The countdown to the 2023 edition of the co-located CONEXPO-CON/AGG and International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE) shows has begun. These triennial events—considered to be among the world's largest for the construction, mining and fluid power industries—are set to take place March 14-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).
IFPE brings together the latest technologies related to the fluid power industry as well as power transmission and motion control. Along with traditional hydraulics and pneumatics components are sensors, robotics, data analytics technology and more which can all be used in tandem to create more efficient systems and machines.
READ MORE: Registration Opens for IFPE 2023
In addition to the over 300 exhibits, IFPE also offers 150 educational sessions. This provides attendees the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends and design methods to help improve upon their product developments.
The 2023 IFPE show will be co-chaired by Marcia Klein, treasurer at Casappa Corp.—also the first woman to chair the event—and Bob Pettit, certified Fluid Power Specialist and North American CEO of HAWE Hydraulik. Both say they look forward to helping guide direction of the exhibition and its educational sessions.
"IFPE provides a dynamic global resource for industry professionals to keep up with the latest advances and interact with the fluid power community," said Eric Lanke, president and CEO of the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA), which co-owns the show, in a press release announcing the 2023 co-chairs. "Both Marcia and Bob bring such a depth of knowledge about the fluid power world to the IFPE committee, I can’t wait to get to Vegas for the next show."
Education Sessions to Focus on Key Industry Trends
According to IFPE's organizers, its educational events are intended to provide crucial information on new technologies benefitting those designing components and systems for fluid power, power transmission and motion control.
Automation, digitization and electrification will be among the trends highlighted at the 2023 event. John Rozum, IFPE show directo,r said in a press release about the educational sessions that these trends are more than buzz words, they are in use and helping shape the industry. "From smart systems and energy efficiency to machine safety and motion control, the technology of tomorrow is out there today. We’re looking for the experts who can bring these technologies to life, share their insights and help show attendees gain valuable knowledge that they can take back to their businesses."
A call for educational content was sent out in 2021; submissions are currently under consideration by the show's education committee and it is currently seeking presenters.
Topics of interest for the 2023 IFPE educational sessions will focus on the following areas:
- IoT- Smart Systems/Connected Systems
- Electrification of Vehicle Powertrains (hybrid to fully electric)
- Electrification of motion control
- Equipment Up-Time Optimization and Availability
- Energy Efficiency
- Machine Safety
- Autonomous Equipment/Machines
- Professional Development (career development, workforce issues, economics)
Convention Center Improvements Increase Show Size and Accessibility
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE are huge, taking over the majority of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Per show organizers, CONEXPO-CON/AGG alone accounts for 2.7 million sq. ft. of space.
The newly built and completed West Hall will reportedly add an extra 1.4 million sq. ft. of indoor space, including 600,000 sq. ft. of what is being referred to as "technologically advanced" exhibit space by the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), owner of the show, says it is making the West Hall a hub for earthmoving and materials handling displays for the 2023 event.
Getting from one end of the convention center to the other will be easier now with the completion of the the LVCC Loop, an underground system using Tesla vehicles to carry attendees between halls. The loop runs from the Diamond Lot which is located next to the new West Hall all the way to South Hall, making stops at the Central Hall to provide easier accessibility to all of the major halls. There will also be shuttle service available to carry attendees from the West Hall all the way to the Festival Lot.
"AEM and our show committees of industry leaders are working to take advantage of everything that has changed in Las Vegas to deliver a top-notch event delivering the latest innovations and best practices to help construction pros take their businesses and careers to the next level," said Dana Wuesthoff, show director of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, in a recent press release from AEM discussing the event. "Between the West Hall and Diamond Lot bringing a lot of displays closer to the rest of the show as well as serving as a connector to the Festival Lot, and the LVCC Loop making it effortless to get across the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, it’s never been easier for attendees to see everything they want to learn about when they get there."
