commentA sagging economy dragged down attendance at this year’s World of Concrete, held Feb. 3-6 in Las Vegas. Officials with show manager Hanley Wood Exhibitions would not disclose preregistration numbers but expected a 10% to 20% decline from 2008, which drew roughly 85,000 people. Vendors were less optimistic, saying that 60,000 people, or a 30% decline, was more likely. Booth spaces also shrunk, while some disappeared altogether. Schwing, the show’s largest exhibitor, cut down its footprint by 14%, selling back-aisle space that bifurcated its display of concrete booms, pumps and mixers. Meanwhile, earthmoving equipment makers New Holland and Kobelco pulled out of the show entirely, losing their deposits worth thousands of dollars. Attendees and vendors alike say the months ahead will be tough.
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