With so much change happening in the concrete industry, it’s fair to say that no two years are ever exactly the same. In a fluctuating construction market, material optimization has never been more important, and the tools to achieve that are rapidly evolving. Low-carbon concrete is improving. AI is more mature. It makes sense, then, that the world’s leading concrete and masonry trade show adapts as quickly as the industry itself. Here a look at what you can expect from this year’s show – Jan. 19-22, 2026 in Las Vegas.
How has the industry’s labor shortage affected the certification landscape and what makes WOC a prime venue for professionals to get certified?
With the industry facing a need to attract new workers to meet demand, certifications have become a critical tool for addressing the skills gap and ensuring workforce readiness. Certifications matter because they combine comprehensive, industry-tailored education with hands-on training that builds real-world skills, while offering credentials widely recognized as a mark of professionalism and high standards.
Last year, the industry was abuzz with AI hype. How has the rapid evolution and maturity of AI shaped this year’s programming at WOC?
We recognize the growth of AI has played a significant role in helping address challenges such as labor shortages, efficiency demands and sustainability goals. WOC will have several educational sessions as part of the 2026 programming focusing on AI like Artificial Intelligence in the Concrete Construction Industry: A Practical Briefing Introduction and more. In the Exhibit Hall, you can expect to see cutting-edge AI tools that enhance construction efficiency and safety. One example is Wordly – a real-time translation technology that will offer accessibility to even more languages next year.
There seem to be a lot of opportunities for the decorative, polished and precast concrete sectors in particular at this year’s WOC. What can a contractor in those markets expect at the show?
Contractors in the decorative, polished and precast concrete sectors will find abundant opportunities, including tailored programming, certifications and exhibits showcasing cutting-edge tools, techniques and technologies. Decorative concrete professionals can explore innovations in stamping, staining and overlay systems, while polished concrete contractors benefit from advancements in equipment, sustainability practices and more. Precast concrete specialists can discover modular systems, AI-powered design tools and solutions for energy-efficient and resilient construction. With hands-on demonstrations, networking with industry leaders and access to emerging trends, WOC provides contractors with the resources to enhance their skills, grow their businesses and stay competitive.
WOC attendees have a chance to hear about the growing momentum for 3D printing in building codes. What can we expect to learn about that?
3D Construction Printing is one of the fastest growing, emerging concrete construction techniques entering the residential and commercial marketplace. The influx of new layering techniques, machine designs and materials is rapidly transforming construction as we know it. When any innovation enters the market, adoption can be challenging.
This year we once again will feature the 3D Construction Printing Luncheon & Forum, which will focus on the challenges contractors face as they bring this technology to the field. In this interactive, peer-to-peer environment, a panel of industry experts will discuss the challenges and attempt to develop, train and educate the new type of employee needed to staff, manage and lead this industry.
Our experts will explore the skills machine operators need to operate in this industry, what types of training are required to ensure safe operation on job sites and what types of operational skills managers should adopt.
Two major sessions to look out for cover constructability and bridging gaps between contractors and engineers. Can you offer a preview of what those will be like?
WOC’s new Engineering: Designing for Constructability is geared toward engineers, architects, designers and other professionals involved in the design and construction of concrete structures.
This morning session focuses on:
- Designing for constructability
- Avoiding common pitfalls when designing slabs-on-ground
- How to design fiber-reinforced slabs-on-ground
New for 2026, Engineering: Bridging the Gap Between the General Contractor & the Engineer will focus on improving concrete construction productivity. It will cover:
- The importance of constructability and how design, drawings and specifications affect it
- How to improve the efficiency of building concrete structures through design
- How to avoid costly design/construction conflicts
WOC is offering bilingual seminars this year. Why is it so crucial for attendees to have English and Spanish spoken throughout a core class?
The introduction of bilingual seminars at World of Concrete 2026, with English and Spanish spoken in some classes, is crucial for fostering inclusivity and accessibility in an increasingly diverse construction industry. Spanish-speaking professionals make up a significant portion of the workforce, particularly in the United States and offering seminars in both languages ensures that critical knowledge, certifications and training are accessible to all attendees, regardless of their primary language.