CONEXPO-CON/AGG is the construction industry’s Olympics, and this year was monumental.
With more than 2.9 million square feet of exhibits and thousands of contractors walking the halls in Las Vegas, the STACK team spent the week talking with estimators, project managers, and business owners about how they’re approaching takeoff, estimating, and preconstruction.
From conversations at the booth to live demos of STACK, a few clear themes emerged about where the industry is headed—and what contractors are asking for next.
Here are our biggest takeaways from CONEXPO 2026.
AI Is Top of Mind for Contractors
If there was one topic that dominated conversations on the show floor, it was AI.
Contractors consistently asked how artificial intelligence can help automate the time-consuming parts of estimating and takeoff. Many are already experimenting with AI tools or actively searching for solutions that can speed up their workflows without sacrificing accuracy.
STACK is well positioned in this space. Our AI-powered capabilities sparked a lot of interest at the booth, especially from contractors looking to reduce manual work and get bids out faster.
If a contractor couldn’t attend CONEXPO, what’s the biggest insight they should know?
“AI is knocking at their door and we can let them in right away to secure their seat and take advantage of actual and upcoming value (and save a bit along the way!). STACK is probably the most advance AI takeoff tool in the place at the moment.”
– Jeff Drouin, STACK Strategic Account Executive
Earthwork and Civil Contractors Are Looking for Better Tools
Another strong theme from CONEXPO was the demand for better technology for earthwork, heavy civil, and underground utilities.
These contractors were very interested in seeing STACK’s:
- Assemblies for excavation and equipment
- Earthwork and civil estimating capabilities
- AI-powered takeoff tools
Integrated Takeoff and Estimating Is a Powerful Combination
One of the most exciting moments at the booth came when contractors who already used STACK for takeoff saw the full capabilities of the platform—including assemblies and estimating.
“Current STACK customers visited our booth and mentioned they used us for takeoff only. I showed them our Assemblies and Estimates and said they were going to sign up for training right away. The reaction on their faces when I showed more than takeoff blew them away, it was exciting to see!”
– Anthony Labrinides, STACK Account Executive II
Realizing they could eliminate disconnected workflows and manage their entire preconstruction process in one platform was a huge win for them.
Customer Support Still Matters—A Lot
Technology is important, but contractors repeatedly emphasized something else that sets software companies apart: support and responsiveness.
One former customer shared a powerful story about why they originally chose STACK. Over time, their team requested several features—and each time, the STACK team delivered.
“The biggest story I loved was a team raved about how eight different times they were looking for a feature and called STACK. And 8/8 times, we went out and built those features for them. Our customer success and development teams are incredible.”
– Alexandra Bozek, STACK Business Development Rep III
That level of responsiveness makes a lasting impression. It’s a reminder that contractors don’t just want software, they want a partner that listens and helps them solve real-world problems.
The STACK Team Showed Up Big
Beyond the product demos, CONEXPO was also a great opportunity for the team to connect in person.
From first-time trade show attendees to seasoned CONEXPO veterans, the booth was powered by a strong team effort. Sales reps delivered back-to-back demos, product experts answered deep technical questions, and the marketing team kept everything running smoothly.
“It was a team effort, but Jeff Drouin really makes that Volanti Display sing.”
– Aaron Kivett, STACK VP Partnerships and Product Marketing
“I LEARNED SO MUCH! I felt like it was such a great environment to grow my skills to demo and feel more confident.”
– Alexandra Bozek, STACK Business Development Rep III
“It was a great team effort from all, every person present provided something to the table. Lindsay Powers (STACK SVP of Marketing) will probably always be my MVP for everything she does to make this event (or any others) successful at every level.”
– Jeff Drouin, STACK Strategic Account Executive
Preconstruction Is Evolving Fast
If CONEXPO confirmed one thing, it’s that contractors are actively looking for better ways to manage preconstruction.
They want tools that:
- Automate manual estimating work
- Integrate takeoff and estimating in one workflow
- Handle complex trades like earthwork and civil
- Use AI to save time and improve accuracy
And they want technology partners who will continue evolving alongside them.
CONEXPO might only happen every three years—but the conversations happening there show just how quickly the industry is changing.
We’re already looking forward to 2029.
We'll see you at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2029
Didn’t get a chance to make it to CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026?
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2029 will be held March 13-17, 2029 in Las Vegas. We’ll see you there!
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