Hosted every year in Las Vegas, the World of Concrete Convention is a leading event for the concrete, masonry and construction industries. It features exhibitors showcasing the latest products and technologies, as well as educational sessions and networking opportunities for professionals in the field. If you decide to join the WOC convention they offer a large selection of educational courses, from leadership in construction, to technical license and certifications. This was the conventions 50th year bringing people together to talk concrete and construction. Each year the convention grows in popularity showing that in its growing numbers of participants, over 60k this year. They trickle in from all over the US and even other countries. Let’s chat a little about how I spent my week there.
First class of the convention was a concrete class focused on concrete placement and finishing defects. This class touched on preparation, finishing diagnostics, and solutions. The classes were well set up to easily follow along with as well as sending you home with a printed booklet of the presentation. Seeing how my pass was for the emerging leader classes, my classes and education really honed in on leadership development. My second course was called “everything you need to know about leadership in construction.” We talked about the new face of the work force and what the differences we are seeing between old and new school employees, how to help grow and motivate them in ways that work for them, and what drives people.
I am not going to go over all 7 courses I participated in but in honor of Nation Woman’s day I would like to touch on the last class I took, which also happen to be the only class that was not completely full. Woman in construction. While there were about 50 woman in this class it is also a new class this year as woman start making their presence known in construction. The women in there came from all kinds of different positions, we had woman concrete finishers, ready mix office ladies, business owners, and project managers like myself in there. In this class we spoke about communication and delivery of our expectations, setting boundaries, building our personal brands, and gaining respect in our fields. I want to say it is empowering to see so many ladies out there working hard, and making their imprint in construction. I can’t wait to see what that class looks like in years to come.
World of concrete is an overall great convention that puts on monstrous displays of technology and innovation, while making it a fun experience. Whether you are a general contractor or in the concrete business there is unlimited opportunity for education, networking and testing out the newest tools waiting for you at next years event. I appreciate the chance to join in and represent DC and H construction this year!
Lacey North
Senior project manager
541-621-5873
