Fort Dodge, IA - The multi-faceted Lift and Access Showcase & Symposium is unlike any other event in North America. It encompasses the Showcase product class review, an educational Symposium, an equipment demonstration area, a vendor's pavilion, and the MCM Events Crane Operator Rodeo. On Nov. 8-9 at West World in Scottsdale, AZ, aerial lift, crane and rough-terrain forklift users from rental and construction companies will have an opportunity to take the controls of lifting equipment in the demonstration area, ask questions of product engineers and industry experts, and learn about key components directly from top suppliers.

Showcase Product Review

Lift and Access is known in the industry for its annual Equipment Showcase, which was developed in the mid-1990s by Guy Ramsey, president of Maximum Capacity Media, in order for buyers to look at the features and benefits of each machine in a specific product class in a side-by-side comparison. Over the years, Ramsey has reviewed hundreds of pieces of lifting equipment, and these reviews have been read by thousands of buyers, owners, and operators worldwide.

Previously, the Equipment Showcase has only been attended by OEMs and product vendors, but in 2011, the event will open its doors to the general public. All attendees will be able to sit in on the product walk-arounds, asking questions and determining which machine best suits their needs. This year, the equipment slated for review includes 60-foot self-propelled boom lifts (any power source and boom configuration), entry-level compact track-mounted aerial lifts and compact telescopic handlers. Qualified attendees can register for free at www.liftshowcase.com.

Educational Symposium

During the Symposium portion of the Equipment Showcase, experts will present information on some of the most pressing issues for equipment owners. The Symposium is open to all attendees. A tentative educational agenda has been set, which includes the following topics. Check LiftandAccess.com for additions to the agenda.

• The Hard Facts: Rebuilding Equipment vs. Buying New - In this session, Mike Vorster, the David H. Burrows Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech, will compare the costs of investing in new equipment vs. rebuilt machines. Cost of labor, warranties, resale values, and tax implications will be weighed in this case study.
• Telematics 101: A Guide to Better Understanding Tracking Technology - In this case study, attendees will learn about the advancements and capabilities of telematics. The presenter will review real-world experiences with telematics, including pitfalls to avoid and questions to ask when selecting a product for your fleet.
• Tier 4 Engines: Deciphering Fact from Fiction - A panel comprising engine producers and OEM engineers will discuss the realities of Tier 3 and the upcoming Tier 4 requirements. Learn what you can expect and what you need to do to stay in compliance with stricter emissions requirements.
• OSHA Crane Regulations and Their Effect on the Rental Industry - Industry expert Ron Overton of Overton Safety Training Inc. will help attendees sort through the newly released OSHA crane regulations, and he will discuss when a telehandler is considered a crane and how the standards apply to the use of a telehandler when it is used as a crane. Attendees also will learn how the new regulations affect companies that rent cranes.
• Telehandler Attachments: Opportunities for End Users - During this session, OEMs will make brief presentations on the availability and use of telehandler attachments. They also will review rental and sales opportunities for this growing segment.