Published: 11. June 2025,
In construction, great outcomes start with great planning. That’s why, at Trackunit, we’re already looking ahead to 2026 — mapping the key construction events to connect, learn, and lead. From global equipment expos to focused conferences on rental, safety, and digital innovation, the year is set to deliver a packed calendar of industry-defining moments.
To help you get ahead, we’ve curated the top events across EMEA, APJ, and North America. Whether your focus is fleet management, telematics, powered access, or equipment rental, these events are where insight meets action — and where the future of the industry takes shape.
Dates: January 20–22, 2026 • Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, NV, USA
Official site: worldofconcrete.com
World of Concrete (WOC) is the industry’s only annual international construction event dedicated to commercial concrete and masonry. Every January, this show kicks off the construction trade show calendar in Las Vegas. It features indoor and outdoor exhibits of concrete mixers and pumps, cement trucks, rebar and formwork systems, trowels and polishers, masonry tools, and innovative concrete admixtures and technologies.
Why it matters:
Concrete is the foundation (literally) of the construction industry, and WOC is where concrete trends are set. In 2026, hot topics will include sustainability in concrete (e.g. low-carbon cement, carbon capture in concrete curing) and advanced construction methods like 3D concrete printing.
Dates: January 19–21, 2026 • Location: Hilton Anatole, Dallas, TX, USA
Official site: aednet.org/events/summit
The Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Summit takes place just ahead of Construction Week for Safety 2026 (Feb 17–19)—a timely moment for the industry to align on priorities around safety, service, and strategy. This yearly conference and trade show gathers heavy equipment dealers (who sell and service machinery), manufacturers, and affiliated service providers. The Summit features the AED Leadership Conference, networking events, and the CONDEX trade show where exhibitors showcase products and services tailored to equipment dealerships, from machinery to software and financial solutions.
Why it matters:
As construction events go, this one is really significant. Equipment dealers are a crucial link in the construction equipment value chain influencing what equipment ends up with end users. The AED Summit is where dealers get aligned on market conditions and swap insights on running effective dealerships. For 2026, with supply chains normalizing and technology changing equipment maintenance, hot topics will include adopting telematics for proactive service, managing inventory levels in uncertain markets, and strategies for rental diversification (many dealers also do rental).
Dates: March 2–5, 2026 (Trade Show: Mar. 2–4) • Location: Orlando, FL, USA
Official site: arashow.org
The ARA Show is the American Rental Association’s annual convention and the largest construction event for the equipment and rental sector in North America. It is “the ultimate place for rental professionals to network with peers, learn about the latest industry trends, and connect with suppliers of rental equipment”. The 2026 show returns to Orlando with an Education Day on Mar.
Why it matters:
As the biggest equipment rental expo in the US, the ARA Show sets the tone for the rental industry each year. It’s a prime venue to discover new revenue opportunities (e.g. new product categories to add to fleets) and to gauge the health of the industry.
Dates: March 3–7, 2026 • Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, NV, USA
Official site: conexpoconagg.com
CONEXPO-CON/AGG is North America’s largest construction trade show – a massive, tri-annual event that overtakes Las Vegas every three years. It is an international gathering place for the construction industries, showcasing the latest equipment, products, services and technologies. In 2026, over 2,000 exhibitors will span every sector: heavy machinery (excavators, loaders, cranes, etc.), asphalt and concrete equipment, aggregates processing (the “AGG” side), trucking, attachments, and construction tech.
Why it matters:
CONEXPO is often where we see “the future of construction” in real time. Manufacturers coordinate their R&D cycles around this massive construction event – for example, expect major announcements in electric and autonomous construction equipment (continuing the trends seen in 2023). There’s also a growing emphasis on digital integration: telematics platforms, construction management software, and connectivity solutions will be front and center.
Dates: March 2026 (Exact dates TBD) • Location: ExCeL London, London, UK
Official site: futurebuild.co.uk
Futurebuild is the UK’s premier event for innovation in the built environment, focused on sustainability, net-zero construction, and materials innovation. The show features exhibitors, startup showcases, and summits spanning climate action, smart cities, and circular construction practices. It’s an ecosystem event where technology meets policy, bringing together designers, contractors, and government decision-makers.
