Event Review

Trends— was delivered by Mike Clancy, strategy practice leader at FMI. His presentation focused on how shifting market forces, economic conditions and policy changes are shaping the crane and rigging sector’ s future.

Clancy emphasized the importance of agility and diversification, exploring strategies for maintaining stability amid uncertainty and identifying opportunities for growth in emerging markets.“ In the dynamic landscape of our industry, navigating trends, understanding economic forecasts and predicting policy impacts have become pivotal skillsets,” he said.

Another headline session, OSHA and the New Administration presented by Michael Rubin, Esq., of Ogletree Deakins, examined new regulatory and compliance developments. Rubin provided guidance on maintaining safety and readiness in an evolving enforcement environment.

The workshop also hosted key SC & RA committee meetings, giving members a direct voice in the association’ s advocacy and standards initiatives. Sessions included the Safety Education & Training Committee,

Labor Committee, Tower Crane Committee and Governing Committee, along with a newly added Permit Policy Committee, which drew significant attention.

“ The addition of the Permit Policy Committee this year allows individuals who might not otherwise attend to sit in and learn about the permitting issues within different states,” O’ Quinn said.“ It’ s a chance to share experiences and help shape how SC & RA addresses permitting challenges nationwide.”

The Workshop closed on a reflective note with Near Misses, Lasting Lessons, a panel featuring Bill Green of Bragg Companies, Mike Knott of Phoenix Crane Service, Mike Heacock of Morrow Equipment Co. and Michael Tomaro of Fenton Rigging & Contracting who shared real-world incidents and the lessons they inspired.

“ Every incident and near miss provide a valuable opportunity to learn and improve,” said Tomaro.“ By sharing those lessons, we can help others avoid the same mistakes.”

Recognizing Innovation

Each year, SC & RA also celebrates

engineering innovation through Rigging Jobs of the Year presentations. One of the workshop’ s most anticipated sessions, Top This: Showcasing the Year’ s Leading Rigging Triumphs, offered attendees a chance to see some of the industry’ s most challenging and creative lifts and learn the techniques that made them possible.

This year’ s winners included:

• Under $ 300,000: Barnhart

• $ 300,000 –$ 1 million: Mountain Crane Service

• $ 1 million –$ 3 million: Bragg Companies

• Over $ 3 million: Barnhart

Focus on Workforce Development

Beyond the main event, the SC & RA Foundation( SC & RF) used the workshop to highlight its expanding workforce initiatives. This year, the foundation introduced two new tools— the Career Pathways website and the Workforce Ambassador Portal— designed to connect educators, students and employers with career oppor-

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