Big Ideas That Build The Future, From The Ground Up
The Ground Breakers Keynote Stage is coming to the show in 2026, a new feature spotlighting innovations and leadership in construction.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is breaking new ground
Introducing the Ground Breakers Keynote Stage - a bold new spotlight on the companies and innovations redefining what’s next in construction. From March 3–6, the Ground Breakers stage in West Hall 108-110 will transform into a high-energy forum where top leaders and leading brands will unveil the ideas that will shape tomorrow’s jobsite. This is an included with admission and is no additional cost.
Through bold storytelling and future-defining conversations, you’ll experience:
- AI at Work: How artificial intelligence and next-gen technologies are reshaping projects, productivity, and safety.
- The New Sustainability Playbook: Discover how the industry is building greener, and smarter.
- Smarter Tools, Smarter Sites: What’s next for the connected systems that are revolutionizing the way we build.
Ground Breakers Stage Schedule
Open to all attendees with their badge!
Never Idle: Tech Made Easy and Grounded in Purpose
March 03, 2026
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
The construction industry has been going through a shift. The John Deere keynote centers on the transformative role of technology in addressing persistent challenges in the construction industry, emphasizing the integration of automation, data, and AI to enhance productivity, labor efficiency, and operational uptime. The keynote highlights the ongoing evolution from machine automation to intelligent data utilization for real-time decision-making and profitability.
End-to-End Connectivity for Construction: On Highway, Off Highway, One Solution, One Platform
March 03, 2026
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
As the impact of AI and advanced insights grows, so does the demand for a single connectivity platform that spans across business functions (On/Off-highway). Geotab examines the challenges and opportunities of a single platform for logistics, service, and on-site asset management for the construction industry.
Geotab introduces a new approach applying the scale and capabilities of a leading global connectivity and analytics provider and focusing those on the specific problem set most impactful to the off-highway sector.
Speakers
Neil Cawse | CEO | Geotab
Designing Autonomy Around People: The Future of Remote Mining and Quarry Operations
March 03, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
As automation and remote operations redefine mining and quarrying, one principle remains constant: technology should empower people, not sideline them. This session explores how Luck Stone and Epiroc are advancing a new model of human–machine collaboration through the real-world deployment of autonomous drilling systems.
Discover how operator-centered control environments, advanced data integration, and autonomy platforms are redefining safety, performance, and decision-making in modern quarry operations. With a focus on human insight and skill development, this presentation reveals how full autonomy can strengthen both productivity and purpose in modern mines and quarries.
Speakers
Chuck Stilson | Senior Director of Engineering | Luck Stone
+ more…Ron Hankins | VP & Business Line Manager - Surface & Exploration Drilling Equipment | Epiroc USA
Leading in the Age of AI
March 03, 2026
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Ready or not, AI is here. And it’s redefining how we lead, innovate, and grow.
Join Martin Willoughby, CEO of Command Alkon, as he takes the stage to explore what it truly means to lead in the Age of AI and how to harness real tools, today, to drive meaningful transformation across your organization.
Martin will share a bold vision for the future – one where leaders cultivate a culture of curiosity, creativity, and courage. Learn how to empower your teams to think beyond the status quo, reimagine old processes, and unlock new levels of productivity and innovation.
Attendees can expect real-world insights, thought-provoking strategies, and inspiration to become the kind of leader who doesn’t just adapt to change but drives it. If you’re ready to future-proof your organization and spark innovation from the inside out, this is the session you can’t miss.
Speakers
Martin Willoughby | Chief Executive Officer | Command Alkon
The Next Era of Earthmoving: How Robotic Intelligence is Transforming Construction Productivity
March 04, 2026
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Construction is on the brink of its next major productivity leap. In this session, Gravis Robotics CEO Ryan Luke Johns explores how augmentation and autonomy are reshaping earthmoving—from safety and productivity gains to the emergence of multi-machine orchestration. Attendees will get a practical look at the autonomy adoption curve and how crews can introduce new technologies with minimal operational friction. The talk includes real examples from active jobsites around the world, and a forward look at what this technology means for the future of construction.
Speakers
Ryan Luke Johns | CEO & Co-Founder | Gravis Robotics
Solving Customers’ Toughest Challenges through Advanced Digital & Technology Solutions
March 04, 2026
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Beyond the Truck: Differentiating with Services & Solutions
March 04, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
In today’s competitive landscape, the true value of a truck extends far beyond its hardware. Join us for a deep dive into how innovative services and integrated solutions are redefining the trucking industry. Discover how connectivity, safety systems, uptime management, digital platforms and tailored support are transforming fleets, driving customer success and setting a new standard for differentiation. Learn from real-world examples and industry leaders about what it takes to deliver value that goes well beyond the vehicle itself — and why the future of trucking is all about what’s beyond the truck.
