Historic celebration

More than 600 folks from around the world are expected to attend the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association Annual Conference April 15-19 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, FL. This year's annual conference is special as the association is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

The five-day conference schedule includes more than 50 educational sessions, networking events and committee meetings. Among the anticipated highlights are the Products Fair with 56 exhibitors; the Rigging and Hauling Jobs of the Year Competitions; the Annual Awards and Recognition Dinner, featuring the presentation of 60-Year Longevity Awards to six founding members; the SC&R Foundation's Parrot Heads in Paradise Gala; golf, volleyball, tennis and fun run events; receptions for international members, first-time attendees and spouses; and an optional tour of the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

An impressive line-up of speakers and entertainers will impress, educate and entertain attendees during the special sessions and events. Opening Session Speaker Pat Williams engages audiences with humorous anecdotes to help explain his seven keys to leadership and how to be a more effective leader, communicate more successfully and make profitable decisions. He employs his unique leadership philosophy daily as senior vice president of NBA's Orlando Magic.

Carey Mullen, a two-time Olympic skier on the Canadian Ski Team, multiple world record holder, and World Cup Champion, will speak on the determination and motivation it takes to pursue personal dreams. In his “The Champion With In” session he will share insights gained from over 20 years of studying the success strategies of high performers.

Former Director of Communications for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Ken Schmidt explains how, starting in 1985, he restored the image of the struggling company and helped transform it into one of the most visible and frequently reported-on companies in the world. He will share his secrets on building an entirely new corporate culture and image.

If you want to take a hysterical journey, do so with Buzz Sutherland. He shows how everyone can learn from their day-to-day experiences with family. Sutherland's smooth blend of comical, homespun characters and outrageous facial expressions has earned him the spotlight on such programs as HBO's “Comic Relief ” and MTV's “Half Hour Comedy Hour.”

Terry Fator provides after-dinner entertainment at the Closing Night Awards & Recognition Dinner. The $1 million winner of NBC-TV's “America's Got Talent” competition blends skills as a ventriloquist, signer, comedian and celebrity impressionist.