Why it matters:
If you’re looking to position around sustainability, carbon reduction, or digital construction tools, Futurebuild offers a strong thought leadership platform. This construction event is especially relevant for companies targeting public sector projects or urban decarbonization. With growing regulation across Europe, it’s also a good pulse check on future compliance pressures.
Dates: March 24–26, 2026 • Location: Singapore Expo, Singapore
Official site: buildtechasia.com
BuildTech Asia (BTA) is the largest regional construction event for the industry in Southeast Asia. It showcases the latest in construction machinery, building materials, architectural technology, and smart building solutions. According to the show description, BTA “will feature the latest in construction machinery, construction vehicles & equipment, materials for building/construction, electrical & mechanical engineering” – essentially covering the entire built environment ecosystem.
Why it matters:
BTA positions itself as the construction technology event in the ASEAN region. It’s where one can gauge the pulse of smart construction trends like IoT on jobsites, modular construction, and green building tech. Companies often launch products here to target the fast-growing Southeast Asian market.
Dates: April 21–22, 2026 • Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Official site: ipaf.org/en/news/events/ipaf-summit
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Summit is a global conference for the powered access sector, held alongside the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs). It’s a one-day summit where “senior representatives gather from across the access community to hear from industry experts on the latest developments”. High-profile speakers from access rental companies, equipment manufacturers, and safety bodies present and debate current topics.
Why it matters:
Safety and innovation in working at height are the focus here. In 2026, expect discussion on the newest MEWP technologies, standards (like ISO 18878 updates), and strategies to improve safety culture. The Summit’s location in Istanbul underlines the growth of the access market in emerging regions.
Dates: May 2026 (Exact dates TBD) • Location: UK (Venue TBC)
Official site: vertikaldays.net
Vertikal Days is Europe’s largest trade event dedicated to lifting and access equipment. The show features live crane demos, MEWP product launches, and specialized equipment for working at height. With a strong emphasis on safety, engineering, and access tech, it brings together rental companies, OEMs, and specialist contractors.
Why it matters:
This construction event is a key opportunity for suppliers focused on the lifting and access niche. It also offers insights into telematics, remote diagnostics, and safety innovations in MEWPs and cranes. A strong fit for European rental companies and OEM partners.
Dates: May 6–9, 2026 • Location: Veronafiere, Verona, Italy
Official site: samoter.it/en
SaMoTer is Italy’s largest construction event held triennially. Now in its 32nd edition, it is the only Italian event covering all construction machinery sectors. As a CECE-partnered exhibition, SaMoTer attracts European and global equipment manufacturers to showcase earthmoving machinery, roadbuilding equipment, lifting gear, attachments, and more.
Why it matters:
As one of Europe’s big construction technology events in 2026, SaMoTer is a bellwether for innovation. Attendees will see demonstrations of connected machinery and data-driven site management (e.g. telematics systems optimizing efficiency and safety).
Dates: Q2 2026 (Exact dates TBD) • Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Official site: ctf.events
The Construction Technology Festival (CTF) is MENA’s leading conference and exhibition for digital construction, BIM, AI in construction, and site productivity platforms. It gathers construction firms, developers, and government bodies working to digitize infrastructure and building projects.
Why it matters:
CTF offers visibility with large regional contractors and ministries pushing forward giga-projects and smart city developments. For tech-forward firms and platform providers, this is the go-to event in the Gulf region. Expect sessions on digital twins, sustainability mandates, and procurement modernization.
Dates: June 2–4, 2026 • Location: MECC Maastricht, Netherlands
Official sites: IRESHOW.com, APEXSHOW.com
The co-located International Rental Exhibition (IRE) and APEX (Access Platform Exhibition) form Europe’s premier gathering for the equipment rental and access industry. IRE is “the hub for the rental industry” where rental companies meet suppliers and discover new products. APEX is a leading powered access trade show showcasing the latest in aerial work platforms and access equipment.
Why it matters:
This joint construction event facilitates unparalleled networking and product demos in one place. Expect to see cutting-edge electric machinery, telematics solutions, and fleet management software as rental firms seek partnerships with innovative suppliers. It’s a key barometer for rental market trends in EMEA.