Speakers
Stephen Roy | President | Mack Trucks and Chairman of Volvo Group North America
+ more…Jonathan Randall | President | Mack Trucks North America
Nicole Portello | SVP, Services, Solutions, Digital & IT, and Chief Digital Officer | Mack Trucks
From Iron to Impact: How VR Simulation Is Transforming Heavy Equipment Training
March 04, 2026
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Construction and agricultural equipment manufacturers face mounting pressure to train operators and technicians faster, safer, and more consistently—while dealing with rising equipment costs, shrinking labor pools, increasing safety requirements, and limited access to machines for training. Traditional training methods struggle to scale, expose expensive equipment to damage, use costly consumables, and often place novice operators into high-risk situations far too early.
In this session, Greg Meyers, CEO of ForgeFX Simulations, will explore how VR-based simulation training is being used by leading equipment manufacturers to directly address these challenges. Drawing on real-world projects developed for brands such as John Deere, JLG, Vermeer, Komatsu, and others, the talk will examine common business problems across construction and agricultural sectors, the VR solutions designed to solve them, and the measurable outcomes achieved—from reduced damage and faster operator ramp-up to improved safety and training consistency.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of where VR simulation delivers real return on investment, how it integrates with existing training ecosystems and how production-ready simulators deliver impressive results.
Speakers
Greg Meyers | Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder | ForgeFX Simulations
Smart Machines are Reshaping Construction
March 05, 2026
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
The construction site of tomorrow is being reshaped by intelligent, connected machines that work smarter, safer, and more efficiently. Advances in AI, automation, and connected technologies are giving equipment manufacturers new ways to innovate, reduce costs, and create safer, more sustainable jobsites, all while opening opportunities for new business models and greater productivity. Learn how these new technology capabilities, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), are helping AWS customers build more efficient, resilient, and safer job sites.
Speakers
Dave Kranzler | Director IoT Services | AWS
The Global Technology Trends Shaping the Construction Industry
March 05, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Learn about the biggest global trends in construction technology and innovation from the leaders in areas including automation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, drones, workforce, jobsite efficiency and robotics.
Speakers
John Somers | Vice President, Construction & Utility Sector | Association of Equipment Manufacturers
+ more…Zulq Malik | Founder and CEO | SMARTBUILD
Ty Findley | Co-Founder and General Partner | Ironspring Ventures
Matthew Abeles | Vice President, Construction Technology and Innovation | Associated Builders and Contractors
Nick Espinosa | Chief Security Fanatic | Security Fanatics
Colin Guinn | CEO | Gel Blaster
Vivin Hegde | GP and Founding Partner | Zacua Ventures
Bharani Rajakumar | Founder and CEO | Transfr Inc
What’s Next for U.S. Infrastructure
March 06, 2026
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Nearly five years after the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), U.S. infrastructure still holds an overall “C” grade, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Report Card. As the industry reflects on what’s been accomplished – and what challenges remain – CONEXPO-CON/AGG and AEM are partnering with POLITICO to convene a timely conversation on what’s next:
Washington has made bold promises to revitalize American infrastructure, upending decades-old trade practices and spending billions to boost critical sectors like energy, transportation, and manufacturing. Meanwhile, the backbone of U.S. commerce — the surface infrastructure needed to keep goods moving — remains in need of significant investment. POLITICO will bring together power players from politics, government and industry for in-depth conversations on the policy decisions being made today that will shape infrastructure — and the construction industry — tomorrow.
Next Level Awards Ceremony
March 06, 2026
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
The construction industry’s most innovative achievements take center stage! The Next Level Awards honor the cutting-edge advancements redefining what’s possible across the construction industry. Voting opens on Tuesday, March 3 and closes at 5 PM PST on Thursday, March 5. Once the votes are tallied, it’s time to meet the winners on Friday, March 6 at 10:30 AM PST. During this special presentation, CONEXPO-CON/AGG will unveil the Next Level Awards Contractor’s Choice for both Equipment and Technology. Come see who takes home the top prize!
Suicide Prevention: Science into Action
March 06, 2026
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Speakers
Christine Yu Moutier | AFSP
Exhibit Design Awards, Managed by EXHIBITOR Magazine
March 06, 2026
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
The Exhibit Design Awards honor the most creative and impactful booth designs at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. Join us at the Ground Breakers Stage when EXHIBITOR Magazine unveils its four winners per size category along with one “Editor’s Choice” award winner.
Engineering the Future of Power: Smarter, Cleaner, and Connected Jobsite Solutions
March 06, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
The demand for more efficient, low-emission, and intelligently connected power systems is reshaping how equipment is engineered for today’s construction and industrial environments. In this session, Erick Schram, Sr. Engineering Manager at ANA, discusses key developments shaping modern temporary power, with a focus on hybrid system design, real-time telemetry, and how load data can inform operational decisions.
Erick will share how engineering teams are reducing complexity for operators, improving reliability in harsh conditions, and leveraging connected technology to lower fuel use and total cost of ownership. Attendees will gain practical insight into what’s possible today, what’s coming next, and how smarter power systems can support the evolving demands of modern jobsites.
Speakers
Erick Schram | Senior Project Manager | ANA, Inc.
See the latest information Regarding the Ground Breakers Stage
Time to Take Construction to the Next Level
Join construction professionals across the world in Las Vegas, March 3-7, 2026, and witness the latest and greatest in innovative equipment and technology solutions.
Use promo code STAGE20 to save 20% on show admission. Offer expires March 2, 2026.
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