Inaugural CONEXPO Latin America a Success
November 20, 2015
The CONEXPO Latin America opening ribbon cutting featured, from left, Juan Ignacio Silva, president FIIC; Dennis Slater, AEM president; Sergio Galilea, Under Secretary of Public Works; Paulina Saball, Minister of Housing; Carlos Molinare, President Insitute of Cement & Concrete; Jorge Mas, President Chilean Chamber of Construction. Photo credit: FISA
Nearly 32,600 registrants from more than 90 countries attended the inaugural CONEXPO Latin America, exceeding organizers’ original expectations.
CONEXPO Latin America was held Oct. 21-24, in Santiago, Chile (Espacio Riesco), co-located with Edifica and EXPO HORMIGÓN. In addition to the host country of Chile, significant numbers of professional attendees came from throughout the region. The top five Latin American countries besides the host country (in order) were Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia.
“We appreciated the opportunity to co-locate with these two prestigious exhibitions and bring another dimension and broader perspective with the addition of the equipment manufacturers,” said Paul Puissegur, CONEXPO Latin America show director. “We are very pleased with the positive reaction to our exhibition. Our manufacturers understand the continued business opportunities in the region and Chile as a leader.”
CONEXPO Latin America featured the latest construction-related equipment, products, technologies and services for Latin America with the innovations that advance productivity, efficiencies, safety and sustainability. Attendees were able to discuss business solutions directly with the manufacturers and engineers.
“CONEXPO Latin America offered LiuGong a high quality, professional platform to meet with old and new customers from Chile and throughout the region. The event was very successful for us with several pieces of equipment sold,” said Tan Zuozhou, LiuGong Latin America (China).
The event exceeded its original space goal by more than 60 percent, and covered 40,000 square meters of exhibits, education and networking, including more than 300 exhibitors from around the world. Five international exhibit pavilions provided added value and were organized by China, Germany, Italy, North America and United Kingdom.
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CONEXPO-quality education complemented the innovations on the exhibition floor, with six seminars on industry best practices and featuring regional and international experts. Industry support enhanced the show experience with more than 80 industry official supporting organizations and media.
“We are very happy with CONEXPO Latin America 2015 and the number of attendees. We had many visitors, made good contacts and we are leaving the show with all equipment on the show floor sold,” said Manuel Gomez Noelia, head of sales, Indumix SA (Argentina).
Together CONEXPO Latin America, Edifica and EXPO HORMIGÓN brought 800 exhibitors to Santiago. Companies showcased the latest products and services on 75,000 square meters.
“It is a very emotional moment for the Latin American region and also for JLG to participate in this first edition of CONEXPO Latin America. AEM’s commitment with producing this trade show in the region has provided us with an excellent experience this week. It’s a clear indication of growth and the importance of Latin America for the industry,” said Diana C. Serna-Serrano, marketing manager – Latin America, JLG Industries, Inc. (USA).
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has worked with the Chilean Chamber of Construction (CChC) for more than a decade to foster mutual cooperation on issues including safety, standards development, market information and trade promotion.
“AEM has a longstanding commitment to Latin America to advance business development and cooperation; we are privileged to work together with the leading organizations in Chile, and throughout the region,” said AEM President Dennis Slater.
In conjunction with CONEXPO Latin America, Edifica and EXPO HORMIGÓN, the CChC hosted the 30th Congress of the Interamerican Construction Federation (Federacion Interamericana de la Industria de la Construccion, FIIC). Nearly 80 high-level contractor delegates from FICC’s 18 member associations throughout the region attended the event at the show venue.
“We are especially fortunate to have developed a strong and continuing relationship with the Chilean Chamber of Construction as a key show partner; we value their support and the support of all industry partners,” said Slater. “It is with their help that we have been able to bring the CONEXPO brand here.”
CONEXPO Latin America continues its commitment to the Latin America region, returning in October 2016 with a high-level seminar program in Lima, Peru. For the latest CONEXPO Latin America information, visit conexpolatinamerica.com.
