Milwaukee (June 12, 2025) - CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the largest construction trade show in North America, is expanding its award program, The Next Level Awards, for the 2026 show with the introduction of two categories: Equipment and Technology. This awards program premiered during CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, when Holcim’s ECOPact Low-Carbon Concrete was selected as the Next Level Award’s Contractors’ Choice Award Winner. The Next Level Awards celebrate companies pushing the boundaries and delivering innovative products, services, and technologies that move the construction industry forward.
Nominations open August 19, 2025, and close December 1, 2025. A panel of industry experts and leaders, (to be announced soon), will select 10 finalists in each category ahead of CONEXPO-CON/AGG. During the show, held March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas, attendees will vote for their favorite in each category with winners announced on the “Ground Breakers” keynote stage Friday, March 6.
"This expansion of the Next Level Awards exemplifies the commitment of CONEXPO-CON/AGG to advance the construction industry by elevating and celebrating its groundbreaking innovations that have an enormous impact on how we build our world,” said CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director Dana Wuesthoff. “By highlighting the most inventive products, services, and technologies, we not only honor the pioneers driving progress but also inspire the entire industry to reach new heights.”
The Next Level Awards provide an excellent opportunity for companies to gain extra exposure and recognition for their innovative contributions to the industry. Finalists will be recognized in CONEXPO-CON/AGG press releases, social media, and other applicable channels, encouraging attendees to visit their booths and learn more about their cutting-edge products.
For more information on eligibility, application fee, criteria and the application portal click here.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Exhibit Design Awards: Honoring Exceptional Booth Designs
In addition to the Next Level Awards, CONEXPO-CON/AGG is introducing the CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2026 Exhibit Design Awards, managed by EXHIBITOR Magazine. This program will honor CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibitors and their outstanding booth design efforts.
All exhibits at the show will be automatically entered into the competition and placed in one of four size-based categories. EXHIBITOR magazine staff will complete the first round of impartial judging, selecting up to ten finalists in each category. These finalists will then be judged by a group of esteemed designers and marketers on-site. Judges will also select an “Editor’s Choice” award winner.
The winners will be announced on the Ground Breakers Stage and will receive a trophy and a scholarship to attend EXHIBITORLIVE 2026. This recognition not only highlights the creativity and effort put into booth designs but also inspires the broader industry with innovative and impactful presentations.
"We’re delighted to partner with CONEXPO-CON/AGG to lead the CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2026 Exhibit Design Awards,” said Emily Olson, editor of EXHIBITOR magazine. “For more than 30 years, EXHIBITOR has recognized compelling and effective trade show design, and working with an event that prioritizes innovation in exhibit and experiential design is a natural fit. Our editorial team and panel of expert judges are eager to see the creativity CONEXPO-CON/AGG participants will unveil in 2026.”
For more information on how to participate in the Next Level Awards and the CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2026 Exhibit Design Awards, please visit the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Awards and Recognition page here.
About CONEXPO-CON/AGG
Held every three years, CONEXPO-CON/AGG is the must-attend event for construction industry professionals. The show features the latest equipment, products, services and technologies for the construction industry, as well as industry-leading education. CONEXPO-CON/AGG is owned in partnership with NRMCA, NSSGA and AEM and managed by AEM. The next CONEXPO-CON/AGG will be held March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information on CONEXPO-CON/AGG, visit https://www.conexpoconagg.com.
About AEM
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is North America’s premier trade organization representing off-road equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners. With a rich history spanning over 125+ years, AEM serves more than 1,100 members companies across 200+ product lines in multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, utility, and forestry. AEM supports an industry that contributes approximately $316 billion annually to the U.S. economy while sustaining 2.3 million jobs. Through advocacy, market intelligence, and industry collaboration, AEM works to advance the interests of equipment manufacturers and their partners in the global marketplace. For more information, visit https://www.aem.org.
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