World of Concrete prioritizes education for 2026 attendees

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Extensive training, certification and contractor-focused sessions shape the show’s evolving role as an industry classroom. 

As World of Concrete prepares for its 2026 return to Las Vegas, education remains a defining pillar of the event. In this episode of CoatingsCast™, host Megan Ellsworth spoke with Kevin Archibald, associate director of World of Concrete; Rick Yelton, the show’s editor; and Nicole Maher, executive director of the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Program. Together, they outlined how the show continues to function as a practical learning environment for contractors navigating a rapidly changing market. 

Rick described the event as more than a trade show. “We view ourselves as an experience for primarily focusing on subcontractors,” he shared. That experience centers on helping attendees understand new products, updated building codes and best practices that directly impact daily work. 

Education sessions are designed to meet contractors where challenges exist now. Rick noted, “Every year we really are focusing on the topics that a contractor needs to know.” Safety, surface preparation, access and repair standards remain recurring priorities as jobsite expectations increase. 

The 2026 program reflects that demand. Kevin noted the scale of offerings, saying, “We offer right around 160 total sessions.” He continued, “Sixty-seven of those this year are new.” Nearly half of the education lineup introduces fresh content led by new speakers. 

Certification and structured learning remain an important part of the broader educational value World of Concrete delivers, particularly for those entering or advancing within the industry. From Nicole’s perspective, the show’s impact lies in the depth and concentration of opportunity. “There's something there for everybody,” Nicole said. “No other annual event is going to be able to have that kind of concentrated value.” That environment allows attendees to explore education, credential options and career pathways in one setting, aligning professional development with real-world exposure. 

From sessions to demos, World of Concrete delivers applied education at every turn, giving professionals tools to grow on and off the jobsite. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the interview to learn more about World of Concrete 2026 education programs and professional development opportunities available in January!