In recognition of the contributions that US service members made to advance peace and freedom around the world, the US Congress has made November 11 of each year a public holiday to honour the nation’s veterans. Veterans Day honours the service members of all branches of the US Armed Forces, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as the newest addition, the US Space Force. A national ceremony is held each year at Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington DC, with a wreath laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Returning March 3-7, 2026 to Las Vegas, CONEXPO-CON/AGG will unite the equipment, ideas and workforce shaping the future of construction. “Veterans represent the best of what makes this [construction] industry strong,” said Dana Wuesthoff, CONEXPO-CON/AGG show director.” Grit, discipline and a deep sense of purpose. As we honour their service this Veterans Day, we also recognise 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.”
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 honours the values of service, strength and resilience that veterans exemplify.
Register to attend CONEXPO-CON/AGG March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas.
The construction industry is increasingly recognising the importance of veteran talent in addressing critical workforce shortages. According to a 2024 report by the Home Builders Institute, around 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.
Recognising the value veterans bring to the construction workforce, employers are exploring ways to integrate veterans into their hiring pipelines, recognising 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 organisations dream of,” said Larry Kokkelenberg, organisational development expert and keynote speaker from the 2023 edition of CONEXPO CON/AGG. “When you hire a veteran, you’re not offering charity, you’re investing in proven leadership.”
This commitment to workforce development will take centre stage at next year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG. 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.
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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 (National Ready Mixed Concrete Association), NSSGA (National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association) and AEM – and managed by AEM, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
AEM is North America’s premier trade organisation representing off-road equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners. With a rich history spanning more than 125 years, AEM serves more than 1,100 members companies across 200 or more product lines in multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, utility and forestry.
AEM supports an industry that contributes approximately US$316 billion annually to the US 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 about the AEM, click here.
