The 2025 Celebration of Construction, led by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), brought together major OEMs, workforce groups, and policymakers to highlight the technology and talent powering America鈥檚 infrastructure.

Over three days, the event drew more than 15,000 visitors 鈥� including lawmakers, federal agency leaders, students, and families 鈥� with hands-on displays and full-scale machines set up just steps from the US Capitol.

Celebration of Construction showcases machine innovation

Image courtesy US Department of Agriculture

The event featured more than 80 pieces of heavy equipment, highlighting the industry鈥檚 latest advancements in technology, safety, and sustainability.

Leading manufacturers and trade organisations presented cutting-edge machinery and interactive solutions that underscored construction鈥檚 vital role in the U.S. economy.

Bobcat showcased its T86 compact track loader and E40 compact excavator, emphasising enhanced productivity and operator safety. The company also displayed its PG50 portable generator and PL65 portable light tower and demonstrated MaxControl remote operation technology alongside a new collision warning and avoidance system.

Liebherr presented its LRT 1090-2.1 rough terrain crane, 42 M5 XXT truck-mounted concrete pump, and L 546 wheel loader. Liebherr also highlighted safety features, flexible deployment options, and fuel-saving technology, all aimed at reducing jobsite costs and boosting efficiency.

Develon brought its DX225LC-7X crawler excavator, equipped with integrated machine guidance and semi-automatic operation to enhance operator productivity and jobsite accuracy.

Bomag featured several machines designed for sustainable and safe operation, including the BMP 8500 trench compactor, the all-electric BW 120 AD e-5 roller, and the CR 820 T-2 paver. Each model integrated advanced systems for remote control, emissions reduction, or compaction tracking.

Stellar Industries highlighted its TMAX 1-11 aluminium mechanic truck and NXT18 hooklift. The truck offers improved payload capacity and corrosion resistance, while the hooklift system increases flexibility with a universal body latching system and fast cycle times.

In addition to the companies mentioned above, other exhibitors included Anderson Underbridge, Case Construction Equipment, New Holland Construction, Caterpillar, Cummins, Gradall Industries, Hydrema, JCB, JLG Industries, John Deere and Wirtgen Group, Kato, Kioti Tractor, Komatsu, Kubota Tractor Corporation, LeeBoy, Link-Belt Excavators, Sany, Topcon Positioning Systems, Vermeer Corporation, Wacker Neuson, and more.

These exhibits not only demonstrated the technological prowess of the construction industry, but also served as a platform to engage directly with policymakers and make the sector鈥檚 priorities visible at the highest level.

US construction unity in uncertain times

The US Capitol, background, pictured during the AEM 2025 Celebration of Construction at National Mall event. Image courtesy US Department of Agriculture

While the machinery stood out, the message behind the National Mall event was strategic.

In a politically divided environment 鈥� where issues like tariffs, material prices, Highway Trust Fund solvency, workforce training, and tax reform remain unsettled 鈥� event organisers and industry leadership hope bringing more than 40 lawmakers and several cabinet officials to a construction event just blocks from the Capitol puts the segment in clearer focus for federal and elected officials.

鈥淗aving the construction industry come together, just a few blocks from the Capitol, provides the perfect venue to highlight our industry鈥檚 top policy issues,鈥� said Michele Stanley, interim CEO of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), one of several trade groups exhibiting at the event.

Including appearances from US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, US Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and dozens of House and Senate members, the Celebration of Construction wasn鈥檛 just an equipment showcase 鈥� it was a form of soft lobbying and sector-wide storytelling.

As John Somers, AEM vice president of construction and utility sectors, put it, 鈥淏y spotlighting our industry鈥檚 innovations and emphasising the challenges we face, we鈥檙e building momentum to solve real challenges that will promote a stronger, safer, and more sustainable construction industry.鈥�

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