Dates: June 2026 (Likely alongside IRE) • Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
Official site: erarental.org
The European Rental Association (ERA) Convention is the annual summit for Europe’s equipment rental leaders. Often timed with IRE, this convention gathers executives of rental companies large and small to discuss market outlook, regulations, and best practices in the rental business. It also features the European Rental Awards recognizing excellence in the industry.
Why it matters:
ERA’s convention is where the equipment rental community shapes its future. Topics like sustainability, digitalization of rental operations, and new service models take center stage. With many of Europe’s largest rental firms in attendance, it’s a prime construction event for strategic discussions and networking at a high level.
Dates: June 2026 • Location: TBD (Australia)
Official site: hireandrental.com.au
HIRE26 is the Hire and Rental Industry Association’s annual convention and trade show, serving as Australia’s equivalent to the ARA Show. It’s the leading construction event for the equipment hire and rental market in Australia, designed to motivate and inspire industry members. The convention features two days of keynote talks, awards, and expo displays in full swing.
Why it matters:
Australia’s rental industry is robust and tech-forward, and the HIRE convention is where local trends surface. Attendees gain insight into fleet management best practices, safety standards, and new gear suited for the Australian market (from earthmovers to portable power equipment). It’s also a practical forum for rental business owners to network and discuss common challenges.
Dates: June 2026 • Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan
Official site: cspi-expo.com
Japan’s Construction & Survey Productivity Improvement Expo (CSPI) is one of Asia’s largest construction technology trade shows. This construction expo showcases the latest advancements in construction machinery, surveying equipment, and digital construction (DX) solutions. The 2025 event featured over 2,700 booths, highlighting exhibitors at the forefront of construction machinery, heavy machinery, construction DX, i-Construction, and more – and 2026 is poised to be even bigger.
Why it matters:
CSPI-EXPO has quickly become one of the largest exhibitions of its kind in Japan serving as a critical venue for networking and industry collaboration. It reflects Japan’s push for smarter, more efficient construction practices (like the government’s “i-Construction” initiative). For attendees across Asia, it’s a chance to see cutting-edge construction technology events – from AI-equipped machinery to the newest surveying instruments – and to forge partnerships.
Dates: June 23–25, 2026 • Location: Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, England, UK
Official site: hillhead.com
Hillhead is an iconic biennial exhibition for the quarrying, construction, and recycling sectors, uniquely held in a working limestone quarry. It is renowned as the world’s largest live-demo show for heavy equipment. The 2026 edition will feature hundreds of exhibitors set against the quarry backdrop, running and demonstrating rock crushers, excavators, haulers, screening plants, and other machinery in real site conditions.
Why it matters:
The Hillhead construction event offers a one-of-a-kind experience where you can literally see and test heavy machines doing the gritty work they’re built for. This practical demonstration format attracts a global audience of quarry operators, contractors, and equipment experts. It’s where many cutting-edge machines (from hybrid excavators to dust-suppression tech) are unveiled to the public.
Dates: Mid 2026 (Exact dates TBD) • Location: TBD (rotates in APAC)
Official site: ipaf.org/en/events
The IPAF Asia Conference is “the premier event for the powered access industry in Asia”. Hosted by IPAF, this full-day construction innovation conference brings together professionals in the MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) and access equipment space across the Asia-Pacific region. Each year, it convenes in a different Asian city (2025 is in South Korea).
Why it matters:
As Asian economies expand infrastructure and construction, the demand for access equipment and safety knowledge is surging. The IPAF Asia Conference is where policy meets practice. Attendees discuss how to improve operator training, prevent accidents, and implement new technologies (like advanced telematics or VR simulators for operator education). It’s forward-looking and crucial for anyone supplying or using aerial lifts in Asia.
Dates: Mid/Late 2026 • Location: TBD, New Zealand
Official site: hianz.net.nz
Hosted by the Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ), this annual construction event — often branded as HireCon — is the main gathering of New Zealand’s hire and rental sector. It typically spans a conference, mini trade exhibition, and an awards dinner. HireCon 2025, for example, was a “mini conference” in Christchurch focusing on intimate networking and industry updates.
Why it matters:
New Zealand’s hire industry has its unique market dynamics, and HIANZ provides a platform to address them. Key topics include safety regulations (NZ has strict H&S laws for equipment use), fleet modernization, and aligning rental practices with sustainability goals. For local rental businesses, it’s an opportunity to see new products and services tailored to NZ’s scale (often compact equipment, access gear, and smart tracking solutions for remote areas).
