Why We Chose to Attend the World of Concrete 2024
When it comes to staying ahead in the dynamic world of concrete and masonry, World of Concrete (WOC) 2024 is an essential conference in the industry. We joined the ranks of over 48,000 professionals in Las Vegas to soak up knowledge, experience innovation, and connect with fellow industry leaders. With its promise of being "even bigger and better" than the impressive 2023 event, it was an opportunity we couldn't miss.
With our goals for the future and our prioritization of growth and development for our people, WOC offered a great opportunity to further multiple initiatives.
Fun fact: The word concrete comes from the Latin word “concretus,” which roughly translates to “grow together,”. As a company, we prioritize learning at all levels of management.
WOC Experience Highlights
Engaging with Industry Leaders in Las Vegas
At the heart of the Las Vegas Convention Center, people at all levels of our organization engaged with a slew of industry leaders. From CEOs of multinational corporations to the founders of innovative startups, we had the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, gain insights into industry trends, and build relationships. Witnessing the energy and openness of leaders who were more than willing to share their expertise was nothing short of inspirational.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend World of Concrete. My biggest takeaways were about the emerging technology in concrete. The Accountability Course inspired me to be a leader of betterment not enforcement; confront negativity and deal with the personal tie to the why.” Said Dustin Delaney, one of our Superintendents.
Innovations and Technologies Unveiled
The exhibit floors at WOC 2024 unveiled groundbreaking innovations and cutting-edge technologies that our team dove in to learn about. Brands demonstrated everything from the latest in construction machinery and equipment to software that promises to streamline operations and enhance productivity. We witnessed first-hand the innovative tools and products that savvy professionals will be integrating into their workflows.
Director of Field Operations, Greg Manzer, said, “My key takeaway from The World of Concrete was how to deal with concrete pours in hot and cold weather, and not accounting for temperature can ruin an entire pour. Seeing many of the devices and strategies we already utilize was great, but there is also plenty of room for us to grow!”
The New Product Zone was also particularly eye-opening. These advancements, designed to tackle the industry's most pressing challenges, ranged from sustainable materials and eco-friendly techniques to smart machinery capable of precision and efficiency that was once unimaginable.
“World of Concrete’s Hoover Dam tour was fantastic. Thinking about the challenges faced by workers and their perseverance in creating this structure without today’s knowledge and technology was truly breathtaking.”, said Dave Henry, Quality Control Manager for The Wesson Group.
Educational Sessions and Workshops from WOC Las Vegas
Throughout our week at WOC Las Vegas, we had engaging sessions exploring the latest trends, compliance regulations, and business management strategies.
Superintendent, Todd Hogan, commented, “I enjoyed the conference and learned much from the educational classes. Most notable was that different regions of the country you are working in may experience supply issues and alternative options suitable to substitute. The changes with cement are impressive to reduce the carbon footprint.”
These sessions provided an intimate setting to interact with thought leaders, ask probing questions, and get direct responses. The diversity of the content offered something valuable for every attendee, whether they were interested in technical advancements or business improvement tactics.
“The World of Concrete was a great learning and team building experience. I enjoyed the Leadership in Construction seminar, where we discussed that leadership is a process rather than a person, and the key elements to that process are Direction, Alignment, and Commitment.” Said Brittany Condon, Project Engineer.
Practical Workshops for Skill Enhancement
The Workshops at WOC 2024 extended beyond theoretical knowledge, focusing heavily on practical skill enhancement. These interactive sessions were designed to offer hands-on experience, where attendees could roll up their sleeves and apply new techniques under the guidance of seasoned experts. From the craft of concrete finishing to the precision of project management, participants were able to enrich their practical know-how.
Learning where we have opportunities to improve, but also where we are leading the industry in best practices was energizing. “The instructor asked which companies had switched from hardhats to helmets; I was 1 of about 8 people to raise their hand in a class of over 100 people. The Wesson Group is ahead of the curve.”, shared Matt Kermizian, Foreman.
Establishing Connections for Continued Growth
Networking at WOC 2024 proved to be just as invaluable as the educational components. Establishing connections with diverse industry players opened doors for collaboration and continued growth. These new relationships are set to enrich our business and ensure that knowledge and resource sharing continues.
“We are proud and honored to be able to support our team members in their pursuit of continuous learning- a core value of The Wesson Group. It's amazing to be a part of a Team that is always looking to bolster our processes in a safe and efficient manner while leveraging advancement in technology and innovation. We encourage our Team members to be collaborative and supportive, a fundamental keystone of our culture which helps drive our success- our Team Member” says Kevin Butler, Director of Environmental, Safety and Quality at The Wesson Group.
Together, all our team members who attended this conference gained a wealth of knowledge that they brought back and will continue to research for a competitive edge. It was a great experience, scores of interesting facts, and so much was learned.
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