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.

Remembering Paul Odom
December 2025

The masonry industry lost a true titan and a dedicated leader with the passing of Paul Odom. Known for his unwavering commitment to his craft and his community, Paul leaves behind a legacy defined not just by the structures he helped build.

Managing the Modern Jobsite: How MSV Helps Crews Do More with Less in 2026
December 2025

On today’s jobsites, efficiency is becoming as essential as craftsmanship. Crews are working with fewer hands, tighter schedules, and greater pressure to deliver high-quality results without increasing costs. It’s a reality affecting everything from resid

A Free Resource for Contractors: The Block Design Collective
December 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff has launched the Block Design Collective (BDC), a national resource that provides fast, reliable guidance for anyone designing or building with concrete masonry. For contractors, the benefit is straightforward: better informa

The Hidden Forces That Build America: Arching Action and the Tools We Trust
December 2025

Most people at World of Concrete can identify a CMU block from 50 feet away. Some can even smell Type S mortar curing from across the hall. But mention the phrase “arching action,” and you will see a surprising number of boots shift and eyes drift toward