More than 415 aggregate industry leaders participated through the digital platform to attend the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) 2021 Annual Convention. The event, which spanned from March 1-9 to include a schedule of committee meetings, networking and educational content, provided NSSGA members the opportunity to connect through a digital platform to attend wherever they are – in the office, at home or on the go.
“This Annual Convention marks one-year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. From the beginning, NSSGA has adapted and flourished to bring our members greater and greater value,” said NSSGA President and CEO Michael Johnson. “Our ability to provide digital events during this period have created a path to greater engagement by our members than we’ve ever seen. NSSGA members have stepped up at every turn to provide the leadership that makes our association its strongest.”
The main event’s programming on March 8-9 included a dynamic line-up of speakers. Highlights included the kick-off conversation with famed broadcaster Jim Nantz, breakout sessions and a CEO Roundtable that featured an open discussion with four industry CEOs. This session was moderated by NSSGA First Vice Chair Karen Hubacz-Kiley, who led the conversation with Mark Helm (Dolese Brothers Co), Charlie Luck (Luck Companies), Anne Noonan (Summit Materials) and Ward Nye (Martin Marietta).
“The changes brought by the pandemic have opened opportunities to reach more of NSSGA’s members, providing renewed value to them,” said NSSGA Vice President, Meetings and Events Jennifer Dugas. “Whereas events of the past were reasons for our members to come to us, the need and ability to adapt to the digital platform have allowed us to find ways to bring NSSGA to our members. NSSGA’s members have responded, and we look forward to defining how our events continue to engage our members in person and digitally moving forward.”
On the convention’s final day, attendees participated in conducting the business of the association. During the Annual Membership Meeting, NSSGA presented David Thomey, Martin Marietta’s Maryland Community Relations Manager, with the Barry K. Wendt Commitment award. Thomey becomes the 24th aggregate leader to be recognized with this revered award.
“The Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award is our industry’s highest honor, and we are thrilled to present this to David Thomey of Martin Marietta,” said Johnson. “Having served as a past NSSGA Chairman, Thomey has been an important voice for our industry. His dedicated career truly embodies the meaning of this award.”
Throughout the meeting, attendees could visit collaboration rooms and digital lounges, which provided virtual opportunities for all to connect and “run into” each other in the digital hallways. The meeting programming can still be viewed by registered attendees for the next 90 days.
NSSGA members will next convene in Washington, D.C., during the Legislative & Policy Forum on Sept. 26-29.