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The 2024 Canadian Crane Rental Association (CCRA) annual conference is set to kick off this June and seeks to bring together members of the industry just to the north.
Set against the backdrop of Ontario’s Caesar Windsor Hotel, this year’s conference, marking its 26th anniversary, offers a blend of networking opportunities, educational sessions and exciting activities for attendees.
The conference kicks off Monday, June 10, and runs through Thursday, June 13.
The first day is dedicated to networking and highlights a golf event at the Ambassador Golf Club and a wine tour that delves into Windsor’s history, landmarks and local wineries.
The second day’s agenda includes a keynote address on the colossal Gordie Howe International Bridge, supplier presentations on new technologies, a panel discussion on wire rope and construction cranes and presentations for the coveted Canadian Lift of the Year awards.
The third day of the conference hosts panel discussions, industry safety awards, technical committee reports and provincial updates on best practices and spotlights CCRA’s newly elected Chair Shannon Moir-Riendeau, from homegrown Moir Crane Service, a fifth-generation crane company. Moi-Riendeau’s father, Randy Sr., owns the company, which was founded by Alexander Moir when he arrived in Windsor in 1890.
“We wanted to be sure to refocus the industry’s attention back on the tradition and legacy our family businesses have on the industry,” Claire Bélanger-Parker, the administrative director of the CCRA told Crane Hot Line. “Her family has been in the crane business since the late-1800s and is still leading the industry after nearly 150 years in the business.”
The Roaring Lift of the Year
The conference concludes with a Roaring Twenties-themed banquet and awards ceremony where the Canadian Lift of the Year awards will be announced for the best lifts over, and under, 20 metric-tons.
Now, this competition is a big deal in the Canadian crane industry. Several companies from across Canada have spent countless hours preparing their presentations of their nominee for the Lift of the Year Award to the CCRA committee where the two winners will be selected.
“The ‘Lift of the Year’ award has really taken off over the past three years,” Bélanger-Parker added. “It’s become my favorite part of the conference.”
The 2024 CCRA Annual Conference will once again bring together industry leaders, professionals and enthusiasts to share knowledge, foster connections and celebrate excellence within the politest crane rental industry in the world.
Paying Homage to a Legend
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge spanning across the Detroit River that is currently under construction and casts nearly as large a shadow on the area as its namesake.
The crossing will connect Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, by linking Interstate 75 in Michigan with Ontario’s Highway 401. The bridge is named after Canadian ice hockey icon Gordie Howe, whose legendary career included 25 years with the Detroit Red Wings, and who died just two years before construction of the bridge began in 2018.
