“The purpose of this event is right on target with the needs of the industry,” said Debbie Dickinson, executive director of Crane Institute Certification (CIC). “The conference will assist the industry in understanding and creating viable solutions to difficult problems. CIC and Columbus McKinnon are collaborating with Maximum Capacity Media in order to create opportunities for safer, more productive and profitable work.” CIC is an accredited provider of certification exams for crane operators, riggers, and signalpersons. Columbus McKinnon manufactures hoists, rigging, and overhead crane components in a variety of industry legacy brands, including Abell Howe, Coffing, Yale, and others.

In addition, Load Systems International, a manufacturer of wireless crane instrumentation devices, signed on early as a lunch sponsor of the event. “LSI has been a sponsor of three CRC/ICHC conferences to date. We find, overall, that the event draws a broad cross section of key industry personnel, exposing us to a diverse range of new customer opportunities,” said David Smith, president and CEO of LSI. “I’m personally excited to see New Orleans as the location for the next venue which is in close proximity to marine, offshore and land-based crane operations.”

Guy Ramsey, president of Maximum Capacity Media, continued, saying: “After two successful years in Houston, MCM Events decided to move our annual CRC/ICHC conference to New Orleans based on input from past exhibitors and presenters. The city offers an ideal location near the Gulf Coast’s massive refinery and petrochemical industries. In addition, major engineering and construction efforts continue rebuilding the area after the 2005 Hurricane Katrina caused major destruction.”

The 2012 CRC/ICHC will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites New Orleans Convention Center, located in the vibrant historic arts and warehouse district. The hotel is also within walking distance to the Riverwalk and National World War II Museum, among other attractions.

“Tools for Effective Crane and Rigging Management” will be the theme of the two-day conference, which is geared for safety managers, crane and rigging supervisors, plant managers, and risk management personnel. New this year, attendees can choose from two educational tracts. ICHC sessions will discuss topics relevant to users of overhead cranes inside plants or heavy industrial environments. CRC sessions will be of interest to users of mobile and tower cranes working in construction environments. In addition, several joint sessions focusing on training techniques, accident trends, and rigging inspection and proper use promise something for everyone.

Early-bird registration is just $550 and includes breakfast and lunch both days. Deadline to receive this rate is March 31, 2012. All Early Bird registrations will be entered into a drawing for an iPad 2. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 866-311-1200. Mention Group Code “CRC” to get the special conference rate of $139. For more information, go to www.craneandriggingconference.com.

Past Attendees

In 2011, the CRC and/or ICHC conferences were held in Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston, and Edmonton, Alberta. A sample of representative companies attending past events include:

Alltec Lifting Systems
American Crane Systems
Balfour Beatty
Barnhart Crane & Rigging
Bechtel
BNSF Railway
BP America
Bruce Power
Bucyrus International
Cenovus Energy
Chevron Phillips
Dow Chemical
Eastman Chemical
Exxon Mobil
Federal Marine Terminals
Gamesa Wind
GE Wind Energy
Haliburton
H&E Equipment
JPW Riggers
Kiewit Energy
Konecranes
LyondellBasell
Mammoet
Mortenson Construction
National Oilwell Varco
Navy Crane Center
Shell Oil
Suncor Energy
Tennessee Valley Authority
Turner Industries

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.

CRC Panel Discussion

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. CRC, which was hosted by Maximum Capacity Media, provided information on a number of topics, including standards and certification, lift planning, ground conditions, lifting devices and wire rope, telematics, and case studies showing lifting equipment in use. Many of the presentations and discussions dug deeper into the new OSHA crane and derrick regulations, offering a more in-depth look at the requirements that crane owners and operators must comply with. Additionally, vendors from an array of companies—manufacturers, rental companies, and distributors—exhibited their wares to the delegation.

Day One kicked off with a keynote address from Walter Brumley, supervisor of cranes, rigging, mechanics and roads, walks, and grounds for Shell Oil, presented an inspirational message for riggers, crane operators, and management on achieving a proactive attitude about safety.

