Preparing for a massive trade show like CONEXPO-CON/AGG can feel like a monumental task. With millions of square feet and thousands of exhibitors, it's easy to get lost in the noise, but simply showing up without a plan is a surefire way to miss the game-changing connections and technologies that could redefine your business.

Today’s episode features a recent Customer Panel recorded at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Exhibitor Meeting in August, where a group of accomplished construction leaders - from seasoned veterans to first-time attendees - break down the exact strategies they use to turn their visit into a high-ROI investment. They also reveal how they plan their days, what tech they're looking for, and how they solve their biggest business challenges right at the show.

🚀 PRO SHOW BLUEPRINT [04:54]:

"The CONEXPO app, I've used that more and more as the show has grown to try to like map out my route... map out my day."

John McDonald shares the exact process for leveraging the show's app to filter exhibitors, plan your route, and maximize your time on the floor, ensuring you never miss a critical connection.

🧠 THE BUYER'S SECRET [12:22]:

"I'm not buying anything there. It's more education, research, kind of learning about the different products... What's the right fit for us?"

Amanda Kurt’s crucial insight for exhibitors: many attendees aren't there to make an instant purchase. Learn why focusing on education and helping buyers find the "right fit" for their specific scale is the key to long-term sales.

💡 EXHIBITOR GOLD [22:53]:

"I think for exhibitors it would benefit them... to obtain like influencers, someone that's going to kind of bring the idea that you have to life... we're in the age of social media, right?" -

Discover Ebony Jennings’ powerful strategy for creating buzz and driving traffic to your booth.

⚠️ FUTURE SHOCK [48:52]:

"The autonomous equipment that we are developing... are where we put entry-level operators. We are now displacing not the bottom rung on the ladder, but a gap in the middle."

Nic Parish offers a glimpse into the future of the construction workforce, highlighting the unintended consequences of automation.

00:00 - CONEXPO 2026 Launch & PODCAST40 Discount

00:31 - Panel Introduction & Industry Backgrounds

04:16 - How to Plan the Show With the App & Pre-Booking

06:18 - Education-First Strategy & Networking Insights

08:27 - Industry Challenges

09:45 - Sustainability & Equipment Life-Cycle Tradeoffs

11:24 - Reviews, Serviceability & Right-Fit Tech

13:16 - Practical Sustainability

18:23 - Brand Engagement

27:57 - Technology Trends

31:56 - Booth Engagement & Follow-Up That Actually Works

40:00 - Barter, Hashtags & Storytelling

42:04 - Show Planning Balance

46:45 - Future Outlook

🔗 CONNECT WITH OUR PANEL:

• Ebony Jennings - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-jennings-b11042142/
• Amanda Kurt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kurt/
• John McDonald II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcdonald-ii-003624102/
• Nic Parish -