Despite a mixed forecast for the sectors that make up the construction market, all signs point to a positive experience as we prepare for CONEXPO/CON-AGG next month in Las Vegas. Industry analysts from ITR Economics and Interact Analysis show that in 2026, single home construction will likely continue to be a bit stalled, and office space and warehouse construction is emerging from a mild downturn, while other areas, like healthcare and education, remain stable. This shows a market in the second half of the year that will be ready for growth and so should we.
Every three years, CONEXPO/CON-AGG serves as a barometer for where the construction industry is headed. While IFPE no longer exists as a standalone destination, the technology, people, and conversations that defined this event are still preparing their booths, as they work on more system integration discussions. Many will focus on hydraulics being an enabling technology for electrification, automation, efficiency, and total cost of ownership across off-highway equipment.
Our coverage of CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2026 reflects that reality. As OEMs and component suppliers navigate uneven global growth, infrastructure investment cycles, labor shortages, and rising regulatory complexity, hydraulics and pneumatics are being asked to do more — often with different energy sources, less space, and tighter integration with electronics and software. On the show floor, this translates into smarter architectures, digital hydraulics, hybrid systems, and components designed for system-level optimization. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a shift from component focuses to systems integration for many of the big manufacturers and we will continue to see that in Vegas once again. Here, you can read brief overviews of several fluid exhibitors’ booth plans, including key technology highlights, new product launches, and more.
We kick off our coverage with a special report from Paul Heney, as he shares insights from Dana Wuesthoff, the Show Director and Denise Husenica, NFPA’s Membership Manager, about what attendees can expect. Wuesthoff noted that indoor exhibit space is sold out and registration is looking strong.
Education plays a critical role in that transition, and the NFPA’s Advanced Hydraulics Conference exemplifies how the industry is responding. The technical sessions focus on the future of fluid power systems on mobile machinery, as machines turn to electrification for power generation but still need the unmatched power density and reliability of hydraulics. From battery-electric excavators and digital displacement pumps to steer-by-wire systems and mechatronic integration, the message is clear: fluid power remains a crucial part of construction machinery but must evolve, particularly with regards to efficiency, to meet these changing needs.
We may have shifted away from our standalone fluid power show-within-a-show, but just as fluid power remains foundational to construction equipment, its future lies in how seamlessly it integrates with electronics, software, and alternative powertrains.
Stay tuned throughout the show to see our coverage at the event and be sure to read your show daily newsletters, which will be delivered to your inboxes March 3-6. And be sure to stay tuned in April, as we launch a special report on efficiency requirements and how they are impacting our industry, as well as a post-show report with all we learned in one easy-to-access place.
Read on, contact me if you want to connect at [email protected], or reach out to Josh Cosford for the same, and see you in Vegas!
Filed Under: Featured, Industry News, Mobile Hydraulic Tips
