Show Highlights: World of Concrete/World of Masonry 2009

Words: Dan KamysMarch 2009 Convention Report Bruce McConnelee with Hydro Mobile gives a presentation on mast climber and scaffold safety at the MCAA’s Action Station booth.

??The weather was mild and the skies were blue for in Las Vegas for World of Concrete/World of Masonry 2009, which drew an energized crowd this year consisting of tens of thousands from all over the world. From the exciting, in-your-face outdoor exhibits, to the sea of indoor vendor booths from all facets of the industry, the show was full of those ready to see, hear and talk about what’s new. The SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 was, again, a success, as was the MCAA’s Fastest Trowel on the Block contest (read more about the 2009 MCAA Convention on pp. 38 – 42). Many companies hosted press conferences at their booths to launch their latest and greatest products and services. Some vendors stated they were seeing more “serious” attendees and less “tire kickers” than in past years – a sign of today’s turbulent economy. All in all, a productive and fun time was had by all.

World of Concrete/World of Masonry 2009 delivered another busy show of new products and services to tens of thousands of attendees.
?? Jennifer Morrell, editor of Masonry, finds the perfect hardhat from MSA.
Tyke Mangum won the title of “World’s Best Bricklayer” at the 2009 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 National Bricklaying Championship during World of Concrete. MSA launched new enhancements to the company Web site during World of Concrete. MK Diamond’s booth was hopping with activity throughout the week.
Chris Frew shows off products at the Jackson/Razorback booth.
Outdoor demonstrations of heavy equipment always draw a crowd during World of Concrete.
Frank Owens stands beside Quikrete’s new green mortar product at the Quikrete booth. Jeff Halbach?? stands with Capital Safety’s line of scaffold safety equipment at the company’s outside booth.
The crew at Masonry Tec had a successful show at World of Concrete. The staff at Kem-O-Kleen had a busy week during World of Concrete.
Visitors to the ProSpec/Sakrete booth enjoyed a presentation demo from Sculpture Brick. Steve Cook conducts business at the Kraft Tool both.
The MCAA’s Fastest Trowel on the Block competition winner, Pascal Robertson of Robertson Masonry in Sorrento, Fla., accepts a plaque and prizes from MCAA VP Mackie Brown (center) as MCAA President Tom Daniel (left) looks on.

Hines Market Square
September 2026

Hines Market Square, now known as Aris Market Square, is a mixed-use, multifamily development located in downtown Houston. The architect on this project, Ziegler Cooper, is known for reshaping the urban landscape. In keeping with their vision, the buildin

Understanding Met-Guard Protection in Work Boots
September 2026

Masonry work demands precision and strength, but it also comes with unavoidable risks. From handling heavy materials like brick and block to operating cutting equipment and working in tight, active environments, tradesmen and tradeswomen regularly expose

Making Old Brickwork Look New Again
September 2026

Brickwork is built to last, but mortar isn’t. Over time, exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and everyday wear causes joints to crack, crumble, and even recede. What starts as a cosmetic issue can quickly turn into a structural concern if left unadd

Why Joint Profiles Matter In Masonry Restoration
September 2026

For generations, masonry structures have been defined not only by the brick, block, or stone used in construction, but also by the mortar joints that tie everything together. Whether restoring a historic brick facade, repairing natural stone veneer, or re