WOA/AGG1 2025 Highlights Workforce and Equipment Advances
BY Sandy Lender
WOA/AGG1 wrap-up offers highlights from asphalt and aggregate trade show in St. Louis
Even if you attended the 2025 co-hosted World of Asphalt Show & Conference (WOA) and AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo in St. Louis March 25-27, you probably missed a technology or two due to the overwhelming number of offerings on site. This recap of the show won’t be able to summarize every single thing available to the asphalt and aggregates professional that week, but AsphaltPro Magazine has multiple product galleries coming up over the next few months in which you can find new product news straight from the combined shows. Let’s kick off the coverage with a look at some important updates.
Helping the Workforce
Asphalt professionals have sought solutions to the workforce challenge for years, with the introduction of proxy mechanics as far back as 2018 (see this discussion in the Training Directory 2018 on TheAsphaltPro.com) through the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) assisting intelligent compaction (IC) in 2024 (see this discussion in the “NDDOT Trials New Technologies on Hwy. 14” article). Methods for training and assisting our evolving workforce dotted the WOA/AGG1 tradeshow floor.
For example, the growing portfolio from CM Labs, a vendor for simulation-based training solutions in the construction, utilities and ports industries, announced prior to WOA the launch of its Intellia Single Drum Roller Simulator Training Pack, which it states is the industry’s first-ever single drum roller simulation training. It’s designed to address the growing labor shortage by delivering a highly realistic training experience tailored to beginners who have no prior experience operating heavy equipment. This training module was on display at WOA and is described in this month’s product gallery.
Training took place in the education sessions and around the show floor. AsphaltPro Magazine once again hosted its “Ask the Expert” with American Paving Specialists’ Bill Stanley in the hot seat. Attendees could stop by the AsphaltPro booth and fire their questions and quandaries at Stanley for the hour that he was available. That popular series returns to CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 with an impressive lineup already signing up over the five-day show to offer answers for paving, production, safety and QC/QA, so watch this space for details.
For contractors seeking a way to augment a “green” workforce, exhibitors had offerings in the AI space, as well. GSSI and Hamm have collaborated on aspects of the Hamm Smart Compact system to assist roller operators in perfecting compaction no matter the operator’s skill level. And the engineers at Sakai have added echelon rolling to its Guardman™ technology for safeguarding equipment and personnel. All of these teams were on hand to discuss the benefits of implementing these systems to help the new—and veteran—workers on the crew, and some of those benefits are outlined in this month’s product gallery.
Show management reported more than 11,500 industry professionals gathered in the America’s Center Convention Complex, stating in a March 27 press release that 59% of total attendees were under the age of 45, reflecting the positive future of the industry. Additionally, 10% of attendees were women, underscoring this growing segment of the industry. Visitors traveled from across the country and abroad, some traveling as far as Australia, England, Argentina and Mexico to take part in the leading asphalt and aggregates trade show and conference, including a special delegation from Nigeria.
The 2025 WOA/AGG1 event featured a record amount of square footage, including a new feature called the Community Zone. “This success is a direct result of the collaboration and hard work of all our partners, exhibitors and staff,” said World of Asphalt Show Director Brittany Schmidtke. “The momentum and growth in the asphalt and aggregates industry is evident by what we saw exhibited on the show floor and ultimately provided a richer experience for our attendees.” Photo courtesy of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ WOA website
Attendees engaged in more than 120 educational sessions through the People, Plants, and Paving and AGG1 Academy. These conferences covered a wide range of topics essential to the asphalt and aggregates industries. AEM reported a few of the most popular sessions included “Lean Principles: It’s About People, Process & Change,” “Unleashing the Power of Intentional Leadership: Leading Yourself to Lead Others,” “Autonomous Quarry Trucks 101,” “Extreme Ownership for Business and Life,” “Laydown Best Practices” and “Compaction 101: Doing the Right Things, the Right Way.”
Multi-Tasking at WOA
In addition to education and equipment, the co-located shows offered a venue for networking and business meetings. For example, a new feature of the show this year was the Community Zone, which provided a dedicated space for attendees to relax, work and network. The Community Zone included presentations, such as one from Ashley Batson of the Women of Asphalt, and a book signing by Ajax Paving’s Vince Hafeli.
“The 2025 AGG1 and World of Asphalt show offered the increased ability for exhibitors and attendees to connect—from the Community Zone area, to the larger show floor space and media one-on-one opportunities,” said Michele Stanley, interim CEO of NSSGA. “Every year the event becomes better with new innovations and updates. We are proud to offer our NSSGA members this unique meeting environment so they can continue to reach their own business goals.”
Show management shared 10% of show attendees were women, underscoring that growing demographic in our industry. On March 26-27, the Women of Asphalt organization hosted its Women of Asphalt Day, during which industry professionals presented career and motivational information for the men and women who’d registered to attend this conference-within-a-conference. Also at the show, the AsphaltPro staff had the opportunity to meet with WofA leadership to make plans to support the group’s important work into the future. From left: Cara Owings, media sales representative of AP; Sarah Redohl, digital editor for AP; Brittyn Heisler, national executive director of WofA; Sandy Lender, editor of AP; Ashley Batson, chair of the board of directors for WofA. Photo courtesy of Rapport Storytelling
And speaking of NSSGA, the association’s annual convention ran concurrently with AGG1. More than 600 aggregates industry leaders convened in St. Louis for the meeting, which featured the announcement of the 2025 NSSGA Leadership including Board Chair Ted Baker II of Blue Water Industries and the presentation of the Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award to Ward Nye of Martin Marietta. The annual membership meeting keynote was a moderated discussion by football legend Archie Manning. This year’s meeting comes as the association marks its 25th anniversary.
