World of Concrete 2025: The Trends, Tech and Takeaways That Mattered

This year’s World of Concrete once again proved why it’s the premier event for the concrete and masonry industries. Held in Las Vegas, the show was a mix of innovation, hands-on demonstrations, and industry tradition, bringing together the brands, professionals and technologies shaping the future of construction.

The event’s “Work Hard, Play Hard” energy was on full display. From early morning business meetings to afternoon happy hours to late-night networking, attendees packed their schedules with product exploration, education and connection-building. It was a show that honored both the craftsmanship of the trade and the evolution of the industry.

Swanson Russell’s Jason Schmaderer (EVP, Group Account Director), Ryan Stoner (Account Director) and Bud Wooten (Account Manager) all attended — here are the key takeaways that stood out most.

Concrete Tools Took Center Stage

The biggest draw of WOC? Tools. And not just any tools — hand-held, battery-powered, and mid-sized equipment built specifically for concrete construction professionals.

Bosch, Hilti, Makita, Husqvarna, Milwaukee and DeWalt led the charge, each making their presence known with massive booths and interactive demonstrations. Attendees weren’t just walking by, they were getting their hands on the products, testing durability, power and precision.

For brands, the message was clear: WOC is a major moment for the industry, and tool manufacturers are fully invested in it. Several marketing managers noted that this is their biggest show of the year, making it a prime opportunity for direct engagement with contractors and tradespeople.

Technology is Reshaping the Industry

The concrete industry may be rooted in physical, hands-on work, but technology is pushing it forward in unexpected ways.

Automation, AI and electrification were some of the most talked-about trends on the show floor. One of the standout innovations was an autonomous rebar-tying robot, using GPS and machine learning to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Meanwhile, Hilti and Husqvarna showcased remote-controlled equipment, giving operators the ability to work in tighter or more hazardous spaces.

Battery-powered heavy equipment is also gaining ground, with JLG drawing attention to its 100% electric telehandler, which runs on two compact lithium-ion batteries. As manufacturers continue to push the limits of electrification and autonomy, it’s clear that efficiency, safety, and workforce challenges are driving many of these innovations.

The Strongest Brands Honored the Craft

What set the best exhibitors apart? They didn’t just show their products — they celebrated the people who use them. Nowhere was this clearer than at the Bricklayer 500, one of WOC’s biggest attractions. This high-energy competition drew a massive crowd as masons raced against the clock to prove their skill, reinforcing the pride and craftsmanship that define the industry.

That same spirit carried into the booths. The brands that stood out weren’t just handing out brochures, they were giving people a chance to test products, prove their expertise and take home something meaningful. And booths that let attendees engage with products directly saw the most interest, proving that interaction beats information every time.

Big Equipment, Big Presence

Heavy equipment manufacturers like Caterpillar, Develon, Liebherr, and Putzmeister made a strong impression with massive booths and machinery displays. But their approach was different from the tool brands — their focus was on distributors, fleet buyers, and large-scale operations rather than individual contractors.

While their footprint was impressive, the brands that engaged directly with end users seemed to generate more organic excitement. At a show like WOC, connection matters more than scale.

Influencers Had a Presence, But It Was Quiet

Unlike other trade shows, WOC wasn’t flooded with social media influencers. However, brands did incorporate trusted industry voices into their engagement strategies, using them for product demos, giveaways, and event coverage.

Some of the content creation was casual (think iPhones and gimbals capturing booth highlights) while other brands invested in full-scale video production teams to document the event. There’s still room for brands to grow their influencer strategies in this space, especially by leveraging content that extends the impact of their WOC presence beyond the show floor.

Global Growth Was on Full Display

While WOC is rooted in American construction culture, international brands were making their presence known. European workwear companies like Blåkläder and Strauss had a major footprint, emphasizing their expansion into the North American market. Meanwhile, JLG’s recent acquisition of Spanish manufacturer AUSA underscored how global connections are shaping the industry.

Asian technology brands also made a strong impression, particularly with innovative demonstrations that showcased the future of construction. One standout was an autonomous rebar-tying robot that leveraged GPS and machine learning to ensure accuracy and effectiveness — a glimpse into how automation can enhance job site efficiency and precision. As these technologies continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how they are further harnessed to meet the demands of the industry worldwide.

One Crowd, Two Badges

The timing of WOC also coincided with SHOT Show, the firearm industry’s biggest event which takes place in Las Vegas at the same time. It was hard to miss all the SHOT Show lanyards worn at hotels, casinos, restaurants and the WOC event spaces.  These two trade shows have actually been held at the same time for years, and it’s easy to see why. Their attendees blend seamlessly — representing industries driven by hard work and a no-nonsense approach. The overlap in interests and culture was hard to ignore, reinforcing that brands that work and play outdoors are often speaking to the same audience — one that lives and breathes durability, performance and purpose.

What’s Next

If there’s one thing that stood out most this year, it’s that the concrete industry is changing fast. Technology, automation and workforce challenges are reshaping the way work gets done, while brands that connect with contractors in an authentic way are winning attention and loyalty. As the industry moves forward, the companies that embrace innovation while honoring the trade will be the ones that stand out — at WOC and beyond.