MILWAUKEE (November 7, 2025) – CONEXPO-CON/AGG pays tribute to those who have worn the uniform as the nation pauses to recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans this Veterans Day.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG continues to spotlight the people and principles that power our progress. Returning March 3-7, 2026 to Las Vegas, CONEXPO-CON/AGG will unite the equipment, ideas, and workforce shaping the future of construction.
The show serves as a hub for innovation, safety, leadership, and workforce development, including efforts to connect military veterans with meaningful careers in the skilled trades. Through on-site education, hands-on technology, and partnerships that reflect the industry’s commitment to community, CONEXPO-CON/AGG honors the values of service, strength, and resilience that veterans exemplify.
“Veterans represent the best of what makes this industry strong; grit, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose,” said Dana Wuesthoff, CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director. “As we honor their service this Veterans Day, we also recognize the invaluable role they play in advancing the future of construction. At CONEXPO-CON/AGG, we are proud to continue fostering opportunities that connect veterans to rewarding careers in the trades.”
Register to Attend CONEXPO-CON/AGG March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas
Veterans Day honors the service members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, as well as the newest addition, the U.S. Space Force.
The construction industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of veteran talent in addressing critical workforce shortages. According to a 2024 report by the Home Builders Institute, approximately 6.5% of the veteran workforce was employed in construction. With skills that transfer seamlessly from combat zones to construction zones – such as logistics, operations, problem-solving, and teamwork – veterans are uniquely positioned to succeed in building America’s future.
Recognizing the value veterans bring to the construction workforce, employers are exploring ways to integrate veterans into their hiring pipelines, recognizing their mission-oriented mindset, technical training, and adaptability as powerful assets on the jobsite.
“Veterans understand structure, follow-through, and teamwork in ways that many organizations dream of,” said Dr. Larry Kokkelenberg, organizational development expert and keynote speaker from CONEXPO CON/AGG 2023. “When you hire a veteran, you’re not offering charity, you’re investing in proven leadership.”
This commitment to workforce development will take center stage at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, scheduled for March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas. With a continued focus on innovation, leadership, and hands-on training, the show will explore the future of construction through exhibits, demonstrations, and education sessions designed to empower the next generation of skilled professionals, including veterans.
Five Fast Facts About Veterans Day
-
Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, which formally concluded on November 11, 1918.
-
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation officially renaming the holiday to Veterans Day to honor all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
-
Veterans Day is always observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week.
-
The National Ceremony is held each year at Arlington National Cemetery, with a wreath laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
As we honor those who served, CONEXPO-CON/AGG encourages industry leaders to reflect on the role veterans play not only in safeguarding our country but in building it.
Receive exclusive insights from contractors and construction leaders, along with weekly updates on industry trends and technologies. Subscribe to CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365 for the latest news and updates.
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.
###