SC&RA NEWS
55
T
he 2013 Crane & Rigging Workshop
bookended summer in memorable
fashion for the many in attendance
in sunny Florida, USA. SC&RA members
from around the world had a chance to
reunite, or meet and greet, from the Hilton
hotel at Lake Buena Vista on the grounds of
the Walt Disney World Resort. In addition
to the distinguished setting, September’s
annual event saw numbers in an array of
categories reach impressive heights.
This year’s agenda was geared towards
enhancing the understanding of vital
industry issues, including safety and risk
management, optimal use of equipment,
employee recruitment and retention,
marketing and promotion, the regulatory
environment, construction contracts and
more. The value of an SC&RA membership
for companies in every niche and location
in the world was on full display, as some of
the industry’s top experts provided insights
on key issues that affect SC&RA members
on a day-to-day basis, from the jobsite to
the front office. Industry professionals,
two dozen of them internationals, joined
the assembly of attendees for a range of
educational sessions, committee meetings
and networking events.
In addition, a notable appearance by
James Callahan, International Union of
Operating Engineers general president, at
the Labor Committee meeting, brought a
crowd. It also gave the day one morning
gathering a significant distinction. Callahan
addressed questions and concerns from
the audience covering a range of topics,
including hours of service, initiatives,
uniformity on standards, and OSHA
compliance. The Labor Committee meeting
was one of three to kick off the conference
on the first morning – setting the tone for
what emerged as one of the more uplifting
and educational SC&RA events of the year.
Part of it
As the numbers go, this year’s final tally
was certainly worth being a part of.
More than 500 attendees landed at this
year’s workshop. In addition to first-rate
accommodation, each guest enjoyed the
numerous occasions to meet and greet
from a number of receptions and related
networking opportunities.
Representing nine countries, 24
international attendees made their way
stateside for this year’s event. They were
greeted with the type of hospitality that
reinforces one’s pride in the industry and
this association.
A record 80 booths lined the spirited
exhibit centre. Exhibitors and attendees
alike had a chance to interact during the
largest-ever exhibit floor for this event.
Products and services geared to the needs
of the industry were on display within a
setting intimate enough for professionals
on both sides of the booth to exchange
valuable questions and answers.
The First-Timers’ Briefing brought day
one to a close, and was supported by 66
attendees. Participants had a chance to put
a name to a face, and become acquainted
with SC&RA officers and staff.
The Exhibit Center Only pass created by
SC&RA had nine members participating.
This system allows exhibitors to invite
up to three attendees or clients of their
choice. SC&RA expects this feature to grow
in popularity and believes it will serve to
Strength in numbers
The high number of attendees at the 2013 Crane and Rigging
Workshop was a good indicator of the strength of the
association. MIKE CHALMERS reports
>
Keynote speaker, Josh Williams, Safety Performance Solution senior project manager,
had the audience captivated on day one with his enduring presentation Increasing
Self-Responsibility for Safety
Industry professionals travelled in from nine countries and helped to fill a range of
educational sessions, committee meetings and presentations. The top issues of the day in
crane and rigging were addressed to enthusiastic audiences all week
INTERNATIONAL AND SPECIALIZED TRANSPORT
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NOVEMBER 2013
