Organizers for IFPE and the co-located CONEXPO-CON/AGG have added two new features to the 2023 show — a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and an awards program.
Through these initiatives, the events aim to provide an enhanced experience for attendees and exhibitors. Launching the awards program helps to highlight the latest technological innovations in the industry while partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation provides an opportunity to participate in sustainability initiatives that will benefit generations to come.
Arbor Day Foundation Partnership Aims to Reduce Environmental Impact
By collaborating with the Arbor Day Foundation, show owners the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) are hoping to help offset the carbon footprint created by a large tradeshow like CONEXPO and IFPE. The organizations plan to plant over 130,000 trees, one for every show registrant according to AEM, in U.S. forests with the greatest need.
In addition, attendees and exhibitors can make additional contributions to the tree planting efforts when they register for the show or on the show grounds at a special booth. A dedicated website has also been established for anyone to make a donation at any time.
READ MORE: Registration Opens for IFPE 2023
"The opportunity to plant trees in conjunction with one of the largest trade shows in North America will have an incredible impact on our reforestation efforts," said Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, in AEM's press release announcing the partnership. "We know that trees are a key part of the solution to some of the biggest issues facing our planet, and partners like CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE can help us achieve the scale necessary to drive meaningful impact in the places that need it most."
According to AEM, the partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation is just one of the ways the association is working toward improving the sustainability of the event. AEM notes in its press release announcing the Arbor Day Foundation partnership that reducing the carbon footprint of the show as well as the industry is an important focus. Educational sessions at CONEXPO 2023 will include 13 focused specifically on sustainability topics such as tracking emissions, recycling and carbon neutrality.
"Our show is about finding solutions to challenges," said Dana Wuesthoff, CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director. "More and more, our attendees and exhibitors are challenged to think of the greater good in their business practices. Teaming with an organization like The Arbor Day Foundation provides an opportunity to not only impact the CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE led reforestation project, but it also provides another connection for our exhibitors and attendees to work with to help navigate and align their business strategy and sustainability efforts in their communities."
Inaugural Next Level Awards Honors Advanced Technologies
AEM has launched the Next Level Awards program for CONEXPO and IFPE 2023 as a way to celebrate accomplishments exhibiting companies have made in developing next level technologies, products and services which can help advance the construction industry. Ten finalists will be selected and highlighted during the show; attendees will be able to vote at CONEXPO and IFPE on what they deem as the Contractor's Top Choice.
All CONEXPO and IFPE 2023 exhibitors in good standing who have created products for the construction industry are eligible to participate in the awards program. Per AEM, products must meet one of the following characteristics:
Applications are currently being accepted and can be submitted through November 30, 2022. Rules, regulations and further information can be found in exhibitors' CONEXPO and IFPE dashboard.
Products will be judged by a panel consisting of various members of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). The panel will select the 10 finalists who will be able to include recognition of their nominated product at their booth. On-site voting will allow show attendees to see the products in person, enabling them to make a more informed decision on which product to vote for as the winner.
"We are excited to recognize the innovative construction products that are taking the industry to the next level," said Wuesthoff in AEM's press release announcing the launch of the awards program. "Exhibitors, large and small, have an opportunity to be recognized for driving ideas and developing products or services to advance the industry. This is an exciting edition to CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE and we strongly encourage exhibitors to enter."
