What really happens behind the scenes at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, the world's largest construction trade show? Taylor provides a complete recap of his experience of the show in Las Vegas covering essential planning tips, the biggest industry trends like AI, and the personal moments that defined the show. As a third-generation construction business owner and podcast host, Taylor offers a unique view of the event.

Many people attend CONEXPO-CON/AGG for the massive machines and new technology and the large scale can be overwhelming and feel impersonal. Taylor reveals a different side of the event, describing it as a "family reunion" where personal connections are the main event. A surprising interaction with listeners provided him with a new sense of purpose, showing the powerful community within the industry.

🎯 KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

✨ THE UNCONVENTIONAL PLAYGROUND [03:37]:

"Las Vegas is so hyped up…and it's that way for a reason. Because there's so much going on. You can do anything that you imagine or think of."

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is more than just a trade show; it's an experience amplified by its location. Taylor explains how the unique Las Vegas environment offers opportunities for adventure and connection that go far beyond the convention floor.

⚠️ THE NETWORKING PARADOX [15:16]:

"I never get to link up with everybody that I say I'm gonna do it, you know, because it's like you have so many prerequisites."

The pressure to do everything at the show is a common pitfall. Taylor addresses the reality of an overpacked schedule and the fear of missing out, which can prevent you from having the most meaningful interactions.

⚡ THE INVISIBLE MASTERPIECE [22:46]:

"When I'm walking around there, and a lot of people might not even think about this process, it's like the amount of time it has to take to just the fencing, the barriers, the washrooms, the badge pickup sites... Incredible."

Most attendees see the booths, but few see the massive logistical operation behind them. Taylor offers a new appreciation for the event by highlighting the immense, year-long effort required to build the temporary city that is CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Welcome to the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Recap

01:45 - Pre-Show Strategy & The Vegas Arrival

06:45 - Taylor’s Awkward Encounter with David Blaine

12:47 - Highlights from the Show Floor

15:36 - Top Industry Trends: AI, Tech & Workforce

19:56 - The Real Value of CONEXPO-CON/AGG: Community

23:50 - Taylor’s Biggest Takeaway

27:30 - Final Thoughts & What's Next

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.com

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

#conexpo-con/agg #lasvegas #tradeshow

Mike Simon - better known as Dirt Perfect - is back on the podcast today! Since his first appearance, Mike has grown his YouTube channel to over 500,000 subscribers, all while running his excavating business. In this live recording from the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Community Zone, Mike sits down with Taylor to talk about what's changed, what hasn't, and why his "hobby" now earns more than his business.

From the emotional reason he started filming to the practical realities of balancing brand deals with job site work, Mike delivers a first class lesson in authenticity. He and Taylor dive into why the trades are still undervalued, how social media is a powerful free advertising tool, and why knowing your "why" matters more than chasing views.

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💰 YOUTUBE PAYS MORE THAN THE BUSINESS (AND THAT'S OKAY) [4:38]:

"The crazy part is the social media world makes more money than the excavating business. So how do you balance that out, right?"

Mike gets honest about the financial reality of his channel and explains why he intentionally keeps it a hobby to avoid burnout and maintain authenticity.

👷‍♂️ THE TRADES VS. COLLEGE REALITY CHECK [13:06]:

"One of the kids I graduated with is now the assistant principal at the high school... the reality of it is my salary is six times what his is."

Mike makes a powerful argument for trade careers, explaining why schools are finally waking up to their value.

🚀 YOU CAN'T PREDICT A HIT, SO JUST PRESS 'PUBLISH' [31:34]:

"I bet you out of half of my videos that have really taken off, I probably considered not posting because I didn't think they were that great of videos. And the videos you think that are absolutely awesome and you can't wait for everybody to see just lay there flat."

Mike reveals that the audience decides what's compelling, not the creator. Instead of trying to engineer a perfect viral hit, focus on consistently documenting your journey, because you never know which project will be the one to connect with millions.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - From Excavator to YouTube Star

1:59 - The "Why" Behind the Camera: A Father's Legacy

4:18 - When the Hobby Pays More Than the Business

6:20 - The Secret to Half a Million Followers

7:39 - How Excavator Soccer Led to His First Brand Deal

12:00 - Why the Trades Are a Smarter Career Than You Think

17:19 - Advice for Starting Out in Business & on Social Media

20:22 - The Dirt Perfect Origin Story (and Spelling Mistake)

24:16 - Behind the Scenes: Content Strategy and Scheduling

32:27 - The $10,000 Video vs. The $1,000 Video: How YouTube Pays

34:43 - The First Big Paycheck & What's Next

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.com

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

🔗 CONNECT WITH DIRT PERFECT:

Website: https://www.dirtperfect1.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirtPerfect

#DirtPerfect #ConstructionLife #SkilledTrades