Key takeaways from the 2024 SC&RA Crane & Rigging Workshop

The 2024 SC&RA Crane & Rigging Workshop convened at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel, uniting industry professionals for three days of high-impact sessions, engaging discussions and hands-on exhibitions. With an agenda tailored to address pressing industry challenges, the Workshop featured captivating panel debates, including strategies to navigate skyrocketing insurance costs and advancements in mobile equipment safety.

The 2024 Crane & Rigging Workshop was held in Glendale, AZ on September 24-26, 2024.

The Opening Session, “The Plaintiff’s Playbook,” addressed legal strategies to mitigate soaring insurance costs. Panelists engaged attendees with insights on camera technology enhancing mobile equipment safety, while Major (Ret.) Scotty Smiley’s keynote, “Hope Unseen,” delivered an inspiring narrative on perseverance and transformation.

“There were so many great topics and sessions of the workshop,” said Sarah Emig, operating engineer, Connelly Crane Rental. “Key takeaways for the Connelly Crane team were the importance and integration of dash cams as a tool to help drivers. The session with the lawyers [The Plaintiff’s Playbook] was awesome, and was very interesting to see where the other side comes from on litigation issues. As always, the few days spent with this group is a great networking experience.”

A diverse range of breakout sessions kept attendees engaged, exploring equipment innovations, lift planning, safety practices and wellness.

Industry insight

The first breakout session, Reviving Giants: The Art of Rebuilding and Remanufacturing Cranes, was led by Bruce Stemp, safety director for Lampson International. Stemp discussed some of the latest features, innovations, potential cost savings and technologies that make upgrading older cranes a compelling option.

Workforce development was another focal point, as SC&RF Workforce Ambassadors Kristin Chose, director of business development, Ideal Crane; Meghan McNally-Wininger, director of safety and marketing, McNally-Nimergood; and David Hull, general manager of North America, Manitowoc; shared their successes in recruiting talent through community engagement initiatives.

“At this year’s Workshop, I was on a panel that shared what we are doing at Ideal to engage with our local communities and develop our next generation of workforce,” reflected Chose. “I enjoyed all of the discussions and conversations that followed with those that attended the session- it’s neat to share ideas and gain inspiration from what others are doing in their communities. As well, I always enjoy reconnecting with industry friends at the SC&RA events to discuss the latest trends and ideas in our industry.”

Discussing the benefits of adding cameras in a fleet, Eyes on Safety: Enhancing Mobile Equipment with Camera Technology was presented by Edwin Bullmer, safety manager, Phoenix Crane Service, Inc., Mike Knott, president, Phoenix Crane Service, Inc., Colton Rhew, national safety manager, Buckner HeavyLift Cranes and Bret Shields, vice president - operations & safety, Buckner HeavyLift Cranes. The panel helped the audience understand the basics of camera technology ((inward-facing, outward-facing, dashcams, etc.), and practical uses.

To close out Tuesday’s schedule, Dan Durrett, director of engineering services, Maxim Crane Works, Kris Koberg, president/CEO, DICA and Mike Walsh, president, Dearborn Companies, discussed the fundamentals of jobsite foundations.

Expert voices

Wednesday’s first breakout session, both highly-anticipated and well-attended, was titled The Latest on Equipment Innovations. Leading manufacturers convened to discuss the latest industry trends, new equipment and efficiency and productivity on the job site. Panelists included Ed Hisrich, vice president of sales, Broderson Manufacturing Corp.; John Lukow, senior vice president, cranes, Load King; Joe Wheatley, sales manager, Maeda America; and Colton Peterson, product manager, Manitex International.

The Most Important Questions You Should be Asking Your Insurance Broker, was led by Cameron Boots, national crane director, Gallagher Crane Division, Dave Wittwer, executive vice president, Brown & Brown; Rick Emery, president, Emery & Karrigan; and Randy Proos, partner/vice president heavy equipment division, USI Insurance; was an indispensable session for anyone involved in the crane and rigging industry looking to optimize their insurance strategy.

With 88 booths at the Exhibit Center, attendees were treated to hands-on networking opportunities.

Jennifer Gabel, owner of JK Crane, spoke on the 8 Daily Habits to Support Your Physical and Mental Wellbeing and Brandon Horne, Engineer at Lift Planning Services, led a “back to basics” session covering crane selection and and why comprehensive lift plans are so important.

Elevating Equipment Reliability & Safety Using Dynamic Testing was presented by Mike Beres, vice president, Engineered Rigging. Beres analyzed the results of dynamic versus static testing and detailed the testing process. Joost Eertman, technical director, Ropeblock B.V. closed out the Workshop with a hands-on presentation examining the variety of wire rope available on the market.

Networking was a central theme throughout the Workshop, with attendees making new connections and strengthening existing ones, as over 700 attendees were at this year’s Workshop. The First Timers Reception was also well-attended and the Exhibit Center featured 88 member booths showcasing the latest equipment, technologies and services.

Next year’s Crane & Rigging Workshop will be held September 23-25, 2025, in Indianapolis, IN.