There are nine conventions running concurrently with ConExpo-Con/ Agg 2002, but there’s no sign the industry will be wearing out its welcome in Las Vegas. Each show throws color into the mix to keep the scene interesting.
The Associated General Contractors of America (March 18-22); American Road & Transportation Builders Association (March 17-21); Construction Materials Recycling Association (March 20); Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (March 17-20); International Road Federation (March 19-22); National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (March 16-21); National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (March 19-23); National Utility Contractors Association (March 18-22); and the Society of Automotive Engineers will all host annual gatherings.
Here’s a look at some of the key events.
Associated General Contractors’ 3rd Annual Convention
March 18-22 @ The Bellagio Hotel
“Building a Better America” is the theme of AGC’s bash, which will include the AGC Institute. The Institute features professional development tracks, seminars and forums designed to provide educational opportunities for the full range of management employees.
The Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering Awards Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, March 19 (7 a.m.), and the AGC Build America Awards Dinner honoring Build America winners and AGC chapter presidents will formally close the event on Thursday, March 21.
American Road & Transportation Builders Association
March 17-21 @ The Aladdin Resort & Casino
ARTBA, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, lands in Las Vegas for its annual convention titled “Moving Forward Into the Next Century.” ARTBA will showcase its century of achievement at several events throughout the week, and the program also will include sessions on the transportation construction industry’s role in cleaning up after the Sept. 11 events, TEA-21 reauthorization and business technology for transportation construction over the next 100 years.
Sessions of note are: TEA-21 Reauthorization: Update and View of Stakeholders (Monday, March 18, 9 a.m. - noon); Acts of Heroism - The Transportation Construction Industry’s Response to 9/11 (Monday, March 18, 1:30 - 2:10 p.m.); and Development of Internet Based Tools for Transportation Infrastructure Management (Monday, March 18, 2:10 - 2:50 p.m.).
Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association
March 17-20 @ Treasure Island
CSDA cuts into its 30th birthday with a four-day event which features presentation topics on jobsite safety awareness, advances in slurry and dust control and wire sawing misconceptions. Round-table sessions will discuss how to safely and efficiently set up a service truck and drug and alcohol abuse.
Concrete Sawing & Drilling also will host a saw pavilion at ConExpo-Con/ Agg 2002.
John Cassis, former baseball player for the California Angels and pre-game speaker for the Chicago Bears, serves as key-note speaker.
“Technical presentations will provide members with information to help them become more successful and professional in their business,” said CSDA Executive Director Patrick O’Brien.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
March 16-21 @ Caesar’s Palace
Keynote Speaker Charles Cook will kick off NRMCA’s show on March 16 (1:30 - 2 p.m.). Cook is widely regarded as one of the most astute impartial analysts of the Washington political scene and is one of the nation’s leading authorities on U.S. elections.
An awards breakfast is planned for Sunday, March 17 (9 - 11 a.m.).
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association
March 19-23 @ The Mirage
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association packs plenty relating to the roadbuilding industry into its agenda.
Session topics on Tuesday, March 19, include: Placement of Quality Hot Mix Asphalt (9:30 - 11 a.m.); “Fast and Under Traffic” Concrete Pavement Repair - Day or Night: A Caltrans Story (9:30 - 11 a.m.); Accident, Maintenance and Safety Liability in the Ready Mixed Concrete Industry (1:45 - 3:15 p.m.); and What’s Happening in Concrete and Asphalt Recycling (1:45 - 3:15 p.m.).
The headliners for Wednesday, March 20, are: Avoiding Vibration Litigation: Lessons from The Big Dig (7:30 - 9 a.m.); Successful Compaction of Hot-Mix Asphalt (9:30 - 11 a.m.); Warranty and Design Build for Highways (1:45 - 3:15 p.m.).
Diesel Engine Emissions: The Impact on the Construction Industry (9:30 - 11 a.m.); Nighttime Construction for Roads and Highways (1:45 - 3:15 p.m.); and Recycled Asphalt Shingle Use in Hot Mix Asphalt (3:30 - 5 p.m.) are sessions to sit in on Thursday, March 21.
SAE International Off-Highway Congress
March 19-23 @ Las Vegas Convention Center
More than 40 technical sessions and panel discussions will be held at this year’s Off-Highway Congress with a focus in the following areas:
• 42-volt technology;
• Drivetrain technology;
• Advanced technologies;
• Fluid power;
• Hydraulics;
• Surface metallurgy;
• Emerging powertrain technologies;
• Injury biomechanics;
• Brakes, clutches, friction materials;
• New vehicle development session; and
• DOE laboratory panel session.