The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association will host its 2026 Crane & Rigging Workshop September 22–24 at the Hilton Omaha and CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb. Recognized as the premier conference for crane and rigging professionals, the annual Workshop brings together top level managers, as well as crane operators, safety directors, and operations managers from many of the sector’s foremost companies and manufacturers.
This year’s event will deliver the latest insights on safety, regulatory and legislative developments impacting the crane and rigging industry, along with numerous opportunities for attendees to connect with peers and industry experts. The Workshop will also feature a sold-out Exhibit Center with 96 booths showcasing equipment, services and products from across the industry.
“The value of the Workshop really comes from everything attendees have access to over those three days,” said Beth O’Quinn, SC&RA senior vice president, crane & rigging. “Attendees will hear directly from experts on the issues affecting their businesses, participate in important committee discussions, explore new products and solutions and connect with peers from across the industry.”
Among the sessions, within the Safety Education & Training Committee meeting, O’Quinn highlighted “Hard Hat Courage: Confronting Suicide in the Construction Community,” which will address the high rates of suicide within the industry and the growing importance of treating mental health with the same urgency as physical safety. The presentation will introduce attendees to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s “Hard Hat Courage” initiative, with a focus on recognizing warning signs, approaching someone who may be struggling and connecting workers and companies with construction-specific resources and support.
Additionally, the Governing Committee meeting will feature “Lessons Learned,” a session presented by Mike Appling, CEO, LiftHigh Crane & Rigging; Jeff Hammons, VP Risk Management, Bay Crane Companies; and Brian Miller, Director of Sales, Power & Energy, Buckner HeavyLift Cranes.
“These committee meetings have become an important place to address emerging issues and share information that directly reflects what our members are experiencing,” said O’Quinn. “The educational elements this year are grounded in what’s happening on jobsites and in the office right now, and we believe the resulting conversations will continue well beyond the Workshop.”
Throughout the week, attendees will have numerous opportunities to learn more about rigging safety, tower crane maintenance, load handling and lift plans, risk management, accident reconstruction and more, along with an exclusive opportunity for one-on-one time with insurance experts (pre-registration required). True to the times, the Workshop will also shine a light on the evolving impact of technology across the industry.
Futurist Nikolas Badminton will headline that conversation with “The AI Leader: Creating Incredible Productivity, Profit & Growth,” exploring how leaders can move beyond the hype surrounding AI and put the technology to work to improve productivity, profitability and long-term growth.
A separate breakout session, “Tech Made Simple: Everyday Tools That Make Your Crane & Rigging Business Run Smoother,” will bring the conversation directly into day-to-day crane and rigging operations, with panelists Michael Cox, president, WrightPlan; Joe Frigo, founder & CEO, Ribbiot; and Shara Perez-Wilkinson, EVP, Advisory & Business Solutions, Fleet Cost & Care, examining practical technologies that can save time, reduce mistakes, control costs and improve efficiency.