The first general session of the NSSGA Annual Convention March 23-26 featured Dr. Helena Boschi, an internationally recognized psychologist and neuroscientist specializing in the application of brain science to the workplace.
Women of Asphalt also hosted a conference-within-a-conference with the second annual Women of Asphalt Day. Women and allies from across the country participated in special programming and networking activities.
CM Labs’ Intellia Single Drum Roller Simulator Training Pack features a comprehensive nine-exercise curriculum designed to build a strong foundation in operating heavy equipment. Image courtesy of CM Labs
“We’ve talked to a lot of women,” said Silver Star Construction’s Trish Morris, who’s opening an Oklahoma branch of Women of Asphalt. “A lot of men have come by and grabbed our cards so they can get their team members signed up. I think it’s great they’re willing to take that step and get their ladies involved as well, even if they’re not here.”
Aside from conferences, attendees could multi-task with receptions and networking. For the second year in a row, Raised on Blacktop and WOA collaborated to host a sold-out kick-off party. Also sponsored by Wirtgen and a handful of others, the event brought together nearly 400 asphalt professionals at Busch Stadium, the iconic home to the St. Louis Cardinals, to build relationships and excitement the night before the show’s opening.
On the first day of the show, a handful of guests visited Campbell’s Service Station, owned by a local contractor and celebrating the historic Route 66. Check out the article “Contractor’s New Museum Offers Glimpse of Route 66 History” in the March issue for details and send your stories about preserving the iconic roadway to sandy@theasphaltpro.com.
Attendees enjoyed the Rock & Road Reception where a relaxed atmosphere allowed for networking on the show floor on Wednesday evening. It featured live music, mascots from the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues, and treats from roaming characters. Another group of guests attended the EdgeVanta and Gearflow happy hour event at the nearby Buddy’s Wine Bar & Bistro. Everyone was welcome to attend the relaxed happy hour in the Stansteel Hotmix Parts & Service booth as well. Basically, attendees had ample opportunity to unwind with new and established friends amid the crush to gather information and business tips.
Save the Date for 2027! Next year CONEXPO-CON/AGG takes place in Las Vegas, but WOA and AGG1 co-locate in New Orleans March 15-17, 2027.
The Remix™ kiosk at the Astec Industries booth showed the almost imperceptible differences between Cold Central Plant Recycling (CCPR) and traditionally produced asphalt. Photo courtesy of AsphaltPro Staff
Get More Tons
Of course, the name of the game at a show like WOA/AGG1 is to see the iron and learn what new technology will help your bottom line. AEM reported the exhibitors unveiled new products, partnerships and advancements at a record 19 press events.
One of those unveilings took place at the ShoulderMaster booth on the first day of the show. This family-owned company introduced to the industry its center paving attachment for skid steers, the CP-1000, which is detailed in this month’s product gallery. Also check out the family’s story at the beginning of this month’s gallery.
Volvo Construction Equipment showcased during its press conference enhancements to its soil and asphalt compaction product lines with upgrades to multiple models and a forthcoming electric model. Show attendees also got the first look at a DD15 electric asphalt compactor.
IntelliShift unveiled its advanced asset-tracking technology. The system allows companies to monitor equipment location, track utilization and idle time, and mitigate theft and misuse.
Metso unveiled the Nordberg® HPe™ range expansion and aftermarket kits for the new HPe range. The company also celebrated a major milestone, the 40th anniversary of the Lokotrack® mobile crushers.
While the company didn’t host a press conference, Astec Industries had a few updates and official launches to share. Its SiteLine™ operator environmental awareness camera system for its cold planers was previewed at the 2024 WOA show and launched this year. Another stand-out item was the IntelliPac™ Moisture System, which is now compatible with RAP in addition to virgin aggregates.
Asphalt Drum Mixers (ADM), Huntertown, Indiana, displayed a brand-new EX 8845 asphalt plant in its booth. Because bigger plants can bring bigger profits, ADM EX Series asphalt plants are designed to produce up to 425 TPH and handle up to 50% RAP to meet producers’ high-capacity production needs. The EX 8845 features an 88-inch drum diameter and 45-foot drum length. Like all EX Series plants, it provides long aggregates drying and mixing times to offer consistent, quality asphalt.
Across the aisle from ADM, fellow FAYAT family member BOMAG premiered its new BD 2000 asphalt distributor and new CR 820 T-2 rubber track paver. The distributor offers an automatic burner and computer-controlled distribution. The paver features a 173-horsepower diesel engine and a new operating system for each console to provide easy viewing of critical operations. The BOMAG WOA display also included:
- BOMAG CR 1030 T-2 highway class paver with VERSA 20 front-mount screed
- BM 2200/65 cold planer 2-meter class mill
- BM1200/35-2 cold planer with maximum 13-in (330.2-mm) milling depth
- BW 28 RH pneumatic tire roller with large ballast compartment
- BW 120 AD e-5 Electric light tandem roller with electric drive
While WOA attendees could see the Honey Badger and Tremor Shaker from CWMF Corp., Waite Park, Minnesota, on display, they also had the chance to pick up information on CWMF’s newly branded Dust Pilot reverse-flow baghouse. This baghouse features precision airflow control, an advanced inertial separator and CWMF’s unique indexing wheel mechanism.
Eagle Crusher, Galion, Ohio, also introduced something new at the show: its next generation 1200-CC portable crushing and screening plant. Its new features include a redesigned return conveyor, a new fully hydraulic side discharge conveyor, a self-lowering control panel, and an available onboard cross-belt permanent magnet that stays on for transport.
This quick overview of WOA/AGG1 offerings showcases the vast array of iron and technology that was on display. We’ll have opportunities to share more in future issues of AsphaltPro and we look forward to hearing back from you on your favorite innovations.
For more information visit WorldOfAsphalt.com and www.agg1.org.