Other highlights of the day included Mike Parnell of Industrial Training International’s presentation on ASME’s new P30 lift planning standard; Hank Dutton of Travelers Insurance’s session on electrocution safety; and Justin Brown of Unirope‘s presentation on common problems mobile crane users experience when installing wire rope. The afternoon also included a panel discussion on the qualifications of the crane and rigging crew from the most informed experts in the industry.

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.

The list of attendees was notable, and many came from the Houston area. Companies in attendance included Bechtel, BP America, ENGlobal, Eastman Chemical, LyondellBasell, Progress Energy, and more.

In industrial plants and facilities where overhead cranes are a part of everyday operations, there are opportunities to improve the use of the equipment before, during, and after the lift. ICHC offers 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.

“I am very excited about the quality of content we have been able to build into this year’s ICHC Houston event,” said Richard Howes, associate publisher and editor, Industrial Lift & Hoist (ILH). “I am certain that delegates will find the conference to be two of the most valuable days they will spend away from their workplace this year. The lessons they will learn will better equip them to improve safety and efficiency at the huge variety of facilities in which they use cranes and hoists.”

Scheduled to take place July 19-20, ICHC is geared toward users of overhead cranes and hoists working in heavy industrial or manufacturing facilities. Attendees will represent heavy industrial contractors; energy contractors and manufacturers for wind, nuclear, and oil and gas industries; public utilities; aviation; mining; chemical manufacturing; and steel producers, as well as crane and hoist manufacturers, installers, and service providers.

ICHC will be held in conjunction with the Crane & Rigging Conference (CRC) and Reach Expo 2011, which is a two-day exposition allowing suppliers of rigging gear, training services, software products, and other crane-related components and accessories to show their latest products and services. Produced by Maximum Capacity Media, publisher of ILH, the CRC and ICHC events and Reach Expo 2011 will be held at the Crown Plaza Houston/North Greenspoint (with free shuttle service), conveniently located just eight miles from George Bush International Airport.

Agenda
A keynote address presented by Hal Vandiver, CEO, Vandiver & Associates Inc., will open two days of discussion, debate, and exchange of ideas and information. On the second day, a panel will address crane ownership and the issues surrounding it, including inspection, training and modernization. Additionally, Mike Parnell, president, ITI Field Services, will explain what is needed to ensure a critical lift is safe and efficient, while Chris Hess, manager of engineering, Harrington Hoists Inc., will discuss certifying
products by nationally recognized testing laboratories. View http://reachexpo2011.com/agenda/ for the complete agenda.

July 19, 2011

Walter Brumley

Keynote Address: Walter Brumley, supervisor of cranes, rigging, mechanics and roads, walks and grounds for Shell Oil inDeer Park,Texas, will provide an inspirational message for riggers and crane operators. Brumley began his career as a rigger for Shell and was instrumental in developing a lifting equipment inspection program for the facility. He took over the Crane and Rigging team in 1991 and was named to his current position in 2008. He is also chairman of the Houston Business Roundtable’s Crane and Rigging Committee.

Chip Pocock

Qualifying and Documenting Riggers and Signalpersons: George “Chip” Pocock, is the safety and risk manager for Buckner Companies,Graham,N.C.He will focus on what it takes for small employers to meet OSHA’s requirements for qualified riggers and signalpersons. The session will help employers implement internal training and testing procedures and documentation processes.

Update on ASME’s New P30 Lift Planning Standard: Mike Parnell, president, Industrial Training International (ITI), Woodland, Wash.,

Mike Parnell

will highlight the progress of ASME’s newest  committee, which he chairs. This standard addresses all crane types, gantry systems, winching operations, and similar equipment in repetitive, standard, and critical applications. Parnell will provide a behind the scenes look at the development process and the standard’s importance relative to load handling activities.

