Previewing the 2024 Crane & Rigging Workshop

The 2024 Crane & Rigging Workshop is where industry members connect. Join them Tuesday, September 24 through Thursday, September 26, at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel Glendale, AZ.

The Workshop will feature plenty of networking and education sessions.

Hot topics

Kicking off the Workshop on Wednesday will be a riveting Opening Session titled, The Plaintiff’s Playbook. Soaring insurance costs are a hot button topic within the industry, with no end in sight. This panel discussion will arm your business when going to battle in the courtroom as renowned plaintiff’s attorney, Michael Goldberg, will go toe-to-toe with veteran defense attorney, Scott Moulton. These legal experts will share strategies of how your company can insulate itself from nuclear verdicts and the resulting spikes in insurance premiums.

The panel will also include Chris Mikolay, senior vice president, National Interstate; Billy Smith, EVP, claims & risk management, NBIS.

A highly anticipated Breakout Session on the same day will be Eyes on Safety: Enhancing Mobile Equipment with Camera Technology. The session will be led by Edwin Bullmer, safety manager, Phoenix Crane Rental; Mike Knott, president, Phoenix Crane Rental; Colton Rhew, field safety, Buckner HeavyLift Cranes; and Meredith Williams, president, Buckner HeavyLift Cranes.

Attendees will hear real-life examples and case studies of camera footage saving personnel and member companies from devastating legal and financial repercussions. Understand the basics of camera technology (inward-facing, outward-facing, dashcams, etc.), and their practical uses in fleets. All of which ultimately enhance safety and accountability across the industry.

Thursday’s Keynote Session, Hope Unseen: Finding Success in Adversity, will be delivered by Major (Ret.) Scotty Smiley. He became the first blind active-duty officer in military history following a face-to-face confrontation in 2005 with an Iraqi terrorist suicide car bomber. After his injury, Scotty’s faith led him to forgive his attacker and inspired him to rebuild his life while continuing to serve his country in the U.S. Army. Smiley then went on to tandem skydive with the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights, climb Mount Rainier and complete a Coeur d’Alene Ironman. Major Smiley was also named “Soldier of the Year” in 2007 and ESPN awarded him an ESPY Award in 2008 as the best outdoor athlete.

Ahead of the curve

Another must-see breakout session is titled, The Latest on Equipment Innovations. Staying ahead of the curve of the ever-evolving equipment utilized in the industry can be a daunting task. Attendees of the session will hear from leading manufacturers as they discuss cutting-edge technologies and advancements designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity on the jobsite. The participating manufacturers are Broderson Manufacturing Corp, Load King, Maeda America and Manitex International. Panelists include: Ed Hisrich, vice president of sales, Broderson Manufacturing Corp.; John Lukow, senior vice president, cranes, Load King; John Carpenter, senior sales manager, North America, Maeda America; and Colton Peterson, product manager, Manitex International.

The Exhibit Center will feature 88 booths displaying equipment, products and services.

Additional breakout sessions for the Workshop include: Reviving Giants: The Art of Rebuilding and Remanufacturing Cranes; Success Stories and Strategies for a Winning Workforce; Solid Foundations: Outrigger Pads, Materials and Selection; The Most Important Questions You Should be Asking Your Insurance Broker; Increase Crane and Rigging Safety through Lift Planning, Guidance, and Engineering; Eight Daily Habits to Support Your Physical and Mental Wellbeing; Elevating Equipment Reliability & Safety Using Dynamic Testing and The Science of Cabling and Optimization Solutions.

Making connections

The Exhibit Center will host 88 companies displaying new equipment, services and products. Attendees will also be treated to two evening receptions, as well as a variety of breaks throughout the day. There will be a plethora of opportunities to network, both day and night, including the First Timers’ Reception for all new attendees of the event. Members are also encouraged to attend any/all committee meetings, which include the Tower Crane Committee, Safety Education and Training Committee, Labor Committee and the Crane & Rigging Group Governing Committee.

The Workshop will also hold the one-day Leadership Forum, which is tailored to empower the next generation of thought leaders. This session pairs participants with experienced industry mentors to strengthen networks and accelerate the advancement of top talent into higher professional and Association leadership roles. Interested attendees must apply beforehand. 

To register for the Workshop, please visit scranet.org/CRW2024.