the right way. Learn how to choose the right crusher, match it with the right support equipment, build the right crew and manage materials like a pro.
Speakers: Ron Garofalo (DAG Mobile Aggregate Recycling), John Grisham (JWG and CrushTex), Nick Hooper (Dependable Demolition) and Josh Nobles (Puget Paving)
Wednesday, March 4
6. Conveyors 101
Time: 9:30-10:15 a.m.
About the session: The presentation will offer a brief overview of fundamental training and basic theory and principles for maintaining and ensuring a properly performing conveyor.
Speakers: Lee Williams (ASGCO)
7. Crushing 101
Time: 10:45-11:45 a.m.
About the session: This session offers a comprehensive introduction to primary and secondary crushers, guiding attendees through the key types available and the pros and cons of each. Attendees will learn how to assess site conditions to make the best crusher choice for their needs and uncover ways to maximize efficiency once a crusher is in place.
Speakers: Mark Krause (McLanahan Corp.)
8. Conveyor Walkdowns: Identifying Issues & Implementing Solutions
Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
About the session: This session will begin at the tail and progress to the head pulley, examining potential issues that can impact conveyor performance, potentially lead to downtime, increase maintenance costs or raise safety concerns. The speaker will explore how to identify these issues and understand the problems they cause.
Speakers: Joe Gibson (Superior Industries)
9. Quarry Kaizen: How Little Changes Can Add Up to Big Improvements
Time: 2:30-3:15 p.m.
About the session: Quarry, aggregate and large civil projects all face a similar problem: repeated work, day in and day out. But in that repetitiveness is the opportunity to make big impacts to the bottom line from seemingly small adjustments in operations. “Quarry Kaizen” will challenge attendees to think about those small adjustments and understand the impact that little improvements made every day can have on their operations.
Speakers: Craig McGinnis (Komatsu)
Thursday, March 5
10. Optimizing Crusher Efficiency: Best Practices for Operational Excellence
Time: 9:30-10:15 a.m.
About the session: This session will offer a comprehensive look at optimizing crusher efficiency across jaw crushers, horizontal shaft impactors and cone crushers. The speaker will dive into key operational practices that enhance efficiency and maximize uptime in aggregate production. Attendees will learn how to identify bottlenecks that affect product quality, address common challenges that lead to costly repairs, and extend equipment lifespan through strategic maintenance.
Speakers: Daniel Miles (Process Machinery)
11. Screen Smarter: Practical Strategies for Peak Performance
Time: 10:45-11:45 a.m.
About the session: This panel brings together industry experts to share insights about what makes a screening system truly effective. From the fundamentals of vibrating screen movement and classification to diagnosing wear and restoring underperforming systems, panelists will cover real-world strategies to improve screen performance. The discussion will also dive into key screen media considerations that can significantly impact output and longevity.
Speakers: Alex Caruana (Polydeck) Ian Edwards (Major) and Duncan High (Haver & Boecker Niagara) with moderator Ryan Senter (Deister Machine Co.)
12. The Autonomous Shift: Innovations and Impacts in Quarry Operations
Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
About the session: Experts will explore the expansion of autonomy into the aggregate sector, sharing insights from early implementations and highlighting the features, benefits and challenges of deploying autonomous systems in active operations. Attendees will hear what it takes to transition a site to autonomous haulage, gain a deeper understanding of current technology trends and learn how autonomy is shaping the future of the industry.
Speakers: Mark Anderson (Komatsu) with Rusty Minix (Luck Stone) and David Veasy (John Deere)
13. The Basics of Screening
Time: 2:30-3:15 p.m.
About the session: Screening is the critical “cashbox” of every aggregate operation, and understanding its fundamentals is essential to success. Designed for novice plant design personnel, this session will cover the basics of screening operations – including key concepts like stratification, separation, bed depth and the impact of stroke, screen media, amplitude and speed. Attendees will gain practical tips to improve current screening processes and build a strong foundation for future plant expansions.
Speakers: Ryan Senter (Deister Machine Co.)
Friday, March 6
14. Digging Deeper: A Practical Guide to Underground Mine Development
Time: 9:30-10:15 a.m.
About the session: This session offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of underground mining, guiding attendees through the key technical, logistical and economic factors involved in developing a successful operation. Topics include the drivers behind choosing underground mining, how geological conditions influence site selection and the basics of mine design.
Speakers: Bob Archibald (Q4 Impact Group) and Maggie Archibald (Q4 Impact Group)
15. Washing & Classifying 101
Time: 10:45-11:45 a.m.
About the session: As quarries progress into their reserves, operations are processing material with a higher level of clay and silt. While some materials may require only rinsing, others require scrubbing to remove clay and other deleterious materials. This session will offer a comprehensive overview of topics such as aggregate washing techniques, maintenance routines, classifying tanks, screws versus screens, troubleshooting common washing problems and the consequences of wrong-sized equipment.
Speakers: John Bennington (Superior Industries)
Related: What to expect at ConExpo-Con/Agg
