World of Concrete attracts Penn College crew

Fifteen students in Penn College’s concrete science technology major were among the close to 58,000 who recently attended World of Concrete, an international trade show that encompasses 700,000 square feet inside and outside the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas – but at WOC the amount of knowledge and relationships you build will last forever,” quipped student Mike A. Nemec Jr.

More than 1,500 companies exhibited at the event – the only one of its kind for the world’s most-used building material – bringing highly sought-after heavy machinery, tools, products and services for material handling, concrete reinforcement, concrete masonry, cement production and decorative concrete. 

“They had anything you could think of that is used in the industry – from work clothes, to tools and materials,” said student Elaina M. Brady. “It was so cool to see tools that are not even available in stores yet and get to test them out. It was also a blessing to go and spend time with my peers and develop friendships.”

In addition to trying the latest innovations, each student attended one of 180 education sessions available during the event.

“I attended a class titled ‘The Rising of the Emerging Leader,’ which provided valuable insights into leadership dynamics,” said Sara A. Darlington. “Led by the highly experienced Brad Humphrey, the class focused on effectively managing employees who may not share the same work ethic as their leaders. The session offered practical guidance on how to maintain professionalism and utilize strong leadership skills to improve outcomes in such situations.”

The students’ trip was financially supported by industry partners Lithko Contracting, Durable Surfaces and Conewago Enterprises, and supporters also connected with the group on-site.

“One evening, we were invited to a networking dinner event hosted by Durable Surfaces, who harness a lot of our graduates,” said Joe F. DiBucci, instructor of construction technology, concrete and masonry, who accompanied students with Franklin H. Reber, instructor of building construction technology. “It was a great experience for students to learn to network and get to know industry professionals.”

Students attending World of Concrete:

Kyle M. Bennett, of Vestal, N.Y.; Elaina M. Brady, of Big Cove Tannery; Sara A. Darlington, of West Chester; Thomas C. DeGeyter Jr., of Long Valley, N.J.; William W. Ehret, of Basking Ridge, N.J.; Jack T. Ennis, of Sayre; Kegan E. Foster, of Gilbertsville; Leo Horn, of Villanova; Derek L. Litzelman, of Roaring Branch; Jen L. Molter, of Palmyra; Trent B. Morrison, of South Williamsport; Mike A. Nemec Jr., of Chalfont; Dawson J. Schoffstall, of Tower City; Sean M. Scott, of Williamsport; and Parker J. Sidari, of Pittsburgh.

Many of the students are pursuing – or have already completed – additional degrees in building construction technology (Darlington, DeGeyter, Foster, Litzelman, Nemec, Schoffstall and Sidari) or residential construction technology & management (Bennett, Brady, Darlington, DeGeyter, Ehret, Horn, Molter and Scott).

“The World of Concrete proved to be immensely beneficial, not only for the numerous networking opportunities but also for deepening my understanding of concrete itself,” Darlington added. “I had the opportunity to see how vendors are addressing the challenges facing the future of the industry and the innovative solutions they are developing to overcome these obstacles.”

Penn College’s concrete science technology major, which boasts a 100% graduate placement rate, is preparing students to join that effort. To learn more, call 570-327-4520 or visit the concrete science technology website.