Todd Allen

Assessing Ground Conditions for Crane Placement: Todd Allen, is president of Radarview, a civil/structural and geophysical survey company based inHouston,Texas. This session will discuss methods for examining subsurface ground conditions, especially as it relates to detection of voids, tanks, and utilities. The session will also include a case study review showing how subsurface defects can affect crane operations.

Panel Discussion—Qualifications of the Crane and Rigging Crew: This Q&A style session will provide attendees the opportunity to ask questions regarding the latest standards and regulations pertaining to riggers, signalers, operators, lift directors, site supervisors, and owners. The session is intended to shed light on what the qualifications and responsibilities are of these individuals. Panelists include:

• Ted Blanton, president, North American Crane Bureau,Lake Mary,Fla.
• Bo Collier, president, Crane Tech,Riverview,Fla.
• Cliff Dickinson, owner, Crane Industry Services, Villa Rica,Ga.
• Larry Kime, trainer, Crane Inspection and Certification Bureau,Orlando,Fla.
• Ron Overton, president, Overton Safety Training, Aloha,Ore.
• Mike Patten, trainer, Southwest Industrial Rigging,Phoenix,Ariz.

Hank Dutton

Avoiding Crane/Power Line Contact: This session on electrocution safety will review new rules for working around power lines per the OSHA Cranes & Derricks in Construction regulation, released last year, as well as practical methods for staying safe. William “Hank” Dutton, a senior technical specialist for cranes and rigging for Travelers Insurance, will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about power line safety.

Troubleshooting Wire Rope Problems: Speaker to be announced.

 July 20, 2011

Making the Most of Telematics in Managing Your Crane Fleet: Speaker to be announced.

Jay Shiffler	Dave Wood

Case Study—Benefits of Remanufacturing Cranes: This session will demonstrate how the service life of a crane can be extended through remanufacturing. Speakers Dave Wood, president, and Jay Shiffler, vice president business development, of WHECO Corp., will address how to determine if a crane is a good candidate for remanufacturing, how to develop a comprehensive scope of work, considerations for adding new engines and other system updates, and other key issues.

Michael Gelskey Sr.

Lessons Learned from Sling Failures: Michael Gelskey Sr., president and CEO of Lift It Manufacturing,Los Angeles,Calif., will share information about two fatalities in which synthetic slings failed. He will discuss how the accidents could have been prevented if the users had known the load weight, conducted pre-use inspections, and utilized positive sling-load engagement.

Morris Parrott

Case Study—Benefits of Modular Lifting: Morris  Parrott is the operations manager for Alltec Lifting Systems,Dickinson,Texas, which specializes in below-the-hook rigging and custom rigging solutions. In 2009, the company introduced Modular Lifting Beams, which are designed for offset centers of gravity and to accommodate large modular loads. Parrott will explain what modular lifting is and what’s driving the trend for fitting components together on the ground. He’ll also describe some of the techniques and equipment that can be used to accomplish modular lifting.

Mark Monson

Understanding Contractors Equipment Policies: The contractors equipment policy within Inland Marine insurance is a complex part of any contractors risk management program. This policy provides coverage for the potential damage to  equipment and buildings or theft of equipment. This session led by Mark Monson, director of loss control specialty for The Hanover Insurance Group, Worcester, Mass., will provide a review of the various types of equipment covered, hazards involved in operations and recommended control techniques and requirements.

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
• 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.

“This is the perfect time to launch an event into this exciting marketplace,” said Richard Howes, MCM associate publisher.

MCM will partner with All Canadian Training Institute Inc. (ACTi) and KOLO Holdings Inc. to deliver the highest quality content for the local audience. “As we expand the reach of our CRC brand, it is important that we always adapt our model to best advance knowledge and promote sharing of information among local crane users and equipment suppliers. Working closely with ACTi and KOLO Holdings Inc., as event partners, we will be able to ensure delegates and exhibitors alike are getting the best possible value,” said Howes.

