The industry was on display at the 2024 Building Component Manufacturers Conference in Milwaukee last month, and by all accounts it was a great show. From what I’ve heard, the venue was welcoming, the attendees enthusiastic, and the exhibitors eager to show what they have to offer.
Many of this month’s articles contain highlights from our advertisers. As those of us unable to attend can see from their photos, there was much to see on site. And, one of the best things about BCMC is that it doesn’t have to “end” when the show floor closes. The show lives on, as we all reflect and take stock of what this annual showcase means.
Connecting with Friends, Colleagues, and Customers
For a few days each year, BCMC brings people together for face-to-face interactions – we can reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and of course shop for products and services from the exhibitors. The show brings many learning opportunities too, both organized and informal, that broaden our knowledge and understanding of the industry. Importantly, those conversations do not have to stop after everyone hops a flight home. Homework assignment: Why not reach out to the new connections you met at BCMC so that they start evolving from acquaintances to colleagues to friends?
Shopping for Products and Services
Of course a highlight of BCMC is a show floor packed with the latest and greatest for the structural building components industry. The number of exhibitors can feel daunting, and you’ll probably start feeling tired long before you’ve finished walking the show floor. Importantly though, your journey can continue even after the show closes. Homework assignment: Why not reach out to exhibitors and visit their websites for more information, starting with those in these pages and in our online advertisers directory?
The Spirit of BCMC
Congratulations to everyone who made 2024 a fabulous show! BCMC is more than a week-long event, it is a reminder that we are all part of a terrific industry. Perhaps like me, your family obligations kept you from being at the show in person. But whether there in person or in spirit, we can all appreciate a successful event that will be remembered with a smile and that will continue to live on in the connections that were made, maintained, and expanded through the show.
P.S. Thank you to Callie Kinser of Eide Machinery Sales for this month’s cover photo!