Celebrate concrete and all it has to offer at World of Concrete (WOC), an annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries. The event features indoor and outdoor exhibits of all kinds. The concrete industry's leading suppliers will showcase innovative products and technologies, while attendees will be able to network while viewing exciting demonstrations, competitions, or participating in a number of education programs.

Seminars will be held Jan. 23 - 27, 2012, with exhibitions beginning on Jan. 24. The location, the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, is sure to provide plenty of exciting entertainment and an energy-filled atmosphere!

Tradeshow Week has labeled WOC, held since 1975, as one of its Fastest 50 Winners. Today, the event boasts more than 1,300 exhibiting companies and 50,000 registered industry professionals in more than 500,000 square feet of exhibit space.

WOC hosts a number of more specific events. According to a press release, Masonry Veneer Live — a new, exciting, four-day event — is being introduced. This event will bring together key industry stakeholders, installers, masons, manufacturers and designers to help foster the growth of the masonry industry's fastest-growing product segment. Masonry Veneer Live will take place from Tuesday, Jan. 24, through Friday, Jan. 27.

Masonry Veneer Live includes products such as cast stone, brick, and adhered veneer masonry, the release said. Each of these veneer materials has a specific installation procedure developed to ensure a durable wall. This exhibit has three components, promising to be an educational experience. In one area, manufacturers and suppliers will teach contractors and installers about masonry veneers, another will focus on current techniques and code requirements for installation, and the third area will display live examples of artistry with the product.

For this special new event, WOC will partner with three of the masonry industry's most respected and influential organizations: Brick Industry Association, Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association and Cast Stone Institute.

Other event highlights include the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) National Steering Committee-hosted unreserved auction. Concrete industry-related items will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting the CIM Program. Special sections are dedicated to technology for construction, and the Most Innovative Product Award nominees and winners.

Exhibits
The over 1,000 exhibitors include original equipment manufacturers from around the world, and a full range of distributors of equipment, tools, products and services for the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries.

The wide array of exhibits ranges from small tools to large demonstrations of techniques. Far too long to list, some exhibits include E-Z Drill's Model 240B SRA "combo" drill system, a new concept in concrete drills. This new drill combines the standard features of the Model 210B SRA with the capability of converting to a pneumatic core drill, according to press materials.

Another product is Subaru's new line of commercial SGX Generators. This generator offers durable construction and technologically advanced Subaru EX overhead cam engines, making them reliable, rugged and powerful.

Educational opportunities
Educational opportunities at WOC range from hands-on experience in trying out new tools and products, to the opportunity to earn qualifications and certifications.

More than 100 skill-building seminars including sessions with top industry experts are being offered. Topics include everything from concrete repair and decorative concrete to finance and money matters. Other topics include business and project management, green building, safety and risk management, and much more.

Both field testing and written exams are offered by a variety of related organizations.

World of Concrete 2012 is sponsored by Hanley Wood, which publishes more than 30 magazines, along with related Web sites, e-newsletters, and conferences.

Lean more about World of Concrete 2012 at www.worldofconcrete.com

Christina M. Zweig is a contributing editor. She can be contacted at christinaz@zweigwhite.com.