We invite you to learn what is new in this exciting market by networking with exhibitors in the shared exhibit hall and attending sessions of your choice from both conferences. This year's event also includes a tour of the Hoover Dam Bypass work site and on-site discussion of project challenges and progress.

 

The 2008 CHC Lifting Conference featuring Focus Forward, Part 1: Bridge Infrastructure is comprised of two full days of comprehensive learning opportunities.

The schedule for December 3 and 4 includes 16 CHC Lifting Conference sessions, five Focus Forward, Part 1: Bridge Infrastructure forums and Roads & Bridges' presentation of the 2008 Top 10 Bridge projects. The event concludes with a tour of the Hoover Dam Bypass work site on Thursday afternoon.

Conference Hours:

Wednesday, December 3: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Cocktail Reception and Texas Hold'em to follow)
Thursday, December 4: 7:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. (Hoover Dam Tour 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

Keynote Addresses

Shared opening sessions will be hosted on Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4 from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, December 3

Jack Basso, director of Management and Business Development with the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO), will address the reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU. Basso’s AASHTO activities include: Federal-Aid Highway Program and Financial Plan Analysis; Financial Policy Development; SAFETEA-LU Reauthorization; and Business Management and Development. He also serves on AASHTO’s Standing Committee on Finance and Administration.

 

Thursday, December 4 – "Industry Update 09"

Steven E. Greene, vice president of the National Center for Construction Education and Research, will be returning with his crystal ball – along with some prominent industry insiders – to help an audience of crane and lift users better understand how the prevailing conditions in the construction arena will affect them in 2009.

 

 

 

Other Sessions & Featured Speakers

On Wednesday, December 3, CHC Lifting Conference sessions and Focus Forward, Part 1 forums will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Thursday, December 4, sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with the Hoover Dam Tour departing the Rio at 12:00 p.m.

Below is an overview of some of the available sessions and their presenters:

Mobile Cranes on Barges
Dave Duerr
2DM Associates Inc.
This presentation covers the practical and technical issues that arise when lifting with a mobile crane set up on a floating barge. Topics will include crane load charts for barge service, barge stability, regulatory requirements and practical guidelines for working on the water.

Understanding and Using ASME B30.20 and BTH-1
Dave Duerr
With the publication of ASME BTH-1-2005 and B30.20-2006, ASME now permits the selection of one of two different design factors for the rating of below-the-hook lifting devices. Specification of the best-lifter requirements necessitates an understanding of the new guidelines, why there are two permissible design factors, when fatigue must be considered, and how these requirements affect workplace safety. This presentation will start with a brief history of the development of B30.20 and BTH-1 and then cover how to best apply the requirements.

I-35W/Accelerated Construction
Dan McNichol
McNichol is a well-known author in the transportation industry. He is a nationally recognized expert on mega construction projects and is the author of five books in construction. In 2008, the University of Pennsylvania Press will release Dan’s work in a book titled, A Legacy of Leadership: Governors and American History, in which the roles of governors in the building of the U.S. Interstate System are revealed. McNichol served The White House at the U.S. Department of Transportation, helping to carry out the President’s policies.

FIGG Engineering Group
FIGG Engineering Group is the lead designer in the new I-35W bridge. A representative from FIGG will talk about the challenges of meeting an aggressive 13-month schedule in Minnesota.

Synthetic Rigging – Use and Care
Michael “The Sling Guy” Gelskey, Sr.
CEO, Lift-It Manufacturing Co. Inc.
The need for education in the proper use and care of synthetic slings has never been greater as they “come to age” and have taken on a wide range of uses on jobsites.

Synthetic Rigging – Inspector Program
Mike “The Sling Guy” Gelskey
Sling damage – with a heavy emphasis on cause-and-effect and recommendation – will be thoroughly discussed, as well training in inspection techniques per ASME 830.9 and OSHA 1910.184.

Bridge Inspection/Monitoring
Peter Vanderzee
Vanderzee is CEO of LifeSpan Technologies. He will be speaking on advancements in bridge monitoring.

Danielle Kleinhans
Kleinhans is a structural engineering and mechanics senior engineer and group manager for the CTL Group, Skokie, Ill. Kleinhans will speak on progress made on the monitoring of the Huey Long Bridge in Louisiana.

Tower Cranes: Keys to a Successful Project
Peter Juhren
National Sales Manager, Morrow Equipment Co. L.L.C.
This presentation for managers and users focuses on the key aspects of planning and using a tower crane safely and effectively to ensure a successful project.

 

 

 

Bridge Construction/Design
Ray McCabe
McCabe is the national director of HNTB’s bridges and tunnel practice.

 

 

 

 

The Dos and Don’t’s of Working Near Power Lines
Dave Ritchie
Construction Risk Control, Specialist Cranes and Rigging
Travelers Indemnity Co.
Lift & Crane Applications and Equipment columnist
Power line contact is the second leading cause of death for mobile crane operators. In this session, get the information you need to stay safe around power lines.

 

 

Bridge Maintenance
Brian J. Leshko, P.E.
Leshko is a vice president, professional associate and national bridge inspection program leader for HDR Engineering, Inc.  He will speak on rope access inspections of 12 fracture critical bridges located throughout Alaska.

On Trial: Defending Your Equipment and Procedures to a Jury
Kirk Gasperecz
Attorney, Adams & Reese
and
Todd L. Peterson
Attorney/Partner, Chernay Peterson
Your company is on trial. An accident occurred involving one of your pieces of equipment. The operator was seriously injured. He’s sued your company and it’s going to trial. This seminar presents a mock trial from opening statements to jury verdict. Experienced attorneys will show what it’s like to have your company on trial. Be prepared: Lots of audience participation is required.  

'Til Death or Serious Injury Do We Part
Rob Vetter
Technical Director, Partner
IVES Training Group
This session demonstrates how the real work actually begins after the training is completed and how maintenance of operator training is just as important as the training itself.
 
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Trainers
Rob Vetter
As the title suggests, learn how to get your point across and be understood while dealing with the many hurdles endemic to dealing with adults.

Hoover Dam Bypass Project Tour
Dave Zanetell
Zanetell works for the Federal Highway Administration and is the lead project manager of the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge project.

Safety Observation Sheets and Driver Observation Sheets: How They Work
Jeff Stachowiak
National Safety Director, Sunbelt Rentals