Exhibit space sales continue an upward pace for the 2010 AGG1 Aggregates Forum & Expo and co-located World of Asphalt Show & Conference, to be held February 15-18, 2010 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

An exhibit space rate freeze is in effect for the next AGG 1 and World of Asphalt to better serve the industry, with rates the same as the 2009 events. The shows provide additional value to exhibitors with a "package plan" of booth-related services, such as material handling, included at no charge in the space rates. Exhibitors also have access, at no charge, to a variety of print and electronic marketing tools to help them promote their companies' presence at the shows.

Companies began signing up for space at the close of the successful 2009 AGG1 and World of Asphalt in March, during a "space draw" held onsite. Exhibit space applications are now being accepted on a first come, first served basis.

"Onsite we had an extremely positive response to the space draw. We encourage companies to sign up and take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity to reach a very qualified buying audience," said Show Director Melissa Magestro.

AGG1 and World of Asphalt attract top decision-makers and buyers, Magestro noted. In a post-show survey of the 2009 event, 43 percent of attendees said they had the final decision to buy, 45 percent recommend and an additional 12 percent specify products. A majority held key management roles in their companies.

"Our attendees have real purchasing power. As the downturn bottoms out, they'll be looking for the latest productivity enhancements to give them a competitive edge," she added.

AGG1 and World of Asphalt target the needs of aggregates, asphalt, pavement maintenance and traffic safety industry professionals. Leading industry manufacturers and suppliers will unveil and discuss their latest technologies and product innovations on the show floor. Industry-focused education programs for all segments will complement the exhibits and offer additional networking and learning interaction.

Magestro cited exhibitions research that for attendees, 91 percent say trade shows affect their buying decisions, by allowing comparison shopping in real time. And, for exhibitors, it costs 45 percent less to contact a sales prospect at a trade show than it does in the field (plus the added cost to identify the prospect pre-field call).

"Clearly, trade shows are cost-effective. AGG1 and World of Asphalt are industry-owned and industry-managed shows, and our top priority is for all show participants to receive optimum value for their trade show dollars," stated Magestro.

A New Product & Technology Program and several product pavilions will help attendees more easily navigate the exhibits. Product pavilions for aggregates/asphalt will feature testing/measurement and information/technology, and asphalt pavilions will cover safety and pavement maintenance products and services.

AGG1 is owned by the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA). World of Asphalt is owned by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) (www.hotmix.org) along with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) (www.aem.org) and NSSGA. AEM is show producer.

For more information visit  www.agg1.org or www.worldofasphalt.com.