MILWAUKEE (May 7, 2025) – CONEXPO-CON/AGG and The Utility Expo, the premier trade shows for the construction and utility sectors, are proud to announce a new partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). AFSP is the largest private funder of suicide prevention research in the United States and a leader on advocacy, education and community engagement to fight suicide. Together, they will launch a multi-year initiative to provide mental health education, suicide prevention resources, and training tailored specifically to the needs of the construction industry.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and The Utility Expo are owned and produced by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
The construction sector continues to face one of the highest suicide rates of any profession. Through this collaboration, the trade shows will serve as a powerful platform to raise awareness and equip industry professionals with the tools to foster a culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being.
“Our industry is built by people—and protecting their mental health is just as critical as ensuring their physical safety,” said Megan Tanel, President and CEO of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), which owns and operates both shows. “By partnering with AFSP, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and The Utility Expo will amplify essential conversations, deliver accessible training, and help make suicide prevention a standard part of how we do business.”
AFSP will deliver specialized programming at AEM industry trade shows and provide regular virtual training sessions for construction industry workers. The partnership also includes support for AFSP’s community events and initiatives to certify leaders in best practices for suicide prevention.
“This partnership with CONEXPO-CON/AGG builds on our commitment to the construction industry and our support of mental health in workplaces. By taking actions that help people thrive emotionally, and by providing programs and resources to ensure people struggling get the help they need - we can prevent suicide, said AFSP CEO Bob Gebbia. “We are proud of this partnership and the growing commitment of industries to join us in saving lives from suicide.”
This partnership reflects a growing movement within the construction industry to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create safer, more supportive workplaces.
About CONEXPO-CON/AGG
Held every three years, CONEXPO-CON/AGG is the must-attend event for construction industry professionals. The show features the latest equipment, products, services and technologies for the construction industry, as well as industry-leading education. CONEXPO-CON/AGG is owned in partnership with NRMCA, NSSGA and AEM and managed by AEM. The next CONEXPO-CON/AGG will be held March 3-7, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information on CONEXPO-CON/AGG, visit https://www.conexpoconagg.com.
About The Utility Expo
The Utility Expo is the largest event for utility professionals and construction contractors seeking comprehensive insights into the latest industry technologies, innovations and trends. The biennial trade show, known for equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations, takes place in Louisville, Ky. The next event will be October 7-9, 2025. For more information on The Utility Expo, visit https://www.utilityexpo.com.
About AFSP
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
As a reminder, suicide is a public health matter and most often a result of a mental health condition in combination with other risk factors. How we talk about suicide in the media can negatively or positively influence the health outcomes of those who are vulnerable to suicide. To reduce the risk of suicide contagion we encourage journalists to follow guidelines for reporting on suicide: www.afsp.org/safereporting.
About AEM
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is North America’s premier trade organization representing off-road equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners. With a rich history spanning over 125+ years, AEM serves more than 1,100 members companies across 200+ product lines in multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, utility, and forestry. AEM supports an industry that contributes approximately $316 billion annually to the U.S. economy while sustaining 2.3 million jobs. Through advocacy, market intelligence, and industry collaboration, AEM works to advance the interests of equipment manufacturers and their partners in the global marketplace. For more information, visit https://www.aem.org.
Photo credit: MICHAELJUNG/BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM
