CONEXPO tips: What Experts
look for at the show

What are you most excited for at this year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG?

DAN / SUSTAINABILITY: I can’t wait to share how we can help contractors meet their sustainability goals. "I think they will be delighted to learn how they can save fuel and lower their greenhouse gas emissions with today’s machines and how to reduce waste with remanufactured and rebuilt products. They will also learn how to prepare themselves for the energy transition with the unveiling of our for-prototype battery electric machines and charging solutions."

LONNIE / HEAVY CONSTRUCTION: Conversing with customers – I am excited to discuss the state of the construction industry in their service areas, their business challenges and opportunities and offer to our customers ways Caterpillar can partner with them to improve their operations and bottom line.

KELLY / SERVICES: Seeing customer again – I’m looking forward to talking to customers in-person at a large trade show again. We have lots of new services to share to make their lives easier.

JASON / QUARRY & AGGREGATES: Global Operator Challenge!

BARRY / TECHNOLOGY: This CONEXPO will be very different for customers who have interacted with our Technology products in the past at trade shows. We have our largest Technology presence with more than 1500 square feet of dedicated space, with more than a dozen interactive experiences for attendees to see how technology can work for their operations. Operator Stadium will also include countless ways for customers to see those same products in action during the live demonstrations and on the iron as you walk throughout the property. 

What products or trends are you looking for during this CONEXPO-CON/AGG?

DAN: The use of alternative fuels in diesel engines interests me. So, I’ll be looking for how products can make use of fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) can lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.  

LONNIE: Technology innovations – I’m looking for the latest technologies being brought to the market to address the skilled labor shortage. Utilizing Grade, Payload, Compact, Command, Telematics and Detect technologies closes the skills gap, increase safety, productivity, profitability, and a create a better environment. These are driving factors behind today’s Cat line of product offerings.

KELLY: eCommerce options – the pandemic has changed the way customers shop for parts. Caterpillar has new online parts purchasing and maintenance offerings, such as the Cat Central app and SIS2GO app, to give customers choices to purchase online to complement dealer counter parts sales and consultation.

JASON: Operator ease of use features and technologies improve productivity and fuel efficiency.

BARRY: The advancements in carbon reduction and fuel efficiency are starting to show up across our industry and other OEMs.  CONEXPO should be a great place to see all of those advancements in one place, and for attendees to find the right products to meet their productivity and efficiency needs.  

What types of technologies interest you the most?

DAN: I’m looking for technologies that help contractors reduce their fuel consumption and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. This isn’t only about the emerging power sources we read about in the headlines, but also with today’s internal combustion engines.

LONNIE: Compact — compaction is vital to the material installation process in construction. Compact technology provides the greatest benefits to quality and longevity. Regardless of if the material being compacted is soil, aggregate or hot mix asphalt, the quality of the end product is ensured through the empowerment and real-time visibility of material stiffness and coverage to the operator. Compact technology reduces time, fuel and machine wear.

KELLY: New app offerings – we know customers don’t always have access to a desktop to search for maintenance manuals, parts and service information. The new Cat Central, SIS2GO and VisionLink apps were created to make it easier for customers to access information on the go from their mobile device.

JASON: Payload and Grade Control because they directly impact and benefit operators.

BARRY: I’m a big believer that telematics and equipment management technologies are the single most important tool any operation can use to be more efficient, avoid downtime and increase production output. CONEXPO 2023 marks a major milestone for Caterpillar, as we are launching the all new VisionLink platform to the industry, which allows any operation of any size or type to manage their assets equipment in one place. The new VisionLink also comes standard on all Cat equipment, and attendees to Operator Stadium will get a firsthand view of the application.  

How can show attendees maximize their show experience?

DAN: Take advantage of time with the experts. They have a wealth of machine and industry knowledge that they are itching to share. 

LONNIE: Focus on your business needs — with a record number of attendees expected at CONEXPO/CONAGG 2023, leverage available resources prior to the show and come prepared with a well-defined plan of the exhibitors you are most interested in seeing what they have to offer to serve your business needs.

KELLY: Engage with the interactive experiences – There is so much great information shared at the show. I recommend checking out all the different physical and digital experiences to get hands-on learning. Whether it is climbing in the cab of a piece of equipment, checking out hydraulics displays or learning about the new Cat Vantage Rewards program, all of the experiences were designed to benefit customers.

JASON: Make a plan and work the plan. The show is big, so you have to plan your time to maximize the benefits.

BARRY: It is virtually impossible to experience all of CONEXPO, even if you attend every day of the show. The best advice I could give to anyone who is coming to CONEXPO for the first time is make a plan based on the products and companies you want to see, as well as their location and proximity around the Las Vegas Convention Center Property. Try and break down your days so you can walk exhibit spaces, see demonstrations and interact with the industry presentations and education sessions.   The entire experience is a wealth of knowledge, but it can be a little overwhelming if you don’t have a plan.