Speakers and Topics Announced for Crane & Rigging Conference, ConExpo

Get the most out of your ConExpo experience

 

 

 

In March 2011, the Crane & Rigging Conference (CRC), an independent forum for crane and rigging professionals, will be held in conjunction with ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas, Nev.  Produced by Maximum Capacity Media, publisher of Crane Hot Line and Lift and Access magazines, the one-day conference provides crane and rigging professionals a unique educational opportunity while they are in attendance at the biggest construction equipment tradeshow in North America. 

 

CRC will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, March 25. Attendees must also be registered for ConExpo-Con/Agg to register for CRC. Go to www.crcconexpo.com for information.

 

 

“I am very excited that ConExpo-Con/Agg has invited us to co-locate our event with the 2011 trade show," said Guy Ramsey, president and publisher of Maximum Capacity Media. As one of the two largest construction equipment expositions in the world, the show typically hosts thousands of crane owners, operators, and rigging professionals.  Partnering CRC with ConExpo makes it possible to promote the safe and productive use of cranes to a much larger audience.”

 

 

“We placed extra focus on lifting equipment at the 2008 ConExpo-Con/Agg, and we want to build on that in 2011 and beyond,” said Megan Tanel, vice president exhibitions and events for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). “Co-locating the Crane & Rigging Conference with next year’s show will help strengthen the value of our event for the lifting industry and the contractors that use lifting equipment."

 

 

Sponsorships, which provide branding, marketing, and publicity benefits for the sponsors, are available to support the event. For more information, contact Mark Bridger, mbridger@maxcapmedia.com or 480-231-9672.

 

 

CRC Speakers

 

Presentations for the conference will be centered on promoting crane safety and improving risk management. The preliminary agenda includes the following sessions: 

 

• Managing a Crane Accident—Joe Collins, a heavy-lift and crane consultant with 25 years’ experience at Zachry Construction, San Antonio, Texas, will discuss an initial evaluation of an accident; how to rescue and care for the injured; safe steps for wreckage removal; and tips on rescuing a crane caught in a precarious position.

 

 

• Limiting Your Exposure in an Accident— Brad Closson, president of CRAFT Forensic Services, Bonita, Calif., acknowledges that today’s crane operations documents can be tomorrow’s litigation nightmare. He will share real-life examples of the impact of good and bad documentation; establish the basics for good documentation; and provide a list of questions you should ask about your current practices.

 

 

• Rating Charts and Overloading—Ron Kohner, of Landmark Engineering Services Ltd., Roseville, Minn., will dispel myths by taking a look at what is involved in producing a rating chart. Understanding the interplay of stability and non-stability limiting factors on a chart can help promote safer crane operation.

 

 • Rigging for Success—Mike Gelskey, CEO of Lift-It Manufacturing Co., Los Angeles, Calif., will provide information for both sling users and inspectors about sling designs, angles, tension, center-of- gravity considerations, load factors, wear protection, environmental considerations, inspection systems, techniques, and removal-fromservice criteria.

 

 

• The Perfect Pick: How to Navigate OSHA’s New Crane Rules—This panel discussion with industry experts will guide you through the path to compliance. Moderated by Tudor Van Hampton, Engineering News-Record. 

 

Crane Operator Rodeo

 

In other news, in an effort to bring greater attention to the importance of training and safe crane operation, Maximum Capacity Media will host the MCM Crane Operator Rodeo during ConExpo show hours. As part of the AEM focus on providing additional value to show attendees, the Rodeo is open to anyone registered for the show.

 

 “The Rodeo is designed to promote education and safety in crane operations as well as provide a hands-on operational experience.  We appreciate AEM’s support in encouraging an environment for learning where safety is top priority,” said Ramsey.  “New OSHA regulations have put increased priority on the certification of crane operators and as such, ConExpo is the perfect venue in which to provide large numbers of crane operators and fleet managers with information about training and certification,” he said.  Look for more information about the Crane Operator Rodeo next issue, or go to http://www.crcconexpo.com and click on the Crane Operator Rodeo tab.