World of Concrete, the largest annual gathering for the concrete and masonry trades, returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center Jan. 18-21, 2027. The show, entering its 53rd year, attracted more than 47,400 registered professionals in 2026.
The 2027 program will feature all of the world-class competitions that have become synonymous with WOC and several new elements for professionals who want to leave with insight they can use immediately. Here’s a look at what you can expect.
Experts and innovation everywhere
World of Concrete has made a concerted effort to elevate its opportunities to connect with experts and thought leaders. One of the more anticipated new additions to the show is the Connect with the Experts roundtable Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Unlike traditional conferences that focus on prepared presentations, the roundtable will give attendees a chance to have personal, candid conversations with industry leaders. During the 90-minute session, attendees will rotate through three expert-led discussions, spending about 30 minutes at each table.
Tuesday won’t be the lone opportunity to connect with experts. WOC’s Luncheon & Forum series runs all week. Monday’s new AI Luncheon will explore how AI and machine learning systems are solving specific, high-impact field problems. Wednesday’s Quality in Concrete Slabs Luncheon will dive into proper slab surface treatments. Thursday’s 3D Construction Printing Luncheon & Forum will cover how new building codes are changing the technology. And each morning, Master Builders will host Breakfast with the Experts, where industry leaders answer the toughest questions in an intimate setting. A separate breakfast session, titled “Built to Thrive,” will focus on career growth and leadership for women in the concrete industry.
Another wrinkle in this year’s show is a new format to connect with vendors. Contractors interested in new technology without the sales pitches are encouraged to stop by WOC’s new Innovation & Inspiration LIVE! presentation stages in the North and South Halls for 45-minute sessions throughout the show.
A busy show floor
The show floor is split across three halls and two outdoor lots. Central Hall is where the heavy iron lives, with material handling equipment for trucks, excavators and concrete placement alongside the general WOC exhibits. It also hosts Work Truck LIVE!, powered by Modern WorkTruck Solutions magazine, where contractors can see how storage, truck beds, hitches, trailers, maintenance software and power sources turn a Class 2 through Class 7 fleet into a working job site tool. North Hall leans toward producers and technology. The Producer Center brings together batching software, materials and plant equipment for ready-mix operations, while Technology for Construction rounds up the latest software, robotics, AI and estimating tools. The precast and concrete masonry area covers blocks, pavers and production equipment, and the Cement Production Pavilion draws the manufacturing, plant automation and support side of the business. South Hall is the masonry and finishing end of the show. World of Masonry anchors it, joined by repair and demolition equipment for surface prep, grinding, scarifying and cutting, plus a full range of surface protection, cleaning, coatings and decorative concrete products. Step outside to the Silver and Bronze Lots for live demos, heavy machinery and hands-on time with decorative concrete.
Competitions
Wednesday, Jan. 20 is the day to be in the Bronze Lot. The lineup:
- 8 a.m.: Masonry Skills Challenge for apprentice bricklayers
- 10 a.m.: Spec Mix Toughest Tender
- 10:20 a.m.: MCAA’s Fastest Trowel on the Block
- 11 a.m.: Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 World Championship
The Western Star Trucks Get Tough Challenge, a CDL driving course, runs throughout show hours in the Bronze Lot.
Education
The 2027 education program includes more than 175 sessions and 65-plus new topics. Content spans technical applications, project management, business strategy and safety. Certifications and hands-on workshops are available.
The Economic Forecast Breakfast returns with economists Ed Sullivan and Pierre Villere presenting market projections and sector trends for the year ahead.
CIM auction
The Concrete Industry Management program’s silent and live auctions take place Jan. 20. WOC has helped raise more than $22 million for CIM over 21 years. The program, founded at Middle Tennessee State University in 1996, now runs at five universities.
Planning your visit
Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. Early-bird registration closes Dec. 11, 2026. The WOC mobile app will be available for download in December. Registration and hotel booking are at worldofconcrete.com.