2015 World of Concrete / World of Masonry

Words: Mike Solomon, Daniel Furr, Ian HuntMarch 2015 The Masonry Magazine crew headed to sunny and warm Las Vegas in early-February to attend one of the construction industry’s biggest business events and week-long parties, World of Concrete/World of Masonry. The event drew 55,779 registered professionals and featured more than 1,459 exhibitors across more than 675,000 net square feet of space. Our minds were blown by the continued innovation across the masonry construction industry. Throughout the week, we also attended the many educational and fun events during the MCAA Annual Convention (see coverage on pp. 14 – 18 of this issue). Following are a few highlights from an eventful week during World of Concrete/World of Masonry.

[caption id="attachment_6956" align="alignleft" width="290"] And they’re off! The BRICKLAYER 500 took place during Masonry Madness Day.[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_6957" align="alignleft" width="290"] Quikrete hosts highly popular live demos during World of Concrete/World of Masonry.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6958" align="alignleft" width="290"] Mike Solomon (right, light-colored shirt) with Premier Scaffold has a busy week during World of Concrete/World of Masonry.[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_6959" align="alignleft" width="290"] Xtreme Manufacturing reaches new heights during World of Concrete/World of Masonry.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6960" align="alignleft" width="290"] Ian Hunt, technical sales specialist at Mississippi Valley STIHL, demonstrates the new STIHL TSA 230 Cutquik battery-powered cut-off machine.[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_6961" align="alignleft" width="290"] Bennu Parts shows off the company’s popular scaffolding in the outdoor lots during World of Concrete/World of Masonry.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6962" align="alignleft" width="290"] The new Water Repellant Block and Mortar from Amerimix completely repel moisture, as shown in the company’s booth demo.[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_6963" align="alignleft" width="290"] Regular block and mortar are completely soaked.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6964" align="alignleft" width="290"] Ben Hochman of Bosch Power Tools and Accessories demonstrates the Bosch Mortar Knife.[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_6965" align="alignleft" width="290"] Jennifer Morrell, editor of Masonry Magazine, interviews Daniel Furr of North Carolina, first-place winner of the MCAA Masonry Skills Challenge, First Year division.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6966" align="alignleft" width="290"] Caterpillar’s Mike Peterson takes onlookers on a tour of the company’s new telehandler.[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_6973" align="alignleft" width="290"] Construction Robotics made a splash during World of Concrete/World of Masonry with a demo of its robot, SAM.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6968" align="alignleft" width="290"] The EZ Grout booth was home to a new exhibit this year, the company’s Grabber by EZ Lifline product.[/caption]