Showcasing innovation, efficiency and hands-on education

By Jesse Sanchez. 

World of Concrete promises new tech, hands-on demos and a focus on smarter building practices in 2026. 

As the 2026 World of Concrete approaches its January show in Las Vegas, event organizers are emphasizing one clear theme: smarter, faster, more efficient construction. With automation and workforce challenges front and center, this year’s show promises to give contractors more than just a place to network; it’s a proving ground for the future of the concrete and masonry industry. In this episode of CoatingsCast, hosted by Megan Ellsworth, three key voices behind the event joined in to share what’s in store: Kevin Archibald, associate director of World of Concrete; Rick Yelton, editor for the show; and Nicole Maher, executive director of the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Program. Together, they offered a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the upcoming show one of the most anticipated among trade professionals. 

“Attendees and anybody that's participating in our show can expect the World of Concrete to really build on the foundation that we've built over the years,” said Kevin. “There's a lot in the way of automation that you're going to see that's really trending right now.” 

Kevin, who has spent nearly 16 years helping shape the event, says that exhibitors increasingly use World of Concrete as the launchpad for new products and solutions. He noted, “We've got a ton of companies that utilize our event to really bring to market their new products and have cutting edge demonstrations.” 

This year, the show will feature a range of interactive and hands-on areas including Decorative Concrete Live, the renowned Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 competition and the debut of Epoxy Live. These aren’t static product showcases; they’re built to give attendees the chance to test tools, see machinery in action and understand how innovations translate into daily jobsite performance. 

“We crammed a lot into three days of the show,” said Nicole Maher. “They get to see the state-of-the-art technology. They get to see the demos and see all the different aspects of the industry.” That hands-on experience is central to the event’s core goal, allowing attendees to move from the classroom to the show floor and even outdoors, to watch live demonstrations and interact with new tools and materials in real time. 

With labor shortages continuing to challenge the industry, World of Concrete 2026 is putting a spotlight on technology and training aimed at improving efficiency on the jobsite. “I think we’re going to provide some of the most current technologies that applicators can learn,” said Rick. He noted that key partnerships with organizations like the International Concrete Repair Institute and the Scaffolding Access Industry Association are helping address real-world challenges. He added, "We really are focusing on the topics that a contractor needs to know.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the interview to learn more about the evolving challenges facing applicators and the new tools hitting the market in 2026!