Highlights From the 2024 Crane & Rigging Workshop
The annual Crane & Rigging Workshop kicked off on Sept. 24, 2024, at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel in Glendale, Arizona. This year’s event welcomed over 700 professionals from across the globe, highlighting its status as one of the industry’s premier gatherings for those in the crane and rigging industry.
With a jam-packed exhibit center featuring 88 booths, attendees had ample opportunities to connect, learn and exchange ideas.
Representing Catalyst Communications Network (publisher of Crane Hot Line) at the 2024 workshop was CEO Shae McBride, Vice President of Business Development Olga Dubinok, and Head of Content Brian Ethridge.
“When you attend SC&RA events, it’s not just another event on the calendar. It’s a few days of new experiences, reconnecting with old friends, making new connections, engaging in heated discussions, sharing hugs, debating, learning and more. Heartland Communications was a longtime member with whom I shared these experiences, and I’m proud to carry on that legacy under a new name — Catalyst Communications Network,” Dubinok said.
Day One Highlights
The workshop began with a captivating session led by JR Moran, MBA, from Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC. His presentation focused on the tower crane committee, emphasizing best practices and lessons learned. Attendees explored key aspects such as timelines, dismantling procedures and updated standard operating protocols, all aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
“One of the highlights for me was the incident reviews, such as during the tower crane committee meeting, which fostered resilience, innovation and learning opportunities,” Caleb Rosenberger, global account manager for Vita Inclinata Technologies, said.
The evening finished off with a first timers’ meeting, which welcomed over 100 newcomers to the event. The gathering is designed to help newcomers integrate into the community and maximize their experience at the workshop.
As one of the first timers who attended this gathering and not knowing what to expect, it was a bit intimidating as they passed the microphone around and asked everyone to introduce themselves. Some decided to sneak out to avoid being put on the spot; others really relished the limelight and promoted their services.
“The ability for professionals to gather like this is impressive,” Rosenberger added. “I encourage everyone from field ops to executive management teams to get involved in industry events like these throughout the year.”
Day Two Highlights
During the safety education and training committee meeting, SC&RA introduced a new member resource: A Guide to Outrigger Pad Materials, Selection and Usage. This guide is said to offer members essential information on selecting supporting materials to minimize outrigger bearing loads, promoting safety and compliance on jobsites.
Randy Sever, chair of the crane & rigging group, used the platform to underscore the importance of the program’s safety, technical and risk management sessions.
Two of the breakout sessions that stood out were the Success Stories & Strategies for a Winning Workforce and the Solid Foundation: Outrigger Pads, Materials & Selection. The former shared stories and advice from companies giving back to their communities and employees, while the latter educated attendees on outrigger pads and the need to extensively plan for proper pad material and selection, and shared some worst-case scenarios for those who decide to wing it.
“It was very encouraging to see a strong interest from various organizations in community engagement and recruiting new talent, especially from the younger generation,” Rosenberger commented.
Day two of the event also featured an invite-only leadership forum, which impressed a lot of its participants.
“The highlight of the week for me was getting involved in the leadership forum where I was in a group of around 10 other emerging leaders that are looking to get more involved in the association,” Eric Steiner, marketing director at Bigfoot Construction Equipment, Inc., said. “We were able to discuss the challenges we are seeing in our companies, the industry and the world. A lot of us were having similar issues but also issues that are unique to our separate lines of work.
“Being able to learn and understand the challenges other companies are having allows for perspective about the industry as a whole. Overall, I would recommend anyone who has not participated in the forum to apply and get more involved!”
Day Three Highlights
Day three commenced with a powerful speech by Major (Ret.) Scotty Smiley, the first blind active-duty officer in military history. Smiley shared his incredible journey of resilience following a life-altering injury during his service in 2005, and there were several times during his story when it was safe to assume there wasn’t a single dry eye in the room.
His journey of forgiveness and determination resonated deeply with everyone listening, illustrating the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The final day also opened up the exhibit center, allowing attendees to do what they most likely came to do in the first place — network. Truly, networking is what this entire event is all about and this was a great place to do it.
“It was a great show again this year,” said Joel Godfredsen, manager at Borsheim Crane Service, LLC. “It’s always great to see everyone in our trade (competitors or not) working together as one for the betterment of our industry.”
Thoughts From a First Timer
Since just becoming directly involved in the crane industry back in January, people have repeatedly told me that this was a “can’t-miss” event. So, with that type of hype, I was excited to see what all the hubbub was about.
My first thought at the show was, “wow, I recognize a lot of people here!” Which, after thinking about it for a while, I’m not sure why I was surprised, but, as someone still somewhat new to the industry, it was nice to finally start recognizing some people!
What really stood out to me about this event was the passion that all attendees spoke with. Throughout the committee meetings, presentations and breakout sessions, the common thread was just how much the speakers — and the listeners — care about the industry.
It was great to make some new connections at SC&RA 2024. Hopefully next time, I’ll recognize even more of you!
