For the first time in its history National Pavement Expo (NPE) will open its exhibit floor for a two-hour "sneak peak" on the evening of Jan. 23, 2013, the first day of the event, according to Amy Schwandt, publisher of Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction. NPE runs Jan. 23-26, 2013 at the Nashville Convention Center.
"Historically the first day of NPE has always been an all-conference day, highlighting NPE's 'how-to' training and management education. But exhibitors and attendees told us they would like to see the floor open that day so we're going to give it a try," Schwandt said.
As in the past NPE will offer 3-hour workshops the morning of Jan. 23 followed by ten 90-minute seminars in the afternoon, ending at 4:30. The exhibit floor will be open from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. To accommodate the schedule change NPE will hold its free Industry Roundtables on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 24 and 25."The Roundtables are popular events and we didn't want them to conflict with the exhibit hours so it just makes sense to move them," Schwandt said.
Because of the "Sneak Peak" on the first evening there will be no exhibit hours on the last day, Saturday, Jan. 26. There will, however, be a full conference program as always on Saturday morning.
"The last day, Saturday, has always been a strong day for NPE's educational sessions so we are making sure contractors still have that opportunity," Schwandt said.
Another addition to the NPE 2013 will be a question-and-answer booth on the exhibit floor. "This is an opportunity for contractors to interact with NPE speakers andPavement Advisory Board members," said Allan Heydorn, conference manager. "Often people don't have the opportunity to ask the question they need answered or they just want some insight into a problem or situation specific to their business. This Q&A booth offers contractors an opportunity to receive some informal consulting."
The Q&A booth will be open from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25, on the exhibit floor.
NPE 2013 Exhibit Floor Hours
Wednesday, January 23: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 24, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, January 25, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
