How OEM Controls Found Success at ConExpo 2026

Every three years, the construction equipment industry gathers in Las Vegas for one of its most  influential events: CONEXPO-CON/AGG. The show brings together thousands of exhibitors and more than 100,000 industry professionals to explore the technologies shaping the future of heavy equipment.

For many companies, trade shows are simply an opportunity to display products. But for OEM Controls, CONEXPO represented something more—a chance to demonstrate how advanced control technologies support the performance, usability, and innovation of modern machinery.

Our approach is built around real-world solutions, hands-on demonstrations, and meaningful industry conversations, as we try to optimize our presence at CONEXPO into a powerful opportunity to connect with equipment manufacturers and showcase some of the technologies solutions behind today’s machines.

Why Attending CONEXPO Matters

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is one of the largest construction trade shows in North America, attracting equipment manufacturers, contractors, engineers, and technology providers from around the world.

The event offers a rare opportunity to:

• Showcase new innovations
• Demonstrate equipment capabilities
• Connect with partners and customers
• Explore trends shaping the future of construction and off-highway machinery

Because the industry is evolving rapidly—with smarter machines, more advanced electronics, and increasing automation—events like CONEXPO play an important role in bringing companies together to discuss the next generation of equipment.

For OEM Controls, it also provided an ideal platform to demonstrate the importance of operator interface technology in modern machine design.

Demonstrating OEM Controls’ Technology

One of the ways we found success at CONEXPO was by clearly showing how our solutions support the machines that are used across construction and industrial environments.

For sixty years, OEM Controls has specialized in developing electrohydraulic control systems and operator interface technologies used in construction, mining, agriculture, and other heavy equipment applications.

Examples of what is possible utilizing field-proven components that all can be combined to meet the wants of our customers:

• Industrial joysticks
• Operator control consoles
• Electronic control modules
• Sensor-integrated control systems
• Custom human-machine interface solutions

While these technologies may not always be the most visible part of a machine, they play a critical role in how equipment operates in the field.

At CONEXPO, we were able to highlight how these systems serve as the connection between machine operators and increasingly complex equipment systems. By focusing on this role, we helped visitors understand how advanced control technologies contribute directly to machine precision, efficiency, and operator experience. Capitalizing on the 60 years of experience in design and manufacturing our electronics and controls for the harsh / demanding environments we serve.

A Solutions-First Approach on the Show Floor

Another factor behind our strong presence at CONEXPO was our company’s solutions-first approach to exhibiting.

Rather than presenting individual components as standalone products, OEM focuses on demonstrating how its technologies function as part of a complete equipment system.

This approach allowed visitors to see how OEM Controls’ solutions contribute to:

• Improved machine responsiveness
• Better operator ergonomics
• Seamless integration with electronic machine systems
• Greater overall equipment productivity

By connecting its technology to real-world machine performance, OEM Controls created more meaningful conversations with engineers and equipment manufacturers attending the show.

Instead of simply looking at hardware on display, visitors were able to understand how control systems impact the machines they design and build.

Creating Hands-On Experiences

Control systems are best understood through experience, and we made hands-on interaction a key part of the OEM CONEXPO presence.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore configurable operator control consoles, test joystick platforms, and interact with integrated control systems. Experiencing the responsiveness and ergonomics of these technologies firsthand allowed engineers and equipment designers to better understand how they function in real operating environments.

These demonstrations helped transform the booth into a place where visitors could actively explore how control technologies influence machine performance.

For many attendees, the ability to physically interact with the systems created a far more engaging and memorable experience than simply viewing product displays.

Custom Engineering as a Competitive Advantage

Another important element of OEM Controls’ success at CONEXPO was its emphasis on custom engineering and collaboration with equipment manufacturers.

Every machine and every application presents unique design requirements. Factors such as machine functionality, operator preferences, environmental conditions, and safety standards all influence how control systems must be designed.

Because of this, OEM Controls works closely with manufacturers to develop custom control solutions tailored to specific equipment applications. We call this: The Power Of Options.

At CONEXPO, many conversations focused on how control systems could be custom configured to meet particular machine requirements. Whether discussing ergonomics, control responsiveness, or electronic integration, these discussions highlighted the flexibility that manufacturers gain by working with a control systems partner capable of customizing solutions.

This collaborative approach reinforces OEM Controls’ role not just as a component supplier, but as a partner in equipment development.

Strengthening Relationships Across the Industry

Beyond technology demonstrations, CONEXPO also provided OEM Controls with an opportunity to strengthen relationships across the construction equipment industry.

Trade shows remain one of the few places where engineers, product managers, and manufacturers can meet face-to-face to discuss equipment design challenges and emerging opportunities.

During the event, the OEM Controls team connected with:

• Existing partners
• Engineers developing next-generation equipment
• Manufacturers exploring new control technologies
• Industry professionals focused on improving operator interfaces

These conversations are often where the most valuable outcomes of trade shows occur, helping companies identify new collaboration opportunities and explore ideas for future machine development.

For OEM Controls, the event served as a hub for strengthening long-standing partnerships while also forming new connections across the industry.

Supporting the Future of Off-Highway Technology

Modern machines are becoming more advanced through the integration of:

• Digital machine control systems
• Advanced sensors
• Automation capabilities
• Operator assistance technologies

At the center of these innovations is the human-machine interface, where operators interact with increasingly complex equipment.

As machines grow more capable, control systems must evolve to deliver:

• Greater precision
• Intuitive operator interfaces
• Responsive feedback
• Seamless integration with electronic machine systems

OEM Controls specializes in developing control technologies that support these next-generation equipment platforms.

• Providing what you want, not simply what’s in a catalog
• Optimizing our customer’s machine operator experience – efficiency, ergonomics and enhancements – giving them a competitive advantage

By showcasing these capabilities at CONEXPO, we demonstrated how our solutions help manufacturers design machines that are easier to operate, more efficient, and better suited for modern jobsite demands.