CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 will introduce the Ground Breakers Stage, presented by Sherwin-Williams, a thought-leadership platform dedicated to technologies, business models, and people redefining the future of construction. Running March 3–6 in Las Vegas, the stage will feature leaders from across construction, mining, transportation, and technology discussing real-world innovation already shaping jobsites today.
“The Ground Breakers Stage was created to elevate the conversations shaping the next era of construction,” said Dana Wuesthoff, CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director. “These sessions go beyond concepts and focus on how innovation is being applied right now to solve real challenges across the industry.”
Keynote presentations from John Deere, AWS, Autodesk, and Caterpillar were announced last year. Attendees and exhibitors are encouraged to attend the Ground Breaker Stage presentations, which will also be livestreamed in the Community Zone. The Ground Breakers Stage is located in West Hall 108-110.
DAY 1 PREVIEW — Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Human-Centered Autonomy and Leadership in the Age of AI
Day one of the Ground Breakers Stage sets the tone for the week with a focus on how autonomy and artificial intelligence are being designed, deployed, and led with people at the center. In addition to the John Deere keynote presentation at 11 a.m. PST, the following companies will take the stage:
Programming opens with a practical look at connectivity as the foundation for intelligent jobsites. Geotab kicks off the afternoon at 1 p.m. PST with End-to-End Connectivity for Construction: On Highway, Off Highway, One Solution, One Platform, demonstrating how unified data platforms are enabling smarter decision-making across mixed fleets and environments.
Building on that foundation, leaders from Luck Stone and Epiroc USA will explore how autonomous drilling and remote operations are improving safety, productivity, and workforce engagement in mining and quarry environments to improve safety, productivity and workforce engagement. Designing Autonomy Around People: The Future of Remote Mining and Quarry Operations will be held at 2 p.m. PST
The day concludes with a leadership-focused session with Command Alkon, examining how executive teams can integrate artificial intelligence into business operations while maintaining trust, transparency, and long-term value. Leading in the Age of AI will begin at 3 p.m. PST
“Autonomy and AI are only transformative if they strengthen the people behind the work,” said Wuesthoff. “Day one highlights how technology is being implemented thoughtfully, with safety, decision-making and workforce impact at the center.”
DAY 2 PREVIEW — Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Robotics, Digital Services, and the Evolution of Equipment Training
Following a day focused on human-centered autonomy and leadership, Wednesday shifts the conversation to how robotics and digital services and training are reshaping productivity at scale. In addition to the Autodesk keynote presentation at 10 a.m. PST and the Caterpillar keynote at 1 p.m. PST, the following lineup will feature leading innovators.
The day begins with a focus on robotics as an operational accelerator. Gravis Robotics will showcase how robotic intelligence and coordinated machine fleets are driving efficiency gains while reducing operational risk. The Next Era of Earthmoving: How Robotic Intelligence is Transforming Construction Productivity will be held at 11 a.m. PST.
From there, the conversation expands from machines to systems. Leaders from Mack Trucks and Volvo Group North America will discuss how connected services and digital platforms are expanding the value contractors receive beyond the equipment itself. Beyond the Truck: Differentiating with Services & Solutions will begin at 2 p.m. PST.
Wednesday’s programming concludes with ForgeFX Simulations, highlighting the role of immersive training technologies in accelerating workforce readiness. From Iron to Impact: How VR Simulation Is Transforming Heavy Equipment Training will be held at 3 p.m. PST.
“What we’re seeing is a shift from standalone equipment to fully integrated solutions,” said Wuesthoff. “Day two of the Ground Breakers Stage shows how robotics, services, and training are coming together to improve productivity across the entire jobsite ecosystem.”
DAY 3 PREVIEW — Thursday, March 5, 2026
Connected Jobsites and Global Technology Trends
Thursday’s sessions focus on connectivity as an operational necessity, addressing how contractors are overcoming fragmented systems and aligning technology across the jobsite. In addition to the AWS keynote presentation at 10 a.m. PST, the following companies will take the stage.
A featured discussion with Procore and industry contractors will examine how connected systems are helping firms streamline operations, improve collaboration, and scale automation in practical ways. Iron, Data, and Dust: The Real Future of Automation and the Workforce will be held at 11 a.m. PST.
Building on these practical insights, a global technology trends panel will explore emerging innovations influencing construction worldwide, including robotics, cybersecurity, drones, and AI, offering insight into what technologies are gaining traction now and what’s next. The Global Technology Trends Shaping the Construction Industry panel will be held at 2 p.m. PST.
“Connected jobsites are no longer a future concept,” said Wuesthoff. “They are becoming the standard. These conversations help contractors understand how data and technology can be adopted in ways that support both productivity and the workforce.”
DAY 4 PREVIEW — Friday, March 6, 2026
Infrastructure Policy, Industry Recognition, and the Future of Jobsite Power
The final day of the Ground Breakers Stage brings the focus to the broader forces shaping the construction industry’s future, from infrastructure investment to the systems powering modern jobsites.
Programming opens with a forward-looking infrastructure discussion will examine policy direction and long-term investment priorities shaping construction activity across the U.S. What’s Next for U.S. Infrastructure will be held at 9:30 a.m. PST.
The program will then feature the Next Level Awards, recognizing standout equipment and technology innovations that are responding to these market demands and delivering measurable impact in the field. Award ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. PST.
The stage will conclude with Erick Schram of ANA Inc., exploring smarter, cleaner, and more connected approaches to jobsite power management. Engineering the Future of Power: Smarter, Cleaner, and Connected Jobsite Solutions will be held at 2 p.m. PST
“The final day brings together the big picture of infrastructure investment, innovation, and the systems that will power future jobsites,” said Wuesthoff. “It’s about recognizing progress while looking ahead to what construction needs next.”
About CONEXPO-CON/AGG
CONEXPO-CON/AGG is North America’s largest construction trade show, bringing together construction professionals, manufacturers, and technology leaders from around the world. The show takes place March 3–7, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
