Heavy Hitters: The Digital Industrial Podcast 117. John Somers (AEM) + Matt Abeles (ABC) - Plowing Innovation Ahead to CONEXPO 2026
11 snips
Feb 9, 2026 
John Somers, AEM VP focused on trade shows and equipment tech, and Matt Abeles, ABC VP driving contractor tech adoption. They preview CONEXPO’s new Ground Breakers Stage. They discuss a mixed fleet collaboration, AI-enabled heavy machinery autonomy as augmentation, and how digital tools have moved from optional to operational.
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Partnership Born At A Danish Embassy
- Matt and John met at a Danish Embassy panel and then partnered to lead a Groundbreaker session at ConExpo.
- ABC brought students and curated construction technology education to expose future managers to innovation.
Field Tech Bridges Planning And Execution
- ABC's FieldTech report shows field tech narrows the gap between offsite planning and onsite execution and drives ROI.
- Case studies highlight drones, robotics, and reality capture improving safety, quality, and margins.
Hensel Phelps' Innovation Hub
- Hensel Phelps runs Diverge, an R&D division collaborating with startups on 3D printing and drones at a Scottsdale facility.
- ABC plans site visits to study that innovation model firsthand.