Managed by Penton on Behalf of the International Lineman's Rodeo Association, Event Offered a Safety & Training Conference, an Exhibit Hall and a Rodeo Competition
NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The 32nd annual International Lineman's Rodeo & Expo (https://www.linemansrodeokc.com), the most valued premier event of its kind for the electric utility industry, brought together 3,400 lineman, investor owned utilities, rural electric membership coops (REMC), municipalities, contractors and military and 124 exhibiting companies. The event, organized by the International Lineman's Rodeo Association and powered by Penton's T&D World provides the public a platform to better understand and recognize the technical craft skills that linemen have and to provide an opportunity for professionals in the linework trade to receive recognition for their skills. Lineman's Rodeo & Expo was held October 15-16 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas and at the permanent Rodeo grounds located in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151026/280499
Dennis Kerr, Co-Chairman, International Lineman's Rodeo Association and Retired DTE Energy associate said, "The 32nd Annual International Lineman's Rodeo was very successful with a record number of participants. We're thrilled to have offered an event that demonstrated safety, teamwork and above all great camaraderie. This year we increased our focus and support of scholarships. We are very excited about returning next year for the 33rd Annual International Lineman's Rodeo."
"Known as the 'superbowl of the industry,' this niche event gathers the key players in the industry to meet and compete. The event was well received by exhibitors as well as attendees and we are very pleased that attendance increased more than 10 percent and exhibitor participation increased 35 percent," commented Kim Good, Associate Show Manager, Penton. "We also have a great team of individuals working together to bring the conference, expo and competition together. We look forward to collaborating again in 2016 to deliver an even more robust event."
"The passion of the industry never ceases to amaze me," added Florence Torres, Group Show Director, Penton. "To increase engagement we were thrilled to offer several new programs, which included a Polaris Ranger giveaway and Snap-on Tools' Industrial Division donated a custom wrapped tool storage cabinet that was used as a raffle to raise money for the International Lineman's Rodeo Association scholarship fund. We are excited to help bring the industry together again next year."
The Safety & Training Conference, which hosted over 300 attendees, promoted work safe practices that help improve the safe performance of line work by offering all attendees the opportunity to come hear from industry experts on safety issues and hot topics evolving in the industry.
In addition, the Lineman's Rodeo & Expo exhibit hall showcased a variety of tools and technology aimed at making lineman's jobs both safer and more efficient.
"The International Lineman's Rodeo & Expo is highlighted on our calendar every year. It's a tremendous place for us to visit with line workers. And we always enjoy seeing all of our old friends and making new connections," said Bob Hall, Central Territory Manager, Journeyman Lineman, Buckingham Manufacturing.
"There is no question that the International Lineman's Rodeo is the place to be if your goal is networking within the electric utility/cooperative industry. The first time that I attended, I was taken aback by the commitment and loyalty the linemen have for their work, communities and colleagues. This event gives them an opportunity to exhibit the talent and dedication they bring to work every day and to be recognized for their efforts," added Lani Boudreaux, Business Development Manager, LAPCO FR™.
The nearly 1,000 competitors of the rodeo competition included 303 apprentices and 229 teams, representing 118 utilities from Jamaica, England, Canada and the United States. For a complete list of winners from the event visit the results page: https://www.linemansrodeokc.com/?page_id=34
The 32nd Annual International Awards Banquet was the gathering place for contestants to be awarded trophies and see who finished the Best of the Best in the competition.
The 2016 Lineman's Rodeo & Expo will take place October 12-15, 2016 in Overland Park, KS. Contact Susan Schaefer at [email protected] to learn about exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities.
For complete 2015 Rodeo coverage including photo galleries, videos and articles, visit T&D World at www.tdworld.com/electric-utility-operations
To learn more about Lineman's Rodeo & Expo visit us at www.tdworld.com/electric-utility-operations.
ABOUT LINEMAN'S RODEO ASSOCIATION
Thirty years ago, in 1984, a very small group of individuals including Tom White, the President of TWSCO, a linework materials vendor, Dale Warman, a supervisor for Kansas City Power and Light, and Charlie Young, a supervisor for Southwest Line Construction organized the first ever National Lineman's rodeo. The primary purposes of the event then as now was to help maintain a focus on safety and safe work practices, to provide a forum for the public to better understand and recognize the technical craft skills the linemen have, and to provide an opportunity for the professionals craftspeople in the linework trade to receive recognition for their skills. The Association is organized for the purpose of engaging in charitable, educational, and other nonprofit lawful activities, including, without limitation, teaching safety in and around electrical wiring, encouraging and building cost reducing efficiency and proficiency in the work environment, building relationships of trust and teaching teamwork techniques, and sharing ideas to bring innovation to industry generally (including the electrical power distribution industry). The foregoing purposes are achieved through, among other things, regular publications and the operation and organization of the International Lineman's Rodeo (the "Rodeo"), an annual event at which various presentations and contests are conducted. It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to sponsor and administer the Rodeo.
ABOUT LINEMAN RODEO AND T&D WORLD
The International Lineman's Rodeo & Expo provides a forum for the public to better understand and recognize the technical craft skills that linemen have and to provide an opportunity for professionals in the linework trade to receive recognition for their skills. Transmission & Distribution World supports the event. The magazine is edited for engineers and operating professionals in the electric power industry and features articles written by technical editors and industry professionals in the user and manufacturer groups.
ABOUT PENTON
Penton is an innovative information services company that empowers nearly 20 million business decision makers in markets that drive more than 12 trillion dollars in purchases each year. Our products inform with rich industry insights and workflow tools; engage through dynamic events, education and networking; and advance business with powerful marketing services programs. Penton is the way smart businesses buy, sell and grow.
Headquartered in New York, Penton is privately owned by MidOcean Partners and Wasserstein & Co., LP. For more information, visit http://www.penton.com or follow us on Twitter @PentonNow.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Florence Torres
Show Director
203-358-4385
[email protected]
SOURCE Penton
Share this article