Annual gathering of industry professionals attracts best and brightest in construction
Special to Chicago Construction News
ASA Chicago – Association of Subcontractors and Affiliates (ASAC) and the Construction Safety Council (CSC) have announced the annual Construction Expo and Safety Conference, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, March 6 and 7, 2023. The best and brightest in construction will return in a face-to-face environment at the Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
This time-honored event has served the Chicagoland construction industry for over 20 years by providing opportunities for business-to-business commerce, safety education, and professional networking. The two-day event launches with the safety conference at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, March 6 with several programming options related to pre-task planning, injury trends and solutions, scaffold strategies, and safety communication and leadership. Participants may choose from a dozen sessions scheduled throughout the day, all of which offer important lessons to be learned that can be put into practice immediately.
A robust second day of activity is planned as well, highlighted by the annual construction business tradeshow featuring more than 100 diverse exhibits comprised of commercial subcontractors of all trades, 20-plus general contractor exhibitors, equipment and material vendors, and professional service providers in the commercial Chicagoland construction market.
Fellow industry organizations will also be represented as sponsors and/or exhibitors, such as the Federation of Women Contractors, Black Contractors Owners and Executives, Chicago Roofing Contractors Association, National Association of Women in Construction, and Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO).
An industry favorite, the exhibition attracts 1,500 qualified attendees who come prepared to network and make the most of this valuable opportunity to strengthen existing connections and build new relationships.
“In 2022, we saw our greatest attendance to date. With most exhibitors renewing for 2023 in the early stages of the season, we expect a full sell-out of exhibit space and another quality day of networking for all in attendance,” said ASA Chicago executive director Marissa Veith.
“This event, with the help of the ASA Chicago Expo Committee and our partners at the Construction Safety Council, has grown significantly from its start over 20 years ago. What began as a handful of companies with table-top displays alongside an ASA Chicago dinner meeting has now evolved into the prosperous, valuable event that it is today,” she said.
The exhibition on Tuesday, March 7 will be complemented by 12 additional one-hour safety sessions. The topics are as varied as they are valuable, addressing some of the most common – and most challenging – workplace safety issues: accident investigation techniques, heat stress realities, silica hazards, and employee engagement. Educational credits (CEU’s) will be awarded to all attendees.
The Safety Conference agenda also includes a keynote presentation: “My Brain Made Me Do It” by Shae Birkey – Caterpillar Inc. This session will address human cognition as a contributing factor to most workplace injuries and incidents. He will explain the drivers of employee behavior and provide a greater understanding of the psychological mechanics behind risk assessments and reactions, as well as interpersonal communications.
The two-day event concludes with an After Party for all attendees on March 7 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. featuring live music and an extended opportunity to connect with like-minded industry professionals.
Every facet of the 2023 Construction Expo and Safety Conference will be delivered in a business-focused setting with additional benefits such as a buffet lunch, free nearby parking, access to quality construction professionals, and valuable information to take away. Discounted pricing for exhibitors and safety conference attendees is available to those who register early.
Learn more about the Construction Expo and Safety Conference at www.ChicagoConstructionExpo.com, and visit the sponsor page to view the generous event sponsors. In addition to ensuring your company is benefitting from participation in this event, please be sure to visit the ASA Chicago and Construction Safety Council booths or websites to learn more about year-round opportunities to learn, network, and keep fit for business.
ASA Chicago serves subcontractors by providing networking opportunities, education, and advocacy within the construction industry. Learn more at www.asachicago.org.
The Construction Safety Council improves human safety performance through education and training. Learn more at www.buildsafe.org.
