Guide: SAIA Annual Convention & Exposition

Boston will be the host of this year’s SAIA Annual Convention & Exposition. (Photo: Adobe)

This year’s Scaffold & Access Industry Association’s (SAIA) Annual Convention & Exposition, August 21-25 at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, will offer attendees a range of educational sessions, training opportunities, networking events and more as the Association honors its 50th anniversary.

“When the association formed on July 21, 1972, the foundation was laid for the future of scaffold and access safety,” the SAIA said. “From Scaffold Contractors Association to Scaffold Industry Association and now the Scaffold & Access Industry Association, the organization has spanned 50 years of friendships, networking, best practices and industry-shaping initiatives.”

Attendees at this year’s event will have the opportunity to play in the SAIA 50th Anniversary Golf Tournament, toast outgoing President Michael Paladino while welcoming incoming President Tracy Dutting-Kane, enjoy dinner and drinks while attending the President’s Gala and Awards reception and take home the latest industry information from the week’s stellar lineup of speakers.

Industry-specific presentations

Marc Dutil, president and CEO of Canam Group, will kick off the SAIA Annual Convention on Tuesday, August 23 at 9 a.m. with his presentation, “Lasting Business Transformation.” Dutil will discuss how to create lasting change within a business that will carry the company through the next 50 years. “Change is never easy, but it’s possible, and important, in order to carry your team and your business through the years,” Dutil said.

Speaker presentations are a must-attend at the Annual Convention. (Photo: SAIA)

Timothy Oleszczuk, managing director and co-founder, TKO Miller, follows Dutil on Tuesday, August 23 at 10:00 with his presentation “Accessing the Supply Side: An Inside Look at the Changing Supplier Landscape and Other Issues Impacting the Access Industry.” Oleszczuk will discuss the changing supplier landscape in the access industry, including some recent transactions as well as supply chain challenges that could change how and where access equipment is procured. Additionally, he will provide a general update on the state of both the commercial and industrial access markets and discuss M&A activity over the past year.

On Wednesday, Corinne Hancock of Chaos Coach will start the day’s sessions at 9 a.m. with her presentation, “The Chaos Advantage.” Hancock explains, “In work and in life, we’re put to the test not when things are going right, but when they get chaotic. How we react can be the difference between success and failure and determine whether our team comes together or completely falls apart. Unexpected challenges and changes are often outside of our control and can occur in a moment’s notice.”

From 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., Matt Morgan, vice president of Mdm Scaffolding Services, will take to the stage to present, “Competitive Edge - New Trends and Methodologies

Following a lunch break and exhibit visits, former US Army Special Forces Commander and leadership expert, Sean Patton, will open the afternoon’s sessions with his presentation, “Thriving and Inspiring: The Leadership Revolution Has Arrived.” Patton will unveil the new leadership paradigm that will separate thriving and withering businesses over the coming decades.

A past President’s Gala Dinner and Awards setup. (Photo: SAIA)

Finishing out the sessions will be Geir Gule of UEG who will present, “Scaffolding in Europe: Health – Safety – Framework.” Geir will speak on the structure of the UEG and the work they are doing to standardize the differences in regulations between countries, the opportunities and challenges of building alliances among different countries with diverse culture and the support UEG provides contractors in their alliance.

For the full schedule and list of events, click here.

Training opportunities

The SAIA will also offer a handful of training classes available for attendees. See below for class name, time and date as well as costs.

Train the trainer facilitator skills workshop
Sunday, August 22
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $545 member, $745 non-member

Competent person training – frame scaffold
Monday, August 22
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $350 member, $450 non-member

Competent person training – suspended scaffold
Monday, August 22
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $350 member, $450 non-member

Competent person training – system scaffold
Monday, August 22
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $350 member, $450 non-member

MEWP operator training
Monday, August 22
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $225 member, $275 non-member

For more information, course descriptions or to register, visit the SAIA’s website or e-mail [email protected].