by Jon M. Casey
The 29th Annual Hard Hat Expo, produced by the Trade Show Division of Lee Publications, Inc., enjoyed ideal weather for the two-day event that took place April 1 and 2 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY. For the thousands of attendees from the region’s construction industry, the opportunity to shop for the latest in goods and services from dealers serving the area came under sunny skies and warming temperatures after a lingering winter that seemed to never end. Hosted by Ken Maring, Lee Publications Trade Show Manager and staff members of Hard Hat News, this year’s events came off without a hitch.
For the forty-one participants in Wednesday’s highly-anticipated Skid Steer Rodeo, the bright sunshine made the outdoor competition more exciting and safe for everyone. Ultimately, Neil Martin outpaced the others to capture the grand prize trophy along with its $120 in cash. Runners up, finishing from second through tenth place, received awards of recognition. Competitors were required to perform intricate challenges on each of five brands of skid steer loaders provided by their respective dealerships. The machines included: A Terex PT-75 tracksteer loader from Tracey Road Equipment; A CAT 246D from Milton CAT; A Wacker Neuson SW24 provided by ADMAR Supply; a John Deere 320D from 5-Star Equipment; and a Bobcat S750 from Bobcat Company.
Along with the latest information from suppliers on what’s going on in the region’s construction industry, attendees were able to have a chance at winning an exciting door prize on each of the two days. On Wednesday, Jason Philbrick was the lucky winner of a Traditions ™ Buckstalker .50-caliber muzzle-loading rifle. Thursday’s prize was a Mathews Compound Bow, won by Joe Flores from Schroon Lake, NY.
Several of the vendors at this year’s Hard Hat Expo introduced new items to their product lines. In some instances like the LinkIt Conveyor System from Interquip, USA and the Johnny Ball 3-D leveling system from Dirtworks Products, the products were new to the industry or new to the US. (Be sure to watch for articles on those items in the next issue of Hard Hat News.) From safety gear to hand tools and heavy equipment, there was something for everyone at this year’s show.
Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s 30th Anniversary Edition of the Hard Hat Expo. It is scheduled tol run March 23 & 24, 2016. We are looking forward to seeing you there.