The first time I attended World of Concrete, I was in my early 20s, and I learned so much about the construction industry by walking the show floor, talking to exhibitors, and attending media events. Conferences and trade shows can be wonderful learning opportunities for all—and it seems Penn College agrees with this sentiment.
This past month 15 Penn College concrete science technology students and two instructors journeyed to Las Vegas to attend the event. Instructor Franklin Reber began taking students to World of Concrete when the college launched the concrete science technology major in 2018. The travel is funded by the generous donations of the industry.
In order to fund the travel this year, Reber approached World of Concrete’s president and vice president for their input. Not only did World of Concrete offer to post the video of students’ experience, but it offered a free exhibit booth at the 2026 event and is helping cover the cost of students’ housing and admission to the show. The partnership also provides international exposure for the concrete science technology major.
World of Concrete encompasses 700,000-sq.ft., inside and outside the Las Vegas Convention Center and attracts roughly 50,000 visitors each year.
Reber says the show opens-up the eyes of students to the broad scope of the concrete industry. “They meet future employers, network with industry partners, take courses that pique their interest in the concrete industry and have a chance to see the latest and greatest concrete materials and equipment,” he explains.
Penn College’s concrete science technology major was launched to fill the workforce need for specialists who understand the science of concrete. The major provides a mixture of science, technology, and construction education.
Beyond the technical knowledge gained, the experience also helps students envision their place in the industry. Walking the show floor alongside seasoned professionals reinforces that the skills they are developing in the classroom translate directly to real-world applications.
As the concrete industry continues to evolve, exposure to innovation and professional engagement remains essential. New materials, sustainability practices, automation, and testing methods are constantly reshaping how concrete is designed, produced, and used. By engaging directly with these advancements, students gain a clearer understanding of where the industry is headed and how their skills will need to adapt.
Trade shows like World of Concrete provide a front-row seat to these changes, allowing students to learn not just from textbooks, but from the professionals and technologies driving the industry forward. This kind of immersion helps ensure graduates enter the workforce prepared, informed, and ready to contribute to the next generation of concrete solutions.
This example is a reminder that learning doesn’t stop in the classroom—and that sometimes impactful lessons just might happen on a slow floor in Las Vegas.
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