Editor's note: Check out our list of housing and residential construction events to watch in 2017 here.
With a new year comes a fresh slate of construction industry events. From equipment showcases to risk management forums, these 10 conferences offer construction professionals a place to exchange ideas and network with leaders in the field.
Be sure to follow Construction Dive's coverage of a selection of these shows, as they offer a look at the trends and innovations shaping the future of construction.
World of Concrete
Las Vegas, Jan. 16-20
This event has been a staple in the concrete and masonry industries for decades. Drawing more than 60,000 attendees, the show features exhibits and educational sessions involving technology, materials, equipment and repair information. WOC also hosts the entertaining and impressive Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 Championship, a 60-minute bricklaying contest that crowns one person the fastest bricklayer in the world.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG
Las Vegas, March 7-11
Often described as the "Tomorrowland for construction," this event takes place every three years. CONEXPO is best known for its exhibits featuring the newest technology, materials and equipment that have the potential to revolutionize the job site. This massive show will feature more than 2,500 exhibitors, 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space and 150 educational sessions.
Associated General Contractors of America Convention
Las Vegas, March 7-9
The 98th annual AGC Convention will be held in conjunction with the CONEXPO, and attendees can shuttle between events. The AGC show includes educational sessions that focus on safety, project delivery, risk management and workforce development, as well as extensive networking opportunities.
American Institute of Architects Convention
Orlando, FL, April 27-29
This annual event is on the architecture end of the spectrum, but it includes educational sessions that are relevant to other AEC professionals. The show may feature one concert event called "The Party!", but this convention is more than just fun and games. The schedule is packed with speakers discussing topics ranging from green building to resiliency to business management and also features educational tours around the host city.
RICS Summit of the Americas
Chicago, May 1-3
RICS, an international group that offers training and accreditation for professionals in the construction and land property sectors, will host its 5th-annual Summit of the Americas this year. The event is more of an executive summit than a traditional trade show, and it draws high-ranking executives and government representatives from across the globe. Educational sessions feature such topics as project delivery, big data and smart buildings.
Construction Financial Management Association Annual Conference & Exhibition
Phoenix, June 3-7
For construction finance professionals, the CFMA conference is the place to be. This event includes sessions that delve into the intricacies of financial management of a construction company for chief financial officers and controllers. The show also features an exhibit hall and a construction technology forum.
Construction Management Association of America National Conference & Trade Show
Washington, DC, Oct. 8-10
Construction managers are a lesser-known yet crucial component of the industry. This event caters specifically to CMs and owners who deal directly with them. The CMAA event draws attendees in both the private and public sectors, and it includes exhibitors, education sessions and awards programs.
IRMI Construction Risk Conference
Indianapolis, Nov. 5-8
Risk management is one of the most common concerns for construction firms. The IRMI conference brings contractors, developers, subcontractors, owners and insurers all in one place to discuss the most effective tactics for controlling risk and insurance costs.
Greenbuild International Conference & Expo
Boston, Nov. 8-10
Organized by the U.S. Green Building Council — which manages the LEED certification — this show draws some of the most prominent names in the green building and sustainable construction space. Speakers and sessions explore the continuously expanding green building market, and the expo hall features exhibitors showcasing sustainable materials, new technologies and more.
Design-Build Conference & Expo
Philadelphia, Nov. 8-10
The design-build delivery method has been slowly gaining ground as an alternative to design-bid-build. While it still faces critics, design-build is now permitted for use on public projects in half of the U.S. This event looks to the future of the method and explores how parties can best assemble and execute design-build projects.