SC&RA Annual Conference April 17-21

SC&RA's 2012 Annual Conference, April 17-21, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines, Austin, TX, USA, will feature more than 50 educational sessions, networking events and committee meetings. The Annual Conference is expected to bring together more than 600 industry professional to network, learn and engage.

Among the anticipated highlights are the Products Fair with 79 exhibitors; the Rigging and Hauling Jobs of the Year Competitions; the Annual Awards and Recognition Dinner; the SC&R Foundation's Boogie, Boots 'n' Bling Gala; golf, tennis and fun run events; the President's Reception; the Acoustic Alchemy Guitar Reception and special receptions for international members, first-time attendees and spouses.

An impressive roster of speakers will educate and entertain attendees during special sessions throughout the Conference, the SC&RA said.

Opening session speaker Curt Coffman will elaborate on why successful managers "first break all the rules." He will explain how the best managers select an employee for talent rather than for skills or experience; set expectations; motivate employees and, finally, find the right fit for each person rather than for the next rung on the ladder.

A panel of insurance industry experts will provide an explanation about how to assess the risks associated with any given contract and ultimately detertmine whether to accept the terms. The second part of the session will provide a "contract checklist" of items for both transportation and crane and rigging companies, including various additional insured endorsements and indemnity agreements. Speakers include Jeff Haynes, National Practice Leader, USI Insurance Services LLC; Robert Moore, Chief Legal Officer, NBIS; Bill Smith, Vice President, Claims and Risk Management, NBIS; and Dave Wittwer, Vice President, The Buckner Company, Inc.

In his presentation,"The Lighter Side of Spaceflight," Mike Mullane will explane how he realized a lifteime dream of becoming an astronaut through the practice of "mapping the edge of his performance envelope." His session will take audience members on a space journey and leave them with a renewed sense of their potential - and the potential of their team.

Dr. Martin Regalia, Vice President & Chief Economist of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, returns to the Annaul Conference after a two-year hiatus to report of the current economic climate and his projections for 2012 and beyond. He will address stimulus spending, global construction and the general posture of the credit.

"Enjoy the Ride," is the advice offered by Steve Gilliland in his presentation, which will reveal through humor and reality tested techniques how to face conficting demands in an unforgiving business environment that keeps getting tougher.

Visit www.scranet.org/2012-annual-conference now to review the program, learn more about the hotel, and register as an attendee or exhibitor. Information is also available by calling SC&RA at 703- 698-0291.