Education and Networking Highlighted ICHC Houston

On July 19-20, more than 250 industry professionals gathered in Houston, Texas, for the second annual Industrial Crane & Hoist Conference, Crane & Rigging Conference, and Reach Expo 2011 trade exhibition. The event, which was hosted by Maximum Capacity Media, presented information on a number of topics, including standards and certification, product development and certification, inspections, ergonomics, rigging gear and wire rope, and case studies showing lifting equipment in use. Additionally, vendors from an array of companies—manufacturers, rental companies, and distributors—exhibited their wares to the delegation.

Day One kicked off with a high-level market and economic overview by Hal Vandiver, CEO of Vandiver & Associates and managing director of the CMAA, MMA, and HMI, industry groups of the MHIA, where he discussed market trends and forecasts for the industry.

Other highlights of the day included Ted Blanton of NACB's presentation on hoist, gantry, and overhead crane operator certification and training as it relates to the new OSHA crane standard; a case study from Columbus McKinnon's customer Turner Industries, the nation's largest privately owned pipe fabricators, which incorporates  hoists and cranes in its facilities in order to ramp up efficiencies and safety; and Mike Parnell of Industrial Training International's explanation of how to develop a success electronic lift plan.

Following a day of education, attendees took part in a cocktail hour with exhibitors in the Reach Expo. Click here for a list of Reach Expo exhibitors.

Upcoming MCM Events

The MCM Events conferences continue to grow. Join us for the Crane & Rigging Conference (CRC) Canada, a two-day educational, networking event and exhibition, Oct.12-13, 2011. The event will be held at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta.

Whether you work with mobile or overhead cranes, CRC Canada will provide opportunities to improve the management of crane operations before, during, and after the lift. Fleet and facilities managers, safety leaders, operators and riggers, will participate in sessions that will help you apply new regulations; evaluate and safely prepare the work environment; hone your inspection skills; manage and maintain your equipment; and learn from colleagues and competitors.

Gathering crane users from British Columbia, Saskatchewan as well as the North West Territories’ diamond mines, CRC Canada will address delegates preparing for major growth in the oil, gas and mining sectors over the next 10 years. MCM will partner with All Canadian Training Institute Inc. (ACTi) and KOLO Holdings Inc. to deliver the highest quality content for the local audience.

In addition to the educational sessions, this two-day exposition allows suppliers of rigging gear, training services, software products, and other crane-related components and accessories to show their latest products and services.

Sign up today at www.craneandriggingconference.com.