First, CRC, the Industrial Crane & Hoist Conference (ICHC) and Reach Expo will return to the Crown Plaza Houston/North Greenspoint, Houston, 19-20 July, 2011 following the inaugural event in 2010, where attendees represented general contractors; energy contractors for wind, nuclear, and oil and gas industries; steel erectors; crane rental companies and rigging specialists; safety and training companies, and many others.

CRC Canada is produced by Maximum Capacity Media, publishers of Crane Hot Line, Industrial Lift and Hoist, and Lift and Access magazines, the CRC and ICHC Conferences and Reach Expo 2011.

For delegate, sponsorship and/or exhibit opportunities visit www.craneandriggingconference.com

Dan Beilfuss, Magnetek

Dan Beilfuss, national sales manager, Magnetek Inc., will address the audience on “Automating an Overhead Crane and Hoist System.” Beilfuss will examine the health and safety benefits that come from automating an overhead crane and hoist, including removing an operator from dangerous conditions; how maintenance costs can be reduced; diagnostic capabilities not found in a manual system; and provide an overview of the technologies used in an automated system.

Meanwhile, Gary Davis, P.E., director of consulting services, Integrated Machinery Solutions, will deliver a presentation titled “Best Practices for Structural Inspections of Overhead Cranes;” Jeremy Pearson, director of sales, USA, EOT cranes, industrial locomotives, Cattron Group Industrial, will deliver his second ICHC paper of the year; and Chris Hess, manager of engineering, Harrington Hoists Inc., will explore “Certification of Product by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories.”
 

The publisher of ILH, Maximum Capacity Media, staged abbreviated, one-day events co-located at the ProMat trade show in Chicago, Ill., on March 22; and ConExpo in Las Vegas, Nev., on March 25. However, the two-day Houston gathering will be the largest North American conference of the year focused exclusively on crane, hoist, and rigging safety and technology.
 

Columbus McKinnon Corp. (CMCO), Amherst, N.Y., and Cattron Group International, Sharpsville, Pa., are ICHC Houston associate sponsors.

Likewise, Bishop Lifting Products (BLP) and Crane Inspection and Certification Bureau (CICB) return as the Event Partners. BLP, Houston, is a manufacturer and distributor of services and products for rigging and crane applications. The BLP Services division provides offshore and land-based inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, and modernization. The BLP Solutions division features an in-house mechanical engineering team skilled in custom fabrications

CICB, Orlando, Fla., specializes in operator training programs for mobile cranes, tower cranes, overhead cranes, aerial work platforms, and other industrial and construction equipment. The company provides training at its facilities in Houston and Orlando or at the customer’s location. In addition, CICB inspectors have performed more than 100,000 inspections on equipment used in nearly every material handling application. CICB also offers a Risk Management Control Program to help customers identify problem areas in their material handling operations.

Three events under one roof

Reach Expo provides a venue for suppliers and vendors to showcase products and services of interest to crane and rigging managers overseeing fleets of mobile cranes in construction and overhead cranes in industrial environments. The exhibition takes place concurrently during two days of educational sessions for CRC and ICHC in a common area shared by both conferences. Attendees include project managers, fleet or facility managers, safety professionals, operators, riggers, contractors, and equipment owners.
 

ICHC is geared toward users of overhead cranes and hoists working in heavy industrial or manufacturing facilities. Attendees to the 2010 conference represented heavy industrial contractors; energy contractors and manufacturers for wind, nuclear, and oil and gas industries; public utilities; aviation; mining; chemical manufacturing; steel producers; as well as crane and hoist manufacturers, installers, and service providers.  

CRC is geared toward users of mobile cranes working in construction and heavy industrial environments. Attendees to the 2010 conference represented general contractors; energy contractors for wind, nuclear, and oil and gas industries; steel erectors; crane rental companies and rigging specialists; safety and training companies, and many others.

CRC presentations

Making the keynote address is Walter Brumley, supervisor of cranes, rigging, mechanics and roads, walks and grounds for Shell Oil in Deer Park, Texas. Brumley began his career as a rigger and was instrumental in developing an inspection program for the facility’s lifting equipment.
 
