What to expect at the NSSGA Annual Convention

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, which hosted its 2023 Annual Convention in Las Vegas in conjunction with ConExpo-Con/Agg, shifts its event to Nashville along with AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo. Photo: P&Q Staff

Just as AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo has grown, so too has the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Annual Convention.

The NSSGA Annual Convention, slated for March 23-26 in Nashville, will take place at the Omni Nashville Hotel – just across the street from AGG1 at the Music City Center. NSSGA brings its membership together each year at the Annual Convention, where the business of the association is conducted and the issues facing the industry are discussed.

What to expect

The convention traditionally features networking functions and speakers – and this year’s is no different. NSSGA has Engagious’ Rich Thau and former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann on its speaker slate this year.

“Rich has a project called the Swing Voter Project,” says Michael Johnson, president and CEO of NSSGA, who offered a preview of the Annual Convention at last month’s Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference. “He’ll talk to us about where the voters are who matter in 2024 along with their attitudes, what’s motivating them and what he thinks they’re ultimately going to do.”

Thau’s presentation, titled “Which Way Will Swing Voters Swing,” will be delivered the morning of March 25 during a general session of the convention. Theismann, meanwhile, will address convention goers the morning of March 26.

“Joe Theismann will give us a great talk about leadership from his perspective when he was a Super Bowl-winning quarterback in the NFL,” Johnson says. “He has also been a businessman since he left the NFL.”

Additionally, the NSSGA Annual Convention has a few breakout sessions available – including ones on sustainability (March 24), the political outlook (March 25) and refugee integration for workforce development (March 25).

A welcome reception on March 23 will greet NSSGA members to the Music City. NSSGA also has a March 23 reception to welcome new M&S (manufacturer and services) members.

Receptions are scheduled for March 24, as well, including one hosted by the association’s Young Leaders and the Chairman’s Reception. These events precede the Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner that evening.

Final thoughts

According to Johnson, the Annual Convention will be bigger than the last time in Nashville.

“Our annual conventions are known for being well-attended by industry professionals and this year will be no exception, as our attendance numbers are pacing ahead of those from the 2022 meeting.”“We’ve got a great program and great energy,” Johnson says. “It’s going to be a great crowd.”