April 2005

Craig Mongeau - April 2005

If you’ve never had the chance or the inclination to attend a ConExpo-Con/AGG, you should definitely consider going to the next one in 2008.

Fortunately, I finally overcame my dread of flying and made my way out to Las Vegas for the recent ConExpo held March 15 to 18. And the five-hour, hand-wringing, teeth-clenching, bumpy flight there was well worth it. What I found in Sin City — and many of you who’ve attended a ConExpo can attest — is a literal Disney World of iron; one can not possibly see all the attractions in one, two or even three days.

The collection, the dynamic of equipment is staggering. Whatever it is you’re looking for is there with armies of sales representatives, equipment designers, engineers, company founders and more to help you determine exactly what machine will help you do your job more easily, more productively. And remarkably, the show is well organized and structured so that — although it will take you awhile to walk — you’ll find the exhibitor you want in a logical location.

Another thing I really liked about the show is that the temperature was in the high 60s and low 70s much of the time I was there. No snow, no blustery wind carrying 10- to 20-degree temps with it. It even smelled like summer, and the way this winter has gone, I swear I can barely remember what summer was like. (Next time I go to Vegas, though, I’ll need to pack more Chap Stick and lotion … tends to be kind of dry in a desert.)

Overall, for this writer, ConExpo was a wonderful experience and, again, if you’ve never attended, you must at some point. And I haven’t even mentioned the other “attractions” in Vegas, but those speak for themselves. P