So you’ve made it to Las Vegas for the World of Concrete 2011 (WOC). Despite my advice leading up to WOC 2011, you were unable to plan your detailed schedule, simply because you were so busy in the office or on the jobsite. Let’s hope this was the case.

Anyway, you’re now at the Las Vegas Convention Center reading this editorial. You have an idea of what seminars to attend, but beyond that your schedule is up in the air. To offer some assistance, the editors of Concrete Construction compiled this WOC Top 10 list, leading up to our proclaimed No. 1 event of the show. Learn more about WOC 2011.

10. Concrete Polishing Luncheon & Forum: Held Tuesday, Jan. 18, this event features the leading concrete polishing experts discussing how contractors can grow their business as well as polishing specifications. Onsite registration is available.

9. John Deere Operator Challenge: Time for you to show off your operating skills. Located in the Gold Lot, operate a loader, skidsteer, backhoe, or excavator earning points for speed and accuracy. Winners are recognized daily.

8. GREENSITE Luncheon & Forum: Scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20, this luncheon connects contractors interested in sustainable construction with professionals knowledgeable in this segment of the industry. Onsite registration is available.

7. Contractor Clinics: Held everyday during the show, the clinics demonstrate new techniques, materials, and tools used in concrete construction. Speakers will address industry-specific issues such as sustainability and concrete repair work.

6. Pervious Concrete Live!: If you’re interested in learning more about pervious concrete, this is your event. Three separate pads will be placed in the Gold Lot, and discussion will focus on the correct/incorrect construction of each pad.

5. Most Innovative Products (MIP): The MIP contest, located in the Grand Concourse, encourages you to vote for the products you feel are “most innovative.”

4. CC’s Improving Slab-on-Grade Construction Luncheon & Forum: This event includes presentations from leading industry experts on slab-on-grade construction addressing problems and solutions, and how contractors can place a slab better. Scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 19, onsite registration is available.

3. Hoover Dam Bypass Tour: This event sells out every year, so sign up now. The guided tour will include a special viewing site of the bridge, a presentation by industry experts describing how the bridge was constructed, and more. Tours are Sunday, Jan. 16th, and Friday, Jan. 21st.

2. Bricklayer 500: Twenty teams compete to lay a double-wythe, 26-foot wall in 60 minutes, vying for the title of World’s Best Bricklayer. Located in the Gold Lot, it’s definitely worth a visit to this intense competition—winner takes all Jan. 19th.

1. Artistry in Decorative Concrete: Located in the Concrete Surfaces & Decorative Pavilion, this area features decorative concrete artisans showing off unique and innovative decorative concrete. One demonstration will be “vertical concrete construction by free hand,” a first for the Artistry Demos, and perhaps even a first in the U.S. I highly recommend you see this demonstration.

Don't forget to register for the show at WorldofConcrete.com.