NSSGA Convention preview

NSSGA’s Pamala Bouchard, vice president of member services, offers a look ahead to the association’s annual convention.

The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Annual Convention takes place March 3-7 at the Encore Las Vegas. Pit & Quarry caught up with Pamala Bouchard, NSSGA vice president of member services to find out what’s in store for the association’s big 2014 event.

P&Q: How does NSSGA expect this year’s annual convention to compare historically to previous conventions in terms of number of attendees, number of educational tracks and any other relevant metrics?

PB: We are really excited about NSSGA’s convention this year. Since the arrival of our new president and CEO, Mike Johnson, we’ve unveiled a new logo, a new website and will launch a groundbreaking NSSGA 2014-2017 Strategic Plan during our annual convention.

Throughout the convention we will address issues critical to the future of our industry and the future of America’s infrastructure. This year’s general session will include a panel discussion on achieving passage of a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization featuring former U.S. [Department of Transportation] Secretaries Mary Peters and Norm Mineta.

In addition, Dr. Michael Parkinson will speak on the relationship between wellness and profitability. Registration numbers are running ahead of projections so the excitement of the new NSSGA appears to be contagious.

P&Q: Are there any new or unique events planned for the 2014 convention?

PB: NSSGA will be releasing its first ever event app, which will be available for both Apple and Android devices in early February. The format for the convention isn’t much different from past events. However, from the moment our members arrive to when they leave the general session, we want them to experience the new NSSGA.

P&Q: Some convention attendees will be bringing their spouses to Las Vegas for the convention. What opportunities are available for attendees’ spouses?

PB: We offer three spectacular spouse tours Tuesday through Thursday during the convention.

On Tuesday, tour The Mob Museum. This one-of-a kind museum presents an authentic view of the mob’s impact on Las Vegas history and its unique imprint on the world.

On Wednesday, spouses can hop aboard a Jeep to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Only minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has scenery so dramatic that it is often selected as the backdrop for movies and commercials. Along the 13-mile scenic drive you will view the impressive Wilson Cliffs, part of the estimated 65-million-year-old Keystone Thrust.

And finally on Thursday, we offer a guided tour of the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, which presents world-class exhibitions of art and objects drawn from internationally known museums and private collections.

P&Q: I’m not sure how you can quantify how much work goes into planning the convention, but can you give us an idea of what kind of an undertaking this is?

PB: The convention is a team effort with valuable input from our volunteer leaders and working in close partnership with AEM (Association of Equipment Manufacturers) as it relates to ConExpo-Con/Agg. It is really important that when planning the schedule of events that we offer a good mix of meetings, presentations and networking while taking into consideration all that is available at ConExpo-Con/Agg.

Every three years we are fortunate to hold our convention in conjunction with ConExpo-Con/Agg. This year’s ConExpo-Con/Agg features a comprehensive education program with sessions emphasizing industry issues and trends, management and applied technology, including those specific to the aggregates industry.