March 2026
Steve Petracek, Principal
World of Concrete – Craftsmanship Still Leads the Industry
I attended the World of Concrete (WOC) convention in Las Vegas for the first time at the end of January, and it did not disappoint. Between the expansive vendor exhibits, product demonstrations, and hands-on challenges and competitions, the energy on the show floor was contagious. One of the highlights was watching mason apprentices and tenders construct a CMU wall with an exceptional level of craftsmanship—a reminder that skill and pride in workmanship remain at the heart of the industry.
A Project Put to the Test
My primary reason for attending was to see how TK Architects’ design of the Larry H. Miller Megaplex Entertainment Center would fare in the Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) Awards competition in the Heavy Commercial category. The competition was stiff, with an impressive range of projects represented, so it was exciting to see the Megaplex Daybreak project in South Jordan, Utah selected as a top-three finalist.
This being my first time at WOC, I knew the convention was large—but I didn’t fully grasp the scale until I experienced it firsthand. It covered approximately 900,000 square feet across both indoor and outdoor venues, which helps explain why it is considered the largest construction-industry convention in the world. Photos truly don’t do it justice. Companies from all over the world filled the space, showcasing everything from small handheld grinders to towering batch-plant systems. It felt like a “kid in a candy store” event for anyone who has an appreciation for the concrete industry.
And while concrete was the star, it wasn’t the only act. Helical pile foundation systems, ICF wall bracing solutions, and even a booth offering moisturizer to combat the effects of long, skin-abusive days on the jobsite were all part of the experience.
What’s next in Concrete Reinforcement
While my primary focus at the convention was attending the ICF Awards banquet, I also spent a good portion of my time walking the floor with a fellow structural engineer—mostly visiting ICF manufacturers. Each company has its own characteristics that, depending on the application, allow it to stand out. One topic that came up repeatedly was fiber reinforcement.
Replacing a 20-foot No. 6 steel bar—typically weighing around 30 pounds—with a GFRP alternative weighing approximately 7.5 pounds represents a significant reduction in labor and fatigue. Over the course of a full workday, that difference matters.
The current code, ACI 440.11 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer [GFRP] Bars), governs the use of GFRP bars. At present, the bars meet requirements for low seismic activity areas but do not meet the requirements for high seismic use. That said, progress in this area is clearly moving—whether that comes through a fully glass fiber system or some form of hybrid approach.
If you have an interest in anything concrete-related, World of Concrete is well worth the trip. The innovation, craftsmanship, and sheer scale of the event are impressive—and you’re bound to walk away inspired (and with some great merch).
And if you want to see how those ideas translate into real-world, award-recognized design, visit the Larry H. Miller Megaplex Daybreak Entertainment Center in South Jordan, Utah.
If you’re looking for what’s next in concrete, go to World of Concrete.
If you want award-winning design built to perform, work with TK Architects.
Principal, Steve Petracek
