Let's Get It Started! CONEXPO Opens Vegas Style
The ribbon-cutting opening ceremonies of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011 included industry leaders with traditional giant scissors. Mike Haberman, president of Gradall and the 2011 show chairman, talked about the urgency of upgrading the nation's infrastructure. He announced the launch of the "I Make America" campaign to support policies that protect U.S. manufacturing and construction jobs as well as passage of a new long-term surface transportation bill.
But in true Las Vegas style, the opening ceremonies also included a rap band singing "Let's Get It Started" by the Black Eyed Peas while they banged on giant equipment attachments and made noises with a welding torch.
And then came the drum corps, playing multi-headed drums—so much noise! Ah, yes. This CONEXPO is sure to have some of the good old CONEXPO sizzle!
As the crowd walked through the gates, they were welcomed by the traditional CONEXPO statues.
And watched flags and cranes in the sky. But this year...the 60,000-sq-ft booth in the is showing off Chinese manufacturer Sany's offerings.
CONEXPO leaders report that attendance is likely to be over 120,000 this year—in the range of many CONEXPOs past. Peak traffic in 2008 was over 140,000.