Ground Breakers Stage: March 6
The focus of the final day of the Ground Breakers Stage on March 6 transitions to the broader forces shaping the construction industry’s future – from infrastructure investment to the systems powering modern jobsites.
The programming opens with a forward-looking infrastructure discussion that will examine policy direction and long-term investment priorities shaping construction activity across the U.S. “What’s Next for U.S. Infrastructure” will be held at 9:30 a.m.
The program then features the Next Level Awards, recognizing standout equipment and technology innovations that are responding to market demands and delivering measurable impact in the field. The award ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m.
The stage will conclude with Erick Schram of ANA Inc., exploring smarter, cleaner and more connected approaches to jobsite power management. “Engineering the Future of Power: Smarter, Cleaner and Connected Jobsite Solutions” will be held at 2 p.m.
“The final day brings together the big picture of infrastructure investment, innovation and the systems that will power future jobsites,” Wuesthoff says. “It’s about recognizing progress while looking ahead to what construction needs next.”
Ample education sessions
Still, ConExpo-Con/Agg’s education offerings extend far beyond the new Ground Breakers Stage.
Show organizers say their lineup of panels and workshops is designed to help attendees stay ahead of the rapidly evolving construction landscape. From hands-on equipment insights to forward-looking discussions on AI, sustainability and workforce innovation, ConExpo-Con/Agg provides learning opportunities for a variety of roles and career stages.
“ConExpo-Con/Agg brings the entire construction ecosystem together, and that includes education that is practical, relevant and immediately useful on the jobsite and in the office,” Wuesthoff says. “Whether you are focused on workforce development, safety, equipment management or preparing your business for what’s next, this is where the industry comes to learn, connect and move forward together.”
ConExpo-Con/Agg’s 150-plus education sessions give attendees unmatched access to industry expertise in one place. Organized across defined tracks, the show’s education program allows producers to tailor their learning experience around the challenges and opportunities most relevant to their role, sector and stage of business.
Materials, equipment and technology
Sessions within the materials and equipment tracks focus on the technologies, processes and maintenance strategies that directly impact productivity, uptime and return on investment.
Producers can expect practical insights into fleet management, preventive maintenance, equipment efficiency and innovations shaping aggregates, asphalt, concrete and earthmoving operations. These sessions are built for professionals responsible for keeping equipment running safely, efficiently and profitably in an increasingly connected jobsite environment. A few session examples include:
■ “AI Solutions Powering the Future of Aggregates,” which explores how AI improves efficiency, safety and decision-making across modern quarry operations.
■ Eyes on safety. “Enhancing Mobile Equipment with Camera Technology,” offers real-world examples of how camera systems and visibility technology are helping reduce risk on active jobsites.
■ Smart tech in site prep. “Accelerate Timelines and Drive Profitability” looks at how connected equipment and digital tools are streamlining site preparation and boosting project performance.
Business & workforce education
ConExpo-Con/Agg’s business and workforce sessions, meanwhile, address the people and systems that power industry companies.
Topics include workforce development, leadership, safety culture, succession planning and operational best practices for growing and sustaining construction businesses. Designed for owners, managers and emerging leaders, show organizers say these sessions focus on real-world strategies for recruiting, retaining and developing talent while strengthening business performance in a competitive market.
Some examples include:
■ “How to Build a People-First Company,” which explores practical strategies for creating a culture that attracts talent, strengthens teams and improves long-term performance in construction.
■ “Breaking Barriers: Uniting the Construction Industry for Mental Wellbeing,” examining the mental health challenges in construction and the steps leaders can take to support safer, healthier workplaces.
■ “Heavy Equipment Performance KPIs Every Executive Should Know,” which presents key metrics and performance indicators that help executives make smarter, data-driven decisions about equipment and operations.
■ “Navigating Seamless Generational Leadership and Succession Planning in the Construction Industry” offers guidance for preparing the next generation of leaders while maintaining continuity in growing construction businesses.
■ “Foundational Success: 10 Strategies for Employee Retention in the Construction Industry” will deliver actionable approaches to retain skilled workers and build a resilient workforce.
Special workshops
In addition, three dedicated workshops are part of the ConExpo-Con/Agg education experiences:
■ EmpowerHER Workshop. This opportunity will connect women across the construction industry through peer-led discussions, mentorship and leadership development.
■ Small Business Workshop. The show tailored this workshop to the unique needs of entrepreneurs, family-owned firms and growing construction businesses.
■ Shop Talks & Walks. According to ConExpo-Con/Agg, attendees can expect a hands-on education experience focused on preventive maintenance, fleet efficiency and real-world equipment solutions.
The Community Zone
Yet another gathering place at ConExpo-Con/Agg is The Community Zone, where showgoers can meet for conversation, connection and community.
The Community Zone, located near the entrance of the Festival Grounds, is open to all attendees. Show organizers say the area offers a welcoming, open-access space to pause, recharge and reconnect.
The Community Zone is also a hub for informal learning and relationship-building, featuring live podcast recordings, casual presentations and conversations with industry voices on the Community Zone Stage.
Related: ConExpo-Con/Agg education sessions producers can explore
