For the first time ever, the construction industry’s best and brightest are sitting on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in a three day “Celebration of Construction” an outdoor, open-to-the-public event across three days.
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“We've done field demos for construction equipment and agricultural equipment since 2016,” said Nick Tindall, the senior director of regulatory affairs for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
Tindall leads the efforts to establish relationships between the regulatory and governing bodies within the federal government, and the members of AEM as it concerns the implementation of new guidance for the industry. Part of this role involves demonstrating and explaining what is feasible and realistic change for manufacturers, but also, sharing expertise about what really makes sense.
The Celebration of Construction was about bringing the equipment and the companies right to their front door.
“We just decided it'd be really cool to bring the equipment to the national mall itself,” Tindall said. “We did that with agriculture last year at the celebration of modern agriculture, and that was so successful, they decided to do it this year for construction.”
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On Sunday, May 14, and Mother’s Day to boot, the event kicked off. This opening was really geared toward the broader public, with Monday and Tuesday planned to be more focused on visits from officials. From the perspective of many companies present, it was a resounding success.
“Just seeing the kids all day, crawling up the machines, having fun, it’s been the best,” said newly appointed president of BOMAG Americas Brian Bieller. “The goal is to foster a lifelong interest from an early age, but the initial interest from kids is already there. Events like this are great.”
Tindall agreed with that sentiment, but noted that some important face-time was still to come.
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“The kids yesterday had an awesome time,” he said. “ Today and tomorrow the meetings we have are going to be vital. The Assistant Secretary for OSHA, the Assistant Secretary for mine safety, an FCC commissioner, several members of Congress and a bunch of staff, as well as many folks from embassies from around the world will be here to have policy conversations about sustainability about workforce development, about emissions reductions. That's ultimately why we're here.”
Without a doubt, the biggest representation for construction at the event was the road building industry. Overwhelmingly, you could find pavers, rollers, milling machines, in every shape and size from the likes of LeeBoy, Dynapac, BOMAG, and Astec.
Asphalt Contractor Editor Brandon Noel at the Celebration of Construction in Washington, D.C.ACBM staff
Tindall expressed an interest in keeping these events going, while keeping them fresh. “We may alternate between the agriculture and the construction sides,” he said. “That way we give technology and other developments time to grow and progress.”
The Celebration of Construction will continue through Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. It is free and open to the public, and between 9th and 14th streets on the National Mall.
