Safety and Training Initiatives are Focus of Value-Added Events at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2011

Attendees at the upcoming CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2011 expositions have access to several safety and training-focused events being held in conjunction to the shows, providing added value to the show experience. These include:
* Lift Safety Zone outdoor demonstration area
* Crane and Rigging Conference with a Crane Operator Rodeo
* International Mixer Driver Championship
* Construction Challenge finals for the teen-focused program spotlighting industry careers
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and the co-located IFPE will be held March 22-26, 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA, with a focus on construction, construction materials and fluid power/power transmission/motion control. And new for 2011 is the co-location of ICON Expo, bringing a stronger concrete products segment to the shows. Visit www.conexpoconagg.com and www.ifpe.com for more details.
The Lift Safety Zone is an area where anyone working with and around cranes and other aerial lift equipment can find expert advice on safe set-up and operation. The focus is on ensuring adequate ground support for the machine and load carried. Live machinery demonstrations and the latest in simulator technology will be featured. Participating in the Lift Safety Zone are the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), and the Crane Certification Association of America (CCAA). When: March 22-26. Where: Silver Lot 4.
The Crane and Rigging Conference provides a forum for safety personnel, fleet and facility managers, as well as operators to discuss the real-world dynamics of working with this equipment. Proposed sessions include technical discussions of load charts and rigging, risk management topics and a panel on implementing business changes to comply with the new OSHA Cranes and Derricks regulation. When: March 25. Where: Riviera Hotel.
In conjunction with the conference, a Crane Rodeo event at the show promotes education and safety at the same time as providing a hands-on operational experience. Show attendees can test their skills on mobile crane simulators and a Liebherr truck crane, and top score winners receive trophies. The crane and rigging conference and rodeo are hosted by Maximum Capacity Media. When: March 22-26. Where: Gold Lot next to booth G-370 (Liebherr).
The International Mixer Driver Championship is being conducted by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA – a show principal sponsor) to “recognize those individuals from around the world with exceptional talent that deliver the world’s most versatile building product,” according to NRMCA. The event includes a “challenge course” for both front and rear mixer trucks and a walk-around vehicle inspection event. A post-event driving session is planned where attendees with current commercial driving licenses can ride the course and compare their scores with the winning ones. When: March 23. Where: Green Lot.
In the AEM Construction Challenge presented by Volvo Construction Equipment, 24 student teams from across the U.S. and Canada will compete in the finals of this teen-oriented event. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM – a show principal sponsor) designed the program to spur interest in construction careers and spotlight industry contributions to quality of life such as good roads and clean water. There are two finals challenges: In the “Road Rumble sponsored by Ditch Witch,” teams solve infrastructure problems with construction solutions to repair roads and bridges in an effort to improve highway efficiency. The second challenge, “H2 Oh Yeah,” is a game show-style competition with questions about infrastructure facts and policy. When: March 22 – 24. Where: In and near AEM booth L-3221 outside Central Hall.
Related to the Challenge is the Construction Challenge 5K Run/Walk in cooperation with CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011. Hosted by Maximum Capacity Media, it was first held at the 2008 show, where it raised more than $5000 for construction-related education purposes. When: March 23. Where: Starts Las Vegas Hilton.
Source: AEM Press Room