When paving professionals converge on the Music City Center in Nashville Jan. 28– Feb. 1, 2020, they can expect educational sessions and the latest equipment in the market during a packed five days. In addition to the structured presentations, crucial networking events add invaluable opportunities to learn from peers.
If you’re having problems with personnel, equipment, marketing, or strategy, chances are good that your colleagues have experienced the same challenges. They know your headaches (and triumphs) and they are willing to share knowledge.
The first opportunity to network happens Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Preview Night Party. It’s a chance to get a first look at the exhibit hall and chat with peers while enjoying complimentary snacks and beverages.
As the Preview Night Party winds down, the Fourth Annual Pavement Awards will be starting up. Held on the show floor on Jan. 29 at 6:00 p.m., attendance at the awards presentation is free for attendees with NPE badges. The awards are another chance to network, while also recognizing individuals and companies who have advanced the industry.
The consistently popular Roundtables are on Thursday (Jan. 30) and Friday (Jan. 31) this year, serving as another networking opportunity where discussions are focused on particular topics.
Roundtables, which will run from 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. both nights, will have individual sessions for pavers, sealcoaters, sweepers, infrared repair, stripers, and the office. sessions for all topics will be held both nights.
Attendees looking to maximize their trip to the Volunteer State may choose to start off with the five-hour "Leadership Boot Camp," scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28, from noon – 5:00 p.m. The Boot Camp is broken into three sessions: "Culture is King" from noon – 1:00 p.m. with Brian Hess; "Building A Better Team with the DISC Test" from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. with Chris Hogan; and "Leading People and Leveraging Time" from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. with John Felkins and Cindy Kelley.
On day two (Wednesday, Jan. 29) of the conference, attendees can choose from 16 different educational sessions. Those looking for the nitty gritty basics may choose an "Introduction to Crack Sealing" with Steve Brahney, Brahney Paving, and Craig Granroth, ACS Asphalt Concrete Solutions, scheduled for 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Also on day two (Jan. 29), attendees can find plenty of big picture strategy at "Landing the Big One: Winning that Important Account "with Mike Shereck, owner, Transformational Leadership Experiences. This session is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Experienced paving professionals know that even when weather cooperates, equipment runs smoothly, and clients are plentiful, something may be going wrong in the warm confines of the office. With an eye toward indoor challenges, attendees may wish to check out "QuickBooks Basics " with Linda Alfonsi, Petra Paving Inc., scheduled for 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, Jan. 30.
On the occasionally confounding topic of worker productivity, attendees may seek out "Employee Disengagement: The Dog That Will Bite You!" This presentation from Randy Goruk, president, Randall Wade Group LLC, is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
“A disengaged employee will generate unexpected costs and unwelcome turmoil. In today's competitive work environment, knowing what drives exceptional performance is critical to long-term success,” says Goruk. In this highly interactive presentation, Goruk will share key drivers for engaging employees and the strategies, techniques, and tips to achieve a fully engaged team.
“Ultimately, the networking, the sessions, and the 200+ leading brands on the show floor form the heart of National Pavement Expo,” says Russ Turner, associate show director. “There is so much value by attending NPE and I urge attendees to make the most of their trip to Nashville. Be sure to consult www.nationalpavementexpo.com for all aspects of what should be a tremendous show.”