•Chip Pocock, safety and risk manager for Buckner Companies, Graham, N.C., who will discuss how to do in-house qualification and documentation of riggers and signalpersons.
•Mike Parnell, president of Industrial Training International, Woodland, Wash., who will provide an update on ASME’s new P30 lift planning standard.
•Todd Allen, president of Radarview, Houston, will provide techniques for assessing ground conditions.
•Dave Wood, president, and Jay Shiffler, vice president business development, of Wheco Corp., will present a case study on demonstrating the benefits of remanufacturing cranes.
•Mike Gelskey Sr., president and CEO of Lift-It Manufacturing, Los Angeles, Calif., will share lessons learned from sling failures and discuss methods for accident prevention.
•Hank Dutton, senior technical specialist risk control, Travelers, Covington, Ga., will discuss avoiding crane/power line contact and electrocution safety.
•Morris Parrott, project manager, Alltec Lifting Systems, Dickinson, Texas will discuss modular lifting trends of large components and loads.
•Other topics include fleet management, wire rope, and qualifications of the lift and rigging crew.
 
For more information, go to www.reachexpo2011.com.

CRC is geared toward users of mobile cranes working in construction and heavy industrial environments. It is supported by Associate Sponsors Kobleco Cranes North America, Houston, and Liebherr-Werk Ehingen, Germany. CRC is held concurrently ICHC, which is designed for users of overhead cranes and hoists working in heavy industrial or manufacturing facilities. Associate Sponsors of ICHC include Columbus McKinnon Corp., Amherst, N.Y., and Cattron Group International, Sharpsville, Pa.

Other sponsors include HBC-Radiomatic, Load Systems International, and Southwest Industrial Rigging.

Agendas take shape
Whether you are a project manager, fleet or facility manager, safety leader, operator, or rigger, these conferences offer 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.

Among the topics on the CRC agenda are:

• How to do in-house qualification and documentation of riggers and signalpersons
• Assessing ground conditions
• Avoiding crane/power line contact and electrocution safety
• Updates on lift planning standards
• Improving fleet management by making the most of telematics systems
• Rigging inspection tips
• Case studies
• Panel discussions

Among the topics on the ICHC agenda are:

• OSHA and CMAA standards
• Safety
• Rigging
• Ergonomics
• Best practices for structural inspections of overhead cranes
• Certification of products by nationally recognized testing laboratories
• Case studies

Attendees to the 2010 Conferences represented general and heavy industrial contractors; energy contractors for wind, nuclear, and oil and gas industries; public utilities; steel erectors; crane rental companies and rigging specialists; as well as crane and rigging professionals working in aviation, mining, steel production, and manufacturing.

Following the 2010 event, Maximum Capacity Media surveyed attendees about the experience. Regarding the presentations, one said, “I thought the program was excellent. There was good spirit among all present.” Another reported: “Most all speakers had very relevant information pertaining to the subject and were extremely knowledgeable about their area of expertise.”

Exhibitors sign up for Reach Expo

Last year’s exhibitors also found the event beneficial. “I think the event was very well run and was an excellent inaugural event. I have received nice inquiries as a result of the conference, and am confident it will continue to be of value in the future,” said David Fitzpatrick of Irwin Car and Equipment, which exhibited in 2010 and will do so again in 2011.

At press time, the following companies had signed up to exhibit at the 2011 Reach Expo.

• A1A Software
• Ace World Companies
• Associated Wire Rope & Rigging, Inc.
• Bishop Lifting Products
• Cattron Group International
• Columbus McKinnon Corporation
• Crane Inspection and Certification Bureau
• Crosby Group Inc
• Delta Rigging & Tools
• HBC-Radiomatic Inc
• Irwin Car and Equipment
• Kobelco Cranes North America Inc
• Liebherr
• Link-Belt
• Load Systems International
• Maeda USA LLC
• Manitowoc
• Miller Lifting Products
• NCCCO
• Southwest Industrial Rigging

For more information, go to www.reachexpo2011.com.