Dates: Fall 2026 (Exact dates TBD) • Location: UK (Venue TBC)
Official site: nodiglive.co.uk
No-Dig Live is the UK’s premier trenchless technology event, focused on underground construction and minimal-dig techniques. It features on-site demos, equipment launches, and workshops dedicated to urban infrastructure and utility construction.
Why it matters:
Urban construction continues to grow in complexity, and No-Dig Live is a specialized construction event for those innovating in underground work. With smart tracking, robotics, and data-driven monitoring rising in importance, this show is increasingly tech-relevant.
Dates: Likely October 2026 • Location: TBD, USA
Official site: workingatheightevent.com
The Working at Height Conference & Awards is a relatively new annual construction event (co-organized by IPAF and KHL Group in 2024/2025) that champions safety and innovation in working at height, across construction. Focused on mobile elevating work platforms and fall protection, this two-day conference features seminars and panel discussions on topics such as accident statistics, harnesses and PPE, the role of technology in preventing falls, and training developments in VR/AR. It brings together equipment rental managers, construction safety professionals, access OEMs, and regulators.
Why it matters:
Falls from height remain a leading cause of jobsite fatalities. This conference addresses that challenge head-on, making it critical for safety officers and fleet managers in construction and rental. It’s forward-looking: new tech like secondary guarding devices, telematics-based operator monitoring, and drone inspections are discussed as ways to enhance safety.
Dates: Fall 2026 • Location: TBD, USA
Official site: aemp.org
EquipmentSHIFT is the annual conference of the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP), tailored for fleet managers and equipment operations professionals. It is all about fleet optimization, covering the latest tools, technologies, and strategies that help large equipment fleets run efficiently. The conference typically features 25+ speakers and sessions on topics such as telematics data utilization, preventative maintenance best practices, fleet safety improvements, and financial management of equipment assets.
Why it matters:
As construction companies and rental firms deploy more telematics and face pressure to improve uptime, a construction event like this is gold. It’s practical and forward-looking – you’ll find case studies on successful implementations of analytics or how AI is predicting failures in fleets. EquipmentSHIFT 2026 will likely delve into areas such as electrified fleet maintenance (what changes when you have electric machines), cybersecurity for telematics systems, and tackling the skilled technician shortage through training or technology.
Dates: November 2026 • Location: TBD, USA
Official site: aem.org
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Annual Conference is an executive-level gathering of off-road equipment manufacturing industry leaders. Unlike trade shows, this is a leadership and strategy conference. Each year, hundreds of CEOs, presidents, and senior managers from top equipment firms (Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, etc.) convene to examine what’s ahead for the construction industry.
Why it matters:
This construction event doesn’t launch products; it launches ideas. It’s where the big-picture decisions and collaborations are sparked. At the 2025 conference, AEM noted “there’s no better place for member executives to examine what’s ahead… Each Annual Conference is a can’t-miss gathering of executives and the next generation of leadership in the off-road equipment manufacturing industry.”.
Dates: November/December 2026 • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada
Official site: thebuildingsshow.com
The Buildings Show is North America’s largest construction event for the architecture, design, and construction ecosystem. It spans multiple shows including Construct Canada, PM Expo, and HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo—covering both commercial and residential markets.
Why it matters:
The event has grown into a leading forum for sustainable construction materials, digital workflows, and smart building systems. Companies targeting ESG reporting, building performance, or energy optimization tech will find aligned audiences.
Join the network
The construction, rental, and access industries are entering 2026 with a surge of innovation, collaboration, and global momentum.
From high-impact tech forums in Asia to powerhouse expos in North America and strategic summits across Europe and the Middle East, these construction events offer more than networking — they shape the way our industry builds, rents, and leads.
Even looking ahead to 2027, major milestones like INTERMAT Paris are already on the radar, reminding us that the planning we do now sets the tone for years to come.
At Trackunit, we believe that showing up — ready to learn, share, and act — is the first step to shaping a connected, productive, and downtime-free future.
Foundations is our new series focusing on the nitty gritty of construction technology and showing how to make it work for your business day-to-day. Want to find out more? Visit Trackunit today and make sure you’re fully connected.
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