Special to Chicago Construction News
ASA Chicago – Association of Subcontractors and Affiliates (ASAC) and the Construction Safety Council (CSC) are pleased to announce the annual Construction Expo & Safety Conference concludes today (March 5). The best and brightest professionals are returning to the Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace.
This time-honored event has served the Chicagoland construction industry for more than thirty years by providing opportunities for business-to-business commerce, safety education, and professional networking.
The two-day event launches on Monday, March 4 with Safety Conference sessions focusing on hazard recognition, legalized marijuana, artificial intelligence, electrical safety, workplace harassment, and more. Participants may choose from a dozen topics 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 Construction Expo tradeshow, which features more than 100 diverse exhibits of commercial subcontractors from 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 HIRE360, Federation of Women Contractors, Black Contractors Owners & Executives, National Association of Women in Construction, Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO), and U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA.
The Expo attracts more than 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 2023, we saw our greatest attendance to date. With most exhibitors renewing for 2024 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 Marissa Veith, ASA Chicago’s executive director.
“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 decades ago. What began as a handful of companies with table-top displays alongside an ASA Chicago dinner meeting has now evolved into the lively and valuable event that it is today,” she said.
The tradeshow exhibition today will be complemented by 12 additional one-hour safety sessions during the Safety Conference. The topics are as varied as they are valuable, addressing the most common – and most challenging – workplace safety issues: excavation operations, aerial lift certification, soft tissue injuries, OSHA inspections, and employee reasonable suspicion. Educational credits (CEU’s) will be awarded to all attendees.
The Safety Conference agenda also includes a keynote presentation: “Leaving a Safety Legacy” by Wylie Davidson, a motivational speaker who will offer a refreshing look at two of the most difficult challenges faced by businesses: compliance and engagement. His conversation will combine real-world experience with humor and insight, leaving the audience with a clearer understanding of how their actions are impactful – both for themselves and others.
This two-day event concludes with an After Party for attendees, featuring live music and an extended opportunity to connect with like-minded industry professionals.
Every facet of the Construction Expo and Safety Conference will be delivered in a business-focused setting with additional benefits that include a buffet lunch, free nearby parking, access to quality construction professionals, and valuable information to take away.
Discounted pricing for exhibitors and safety session attendees is available to those who register early. Learn more about the Construction Expo and Safety Conference at www.ChicagoConstructionExpo.com.
ASA Chicago serves commercial subcontractors of all trades by providing networking opportunities, education, and advocacy within the Chicagoland construction industry. Learn more at www.asachicago.org.
