The big event

The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association invites all members to join in a celebration of the Association's 60th Anniversary during the 2008 Annual Conference, April 15-19, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, FL. The Annual Conference is expected to attract more than 600 attendees from all facets of the industry.

The 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.

The headliners

Members will be entertained and educated by a roster of top-notch speakers during special

Opening Session k speaker Pat I Williams will use humorous lanecdotes to help explain his I seven keys to I 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.

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

Ken Schmidt, former cirector of communications for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, will explain how, starting in 1985, herestored the image of the then-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.

Kevin Cunningham, Robert Moore and Bill Smith – all key executives with NBIS, SC&RA's exclusive insurance and risk management provider – will deliver the specific information needed to better manage contracts. Their practical, hands-on approach will examine the most common contract oversights, deficiencies and failures for both the crane and transportation sectors.

Buzz Sutherland will take his audience on a hysterical journey into how everyone can learn from their day-to-day experiences with family. His 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.

The Annual Conference will have a rousing finale when 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.