CSDA at WOC

CSDA has been a prominent cosponsor of World of Concrete (WOC) since 1977, just two years after the inaugural show. The exhibition has become the rallying point for CSDA and the concrete cutting and renovation industry, with manufacturers using this show to introduce their new tool and machine offerings.

This issue of Concrete Openings will be featured at the show in Las Vegas. So whether you are reading this in advance, or are at the show, let me outline the many activities CSDA has planned for this February 1-5, 2016 event.

If you are looking to expand your knowledge and education, CSDA has you covered with four WOC training classes. We open the show with the ever-popular Estimating course on February 1-2. Instructors Pat Stepanski and Lee Atkin consistently receive outstanding reviews and the course is always well attended. The most popular course, since its introduction in 2015, has been the ST-115 Certification training and it will be held on February 2, with Chris Swanson instructing. This is a classroom and hands-on course to certify contractors in accordance with Standard CSDA-ST-115 Measuring Concrete Micro Surface Texture, a Standard that has become widely accepted by architects in a very short period of time.

February 3-4 will feature two hands-on and classroom courses: Diamond Cutting: Sharpen Your Skills and Concrete Polishing. In 2010, CSDA began offering training at WOC with just one concrete cutting course. However, the popularity of the offering and location has since led to regular expansions and now the association offers four courses in Las Vegas. Registration for all these courses is handled direct through WOC as part of the attendee registration process, and CSDA has created a handy help sheet to guide people through it on www.csda.org/woc.

The anchor for all CSDA activities at WOC is our booth in the Central Hall (#C4433). The Concrete Openings Awards ceremony will be held at 10:00 AM on February 3. We will showcase the best job stories covered in CSDA’s official magazine and recognize the contractors who did the work. It is always informative to learn how these unique job challenges are conquered and I am sure the champagne toast helps attract a few people as well. The ceremony may also inspire you to submit a job story to Concrete Openings so you can be the award recipient at the 2017 ceremony!

Prior to this award ceremony on February 3, join the CSDA President and Board members to review the association’s accomplishments for 2015. This meeting is open to members and non-members alike, and is a perfect opportunity to learn about CSDA. A room number will be placed on the CSDA website or you can call the office to confirm. Later that same day, Next Generation members will meet for a reception at the Renaissance Las Vegas after the show. Just head to the Renaissance lobby at 5:00 PM and signage will indicate the room location. Join the future leaders of CSDA and learn about the future direction of the association. Perhaps you will even decide to become part of this energetic group.

So if you are headed to Las Vegas for WOC, be sure to take advantage of the many opportunities sponsored by CSDA. I have been attending WOC every year since 1982 and I know there are many activities to occupy your time. But if you can spare a moment, stop by Booth #C4433 in the Central Hall to say hello or come to one of the CSDA meetings. Register in advance with code A26 and save $65 courtesy of CSDA. If you happen to decide last minute to visit the show you can save even more by registering on your smart phone, tablet or laptop at the show, by using CSDA code A26.

Happy Holidays and let’s make 2016 a great New Year!

Patrick O’Brien | CSDA Executive Director | pat@csda.org