ICUEE 2013 Surpasses 2011 Attendance, Exhibit Numbers
The 2013 ICUEE show was by all measures an outstanding success and one of the largest and most comprehensive ever, with registered attendance of more than 17,500, surpassing the last show, held in 2011.
The 2013 ICUEE — International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition — ran Oct.1-3, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. ICUEE targets utilities and utility contractors in the following sectors: electric, telecommunications, wastewater, water, natural gas, cable, and rail.
“We hope the great turnout and participation at this year’s ICUEE points to more sustainable and broader industry growth. Attendees said ICUEE prepares them for what lies ahead and that the show is where they go to find new products and solutions, make buying decisions, and learn the latest industry best practices,” stated ICUEE show director Sara Truesdale Mooney.
A final registration count of more than 17,500 made the 2013 show the second highest attended in ICUEE history; international attendance was also second-highest. Participants came from all 50 states, all 10 Canadian provinces and 50 other countries worldwide.
ICUEE 2013 had a record 862 exhibitors, and the show floor hit a record 1,173,957 net sq ft, including co-located H20-XPO and iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo. The indoor and outdoor exhibits offered utilities and utility contractors the ultimate in comparison shopping for new products and equipment, with the hands-on product demonstrations that are a hallmark of ICUEE.
There was a lot for the trenchless technology professional to take in at the 2013 ICUEE, including The Toro Co., which used the event as a coming out party to the trenchless market, introducing its HDD drills in the company’s trademark red. Toro purchased Astec Underground’s underground equipment line in 2012. American Augers also unveiled a new mud system (MCM300), mud pump (P350) and shakers (MCD1000).
Sharewell introduced its Thunderbolt2 — an electric, remote controled auger boring machine that can be used for pipe diameters up to 48 in. Its use of electrical power means zero emissions and up to 75 percent fuel savings over traditionally powered machines. Sharewell also showcased its Thunderstorm 2 mud cleaning system that features a 3,000-gal split tank.
Vermeer revealed its new marketing campaign — Equipped to Do More — and introduced to market several HDD technologies, including the D9x13 S3 Navigator HDD — the first of the S3 generation of drills — which features improved hydraulic efficiency and enhanced speed for greater drilling performance. The D9x13 S3 is designed for installation of utilities such as communication, power, gas and water, as well as some limited sewer applications. Also new was its D220x300 Navigator HDD, which features 240,000 lbs of thrust/pullback and 30,000 ft-lbs of rotational torque, giving it the versatility to perform urban utility work, as well as large pipeline installation.
McLaughlin unveiled its second generation vacuum excavator series that offer efficient and clean-burning engines, improved sound reduction and operator-friendly enhancements and Tier 4 Final engine technology. An improved external hydraulic door opens at an 85 degree angle, allowing for easier and more rapid dumping and cleaning of the spoils tank. A patented mechanical cam-over locking system provides a 360 degree positive door seal, even under reverse pressure, without additional clamping requirements.
Ditch Witch also introduced new HDD drills at the show — the JT60 and JT 60 All Terrain. Each drill offers 60,000 lb of thrust and pullback plus 9,000 ft-lbs of rotational torque — a combination that results in efficient and productive installation of utilities. Also showcased was innovative solution to the truck-mounted vacuum market. The FXT50 Truck Vac mounts directly to your truck’s frame rails, maximizing structural integrity by allowing system components to flex independently of the truck.
A record 11 co-located education programs and events — more than double the previous benchmark — provided attendees additional value for their show experience. Attendees purchased 40 percent more education tickets for ICUEE 2013 than at the last show, underscoring the relevancy of the targeted, expert education offered by leading industry groups to better meet attendees’ specific needs.
“There were numerous new product introductions, and we heard many favorable comments from both attendees and exhibitors about the high caliber of the 2013 show and the high-quality professional support from AEM as show owner and producer,” Mooney said.
The next edition of the biennial show will be held Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2015 in Louisville.