President’s Message – Latest Scoop 2026 Issue 1

Every three years, the construction industry gathers in Las Vegas for CONEXPO-CON/AGG—one of the largest construction trade shows in the world, bringing together thousands of exhibitors and industry professionals across more than 3 million square feet of equipment, technology, and innovation. I first attended in 1996, marveling at the size of the show, massive earthmoving equipment, and the seemingly endless array of specialized attachments and modifications. Thirty years later, I can confidently say that the scale is even more impressive, and more notably, the event’s focus has evolved. Today, CONEXPO has become a true “technology showcase on tracks and wheels.”

I had the privilege of attending CONEXPO 2026 with colleagues from Brubacher. The show was brimming with meaningful connections, learning opportunities, and countless AI-empowered features that improve safety and increase flexibility of use and efficiency while reducing operator fatigue. Covering all 3 million square feet of display area in three days was impossible; however, I covered a wide swath and came away observing three themes:

1. Technology & AI Integration

Equipment-mounted 360-degree cameras and radar on an excavator dipper stick can now detect the difference between a person and another object and then stop the machine. AI-assisted automated motion sequences are reducing repetitive strain. GPS and cellular-connected equipment is communicating production quantities, machine health insights, and performance metrics into integrated systems. Even more compelling, manufacturers like Caterpillar are introducing in-cab AI assistants that provide operators with real-time information, efficiency tips, and “how-to” coaching.

The future of operating is exciting! Finally, there is hope for operators who must master a dizzying array of settings and modes, especially when they operate multiple machines from different manufacturers and different models within each brand. Having an in-cab coach to explain the capabilities, features, and proper use of each machine will benefit safety and efficiency.

I’ve long lobbied every major equipment manufacturer who would listen that equipment needs to first communicate to the operator about things like excessive idling time, other harmful operating habits, and efficiency-improvement insights enabled by GPS and machine sensors. Currently, operating information goes to the manufacturer, dealer, and fleet managers. Then, “the office” calls the supervisor, who usually has other, more pressing matters to address and may eventually talk with the operator. Manufacturers are now on the cusp of using currently available information combined with AI to provide real-time coaching and feedback to operators, improving their safety, effectiveness, and speed of learning.

2. The Value of Continual Learning & Curiosity

If there is one constant over decades of construction equipment advancements, it is surely the changes that are coming faster than ever. For years, manufacturers poured billions of dollars into emissions-reduction technology, slowing advancements in other areas. The funding imbalance hasn’t gone away, though it has shifted toward improved operating capabilities again and is changing fast!

A commitment to life-long learning, along with self-motivated curiosity about new features, capabilities, and techniques, is crucial to success in the industry. Thankfully, this is easier than ever with wide access to videos, tips, and training, all at the time of need.

3. Timeless Principles

Despite the major changes in our industry, I see three unchanged principles that anchor our focus in the midst of great change:

1. People: The Dirt World continues to revolve around people. I urge you to be a curious learner and be adaptable. Otherwise, we risk becoming obsolete!
2. Interdependence: Team member roles and players may change, yet they and equipment, digital tech, and materials are more connected and interdependent than ever. I also firmly believe that the more our world is fixated on AI (Artificial Intelligence), the more valuable AI (Authentic Interaction) becomes.
3. Safety, efficiency, and accuracy have, and must continue to increase, offsetting the rapidly escalating investment in equipment and people. For decades, productivity in many industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, has increased, while the construction industry has struggled to achieve widespread, sustainable gains. With the cost of equipment doubling in a 5- to 10-year span and challenges sustaining the same level of workforce, the time is right to leverage new technology to improve.

As I reflect on 3 decades of attending CONEXPO, one thing stands out in my mind: progress is not just about what’s new, but about how we choose to respond to it.

At Brubacher, that means staying committed to learning, embracing the right technologies, and continuing to do things the right way. That mindset is part of how we live out our commitment to excellence, not as a one-time effort, but as a daily choice to improve, adapt, and serve others well.