Event Review
By Maggie MacHale
On the Floor, In the Conversation
2026 SC & RA Crane & Rigging Workshop exhibitors share the ideas, challenges, and connections discussed on the show floor
The 2026 Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association( SC & RA) Crane & Rigging Workshop wrapped up September 24 in Omaha, Nebraska, with 753 attendees, including 158 first-time attendees, 96 exhibitors, and 39 attendees from 10 different countries.
Beyond educational sessions and exhibits, the workshop provided opportunities for candid conversations about the industry’ s day-to-day challenges.
Beth O’ Quinn, SC & RA senior vice president of crane and rigging, emphasized the value of bringing industry professionals together in person.
“ Across sessions, the exhibit center, and informal conversations, there was a strong exchange of ideas and experiences,” O’ Quinn said.“ Safety, practical problem-solving, and the importance of staying current with technology were consistent themes.”
O’ Quinn also noted a positive outlook among attendees, with companies focused on serving customers, investing in operations, and preparing for the future. Responses from attendees and exhibitors offered a closer look at those conversations and the issues shaping the industry.
Above: The exhibit center provided space for attendees to meet with manufacturers and suppliers, discuss equipment and services, and make connections across the industry.
Right: Workshop presentations addressed issues affecting the crane and rigging industry, including workforce development, safety, technology, and operational practices.
First Impressions
The 2026 workshop exhibit center sold out, bringing together familiar names and companies newer to the crane and rigging industry. For some exhibitors, the first impression was shaped as much by the attendees as the event itself.
For Infinity Mattz, manufactured by Heatmor, the workshop was a chance to connect with experienced professionals and get a better understanding of the crane industry.
“ As a new manufacturer with a new product in this field, it was great to experience how friendly and generally open to discussing new ideas and concepts many of the attendees were,” Matt Kvien, vice president of Infinity Mattz, noted.
Franna, a Terex brand, also found that the audience provided an opportunity to introduce the brand to U. S. crane
and lifting companies, who may have been unfamiliar with its availability in the market.
“ What stood out to me was how focused the audience was,” Vianney Largillier, North America sales manager for Franna, stated.“ It may be a smaller event, but many of the crane and lifting companies we want to reach were there.”
The engagement from the audience was another notable piece of the event for many new exhibitors. Broc Marquis,
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November 2026 • www. cranehotline. com