NAEC 72nd Annual Convention – New Orleans

 

We had the opportunity to attend the NAEC’s 72^nd annual convention October 7^th 2021 to October 8^th 2021.  It was great to get back to something that was somewhat normal and see old friends and all the suppliers that make our elevator universe go round.  For me it was a quick visit about 36 hours in NOLA.  My main mission was to assist NAEC in booth judging and presenting the best booth awards at the awards breakfast.  This meant I got to see 100% of the booths and talk to people I may not have talked to in the past.

 

[Show floor]

[SCS won Spirit award for their sponsorship of a guide dog]

[We should all do a little more to give back]

We had over 200 suppliers at the show and a lot of great educational opportunities.  As I have attended more of these functions you get to know contractors around the country and develop relationships, it was great to see them. 

[GAL's Westinghouse door solution]

[New Innovation heavy duty buttons]

[Siemens branded shunt trip/disconnect]

[Siemens branded shunt trip/disconnect]

Covid era – NAEC required proof of vaccination and/or a PCR lab test to enter the convention and other functions.  NAEC had a area set up where attendees could get a PCR rapid test prior to entering for those who were not vaccinated. We had a good amount of suppliers pull out of the event for Covid reasons and some after the hurricane.  The convention floor had a mask mandate, which was complied with for the most part.

[EMS Freight doors and NOLA EMS]

 

What did I get out of it?  On a regular basis I’m asked what do I get out of going to the convention or other NAEC events.  I had a list of items from the office to look into while I was at the convention where you can talk face to face with suppliers. Meeting people face to face is much different than trading emails or even phone calls.  Challenges that occur over the year can be discussed and resolved in a matter of minutes.  The networking is wonderful, seeing friendly faces and talking to people that you email on a regular basis cannot be beat.  What I get the most out of is seeing my peers from independent contractors and seeing what is going on in their area and what they are doing and what challenges they are facing.   

[A17.1 2019 Emergency communication education session by Wurtec]

Educational opportunities - There is great educational opportunities that occurred; 9 safety absolutes, code standards, code requirements for multimedia emergency communication, alteration testing requirements – code data tag, vertical sliding freight door safety, controller efficiency, challenges in replacing VPLs, hydraulic fluid challenges, door lock monitoring requirements for existing elevators and more.

Next year – Kentucky International Convention Center - Louisville, KY 9/18/22 – 9/21/22.  Put it on your calendar, hopefully our covid situation is a little more under control and we can go back to a normal show year.

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.