What you can expect at AGG1 next week

AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo returns March 29-31 to Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: P&Q Staff

AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo returns March 29-31 to the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The return comes after AGG1 2021, originally scheduled for Atlanta, was canceled due to the pandemic.

The last AGG1 took place in Indianapolis in 2019, setting a show attendance record with more than 10,000 people. AGG1, which co-locates with the World of Asphalt Show & Conference, was last held in Nashville in 2016. This year marks the first time AGG1 makes a repeat appearance in a U.S. city.

A return to Nashville was an easy decision following the energy from the 2016 shows, says Jennifer Dugas of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA).

“What a great city to host AGG1 twice,” says Dugas, who serves NSSGA as vice president of membership and events. “Not only does it have a great music scene, but it’s got a selection of great restaurants that are easily accessible for attendees. It’s a fun city and a great place to convene.”

According to the show’s website, AGG1 2022 will feature more than 350 exhibitors. The trade show floor sold out in November.

“Things are looking really good,” Dugas says. “It’s a testament to our members really wanting to get back in person. We are looking forward to reuniting with our members for the first time since 2019.”

Dugas

AGG1 Academy

Along with exhibits, AGG1 offers educational opportunities with more than 60 sessions across four AGG1 Academy tracks: operations and production, safety and health, business and people management, and environment and sustainability.

A hybrid version of the AGG1 Academy tracks will also be presented for those not traveling to Nashville. Dugas says show management worked with presenters to record content digitally and provide on-demand digital education. That portion of the show will be available one week after AGG1.

“We have embraced technology,” Dugas says. “We are reaching more of our members by having digital content [and] virtual programs. It’s not something we plan on letting go of anytime soon. If the demand is there, we’re going to continue to do that.

“We really do want to shore up a great video content library of all of our AGG1 sessions,” Dugas adds. “In the past, we’ve done them live, and it’s ‘one and done.’ Now, we’re creating a digital library where folks can go back, rewatch something [and] share it with a colleague.”

Safety and health protocols

According to Dugas, show management is working closely with city, state and federal regulators to ensure the safety and health of attendees. She says management will continue to inform AGG1 attendees about any updates or changes.

“Show management is carefully following all the health and safety protocols and working closely with Nashville and Tennessee,” Dugas says. “Our top priority is a safe meeting for all attendees. We’ll continue to follow and adjust as needed. If new protocols come into place closer to the meeting, we will adapt and make that happen. Right now, we’re staying the course, so to speak.

“If anything changes, our communications plan is key,” Dugas adds. “Making sure that our stakeholders are well-informed is very important to us. We’ll continue to monitor and communicate.”

Almost here

Dugas says there is a great buzz surrounding the upcoming show. She expects strong in-person representation from NSSGA producer members in Nashville.

“Not only are they showing up, they’re also going to bring a lot of their employees,” Dugas says. “In addition to AGG1 ticket sales tracking well ahead of the 2019 pace, the same thing rings true for our [NSSGA] Annual Convention. We’ll have lot of exhibitors between World of Asphalt and AGG1, and we’re really looking forward to our members being able to showcase what’s been happening the last couple of years.”

Since AGG1 is hosted in non-ConExpo-Con/Agg years, the next AGG1 beyond 2022 is slated for 2024 – with yet another appearance in Nashville. AGG1 2025 is scheduled for St. Louis.

“NSSGA is thrilled to kick things off with our Annual Convention, which starts prior to AGG1 Academy & Expo,” Dugas says. “We have strong attendance there, and we encourage attendees to stay for AGG1. We look forward to seeing everyone in person again. It’s been too long.”