More than 84,000 professionals from around the world attended World of Concrete 2008 in Las Vegas, Jan. 22-25. With 1,700 exhibiting companies filling 900,000 square feet of space, it was the second-largest in the event’s 34-year history, second only to 2007’s record-breaking show.

The event is a showcase for new products, equipment and technology innovations and features an education program consisting of 90-minute and 3-hour seminars. Many events and demonstrations are held outdoors. For the third consecutive year, World of Concrete was part of the U.S. Department of Commerce International Buyer Program, designed to further expand U.S. exhibitors’ international presence.

The education program offered more than 150 sessions, and a new Master Certificate program with flexible requirements. Also new this year, both 3-hour and 90-minute seminars qualified toward the Master Certificate Program, adding even more options and flexibility for completing the 12 hours required. A new track covered “green” building.

Outdoor events and demonstrations featured the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500, the Pettibone Telehandler Skills Competition, the John Deere Load America Competition, and the Mack Driving Skills Safety Challenge.

The Women in Concrete Luncheon & Forum continues to grow in popularity and offers great networking opportunities for women in construction. The event has sold out each year since 2006. This year, four sessions addressed issues of concern to women in construction. For the second year, the State of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Construction Industry Licensing Board approved the event sponsor as an Educational Provider. Courses at the convention were approved for professionals licenses in Florida.

Additionally, a two-day OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety for Concrete Construction course was held. This safety course satisfies OSHA’s 10-hour construction safety training program requirements.

The convention featured special product and action areas including the Producer Center, for concrete producers; Material Handling; Concrete Repair and Demolition; World of Masonry; and Technology for Construction, featuring new products, tools and information technology.

World of Concrete 2009 will be held Feb. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A convention Web site is expected to be launched before summer. For information, visit www.worldofconcrete.com.