Dennis J Slater, President, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)  Dennis Slater is a happy man as he observes the recent figures of the latest CONEXPO, which project it to be the 2nd biggest show ever. Next only to the 2008 show, when economies were booming round the world and the visitor count recorded a peak of 144,000, he commented in an exclusive chat with PRATAP VIJAY PADODE, Editor-in-Chief, CONSTRUCTION WORLD at the AEM offices at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. Historically, the number of visitors have vacillated between 105,000 to 144,000, but what is redeeming this year is the participation of international visitors, which has actually given a great boost to the show. At least 25 per cent of the total visitors are from international destinations. What is also gratifying is that the mood is upbeat and is indicative of the fact that times are likely to get better for the industry, Slater said.Speaking about the pending bills with the Congress, he bemoaned the government's apathy but was hopeful for quicker action and the passing of the highway bill.AEM, together with its colleagues at Associated Equipment Distributors, has launched an all-out effort in support of a comprehensive highway bill reauthorisation. Our country simply cannot afford to wait 18 months for long-term investment that will provide comprehensive solutions for our transportation challenges and create jobs. AEM has been a constant voice for adequate funding for roads, bridges and other surface transportation upgrades. Greater investment is needed for the US to maintain its worldwide economic leadership. Emerging powers are using our Interstate highway system as a model for advancement as we neglect our own infrastructure improvements and risk losing our global competitive advantage, said Slater.He also talked about the I Make America campaign, which has been initiated to promote US manufacturing jobs through infrastructure investment and the passage of export agreements. It is based on the belief that infrastructure investment and export agreements are proven ways to create and sustain jobs for US workers.