After a successful inaugural year, the Canadian Concrete Expo returns to Toronto for its second instalment.
The Canadian Concrete Expo (CCE) team began researching the idea for the show in 2016. Customer survey calls were made to potential exhibitors, sponsors and attendees to garner insight on how to make the event a success.
The first expo took place over two days in 2018 and featured about 200 exhibitors throughout 13,950 square metres of the International Centre in Toronto.
“There is not an expo in Canada that provides anything like this for the Canadian manufacturers, suppliers or the concrete construction industry,” expo president Stuart Galloway said at the end of the event’s first year.
“Everybody generally has to go to another country if they want to see these products and services. That’s where the concept came from.”
Canadian Concrete Expo 2019
Now, the event returns to the International Centre on February 6 and 7. This year, the number of exhibitors has grown to include about 300 companies, on about 20,500 square metres of floor space.
The event, organized by 20/20 Show Productions Inc. and supported by the Cement Association of Canada, is expected to draw thousands of attendees from across Canada as well as New York State and Michigan.
Equipment demos
Alongside the 300 exhibitors, several companies will also demo their equipment at the expo in Hall 4 of the International Centre.
On Feb. 6, Taras Saplywyj, area manager for Lafarge Canada, alongside BASF Construction Chemicals, will present a full scale demonstration of the Lafarge Ultra Series FiberPlus Poly product line and the Artevia Exposed decorative concrete brand. As well, Lafarge will launch CityBAG, a new ready-mixed concrete to the Canadian market.
Bay-Lynx
Later that day, Samuel Overduin, sales manager for Bay-Lynx Manufacturing, will demonstrate how a volumetric concrete mixer is able to pour concrete with complete control of design, quality and quantity. During the demo, Bay-lynx will conduct a test pour and a walk through of the volumetric mixer’s capabilities.
BIK Hydraulics
The final demo of the day will see Elemer Ivan, president of BIK Hydraulics, introduce the company’s all new FC-67 BIK Series Forming Crane. The display will feature the FC-67 mounted on a Western Star Truck with a 6.7 metre flat deck demonstrating its quickness and agility by unloading form cage panels from the top seat controls and also by radio remote control, which comes as a standard feature on all BIK Series models.
Manulift
On Thursday, Michel Robert, marketing and communications manager for Manulift, will demonstrate how Merlo telehandlers are able to save you time on a jobsite.
For instance, the equipment demonstration will highlight how Merlo’s radio controlled, rotating telescopic handler handles concrete forms, as well as other exclusive features of the company’s machines.
Talking points
Alongside equipment demonstrations, more than two dozen conference sessions take place throughout the two-day expo.
Industry experts will deliver seminars on a variety of topics ranging from innovations in concrete pavement designs to the new ACI 562 concrete repair code and qualified inspector certification to attracting and retaining the next generation of employees.
Registration for conference session at the Canadian Concrete Expo cost $50.
Fastest Trowel
On Thursday at 10 a.m., show-goers will also be able to watch 12 teams from across Canada compete in the MCAA’s Fastest Trowel on the Block competition.
The winning team will be crowned Canadian champions as well as receive a $3,000 package to represent Canada at the World Championships in Las Vegas. The winners also receive two VIP passes to attend the 2019 Formula One race in Montreal.
For more information about the show, visit canadianconcreteexpo.com.
