ATSSA The Signal Nov/Dec 2019

The Signal | November/December 2019 23 Meetings & Conventions Withfivedecadesunder itsbelt, ATSSA’s Annual Convention & Traffic Expo has held the title for the largest trade show for roadway safety products and services inNorthAmerica—anoteworthy achieve- ment that is backedby 50 years of growth in numbers of attendees, exhibitors, exhibit space, events, and mainstream recognition. This year,more than3,500 roadway safety professionalswill attendthepremierevent for roadway safety infrastructure. To be held January 24–28, 2020, in New Orle- ans, attendees can view the latest indus- try innovations on display in more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “We are really excited to bring ATSSA’s Annual Convention & Traffic Expo back toNewOrleans for theAssociation’s 50th anniversary. As always, we are trying new things to ensure that attendees get themost fromcoming to the event,” said ATSSA’s Director of Meetings & Conven- tions Necoya Tyson. “Once again, we’ve completelyrevampedtheOpeningGeneral Session, which will have lounge seating areas, a buffet style breakfast, a slew of notable speakers, and an overall more intimate atmosphere.” According to Tyson, the Traffic Expo has grown again this year, with new leading- edge technology and product offerings, keeping ATSSA’s event at the forefront of theroadwaysafety infrastructure industry. Two newevents that have been added to the schedule this year are theChairman’s 50th Anniversary Reception & Gala and the inaugural ATSS Foundation Fun Run and fundraiser. Thegalawillmark thefirst official network- ing event of ATSSA’s Convention& Traffic Expoon Saturday, January 25. In addition to the opportunity tomeet and network with other industry professionals at the NewOrleans-themedgala, attendeeswill honor the winners of the ATSSA Indus- try Achievement Award, National Safety Award, Mark of Excellence Award, and National Media Award. The Chairman’s ReceptionandGalawill beanopportunity to enjoy cocktails and dinner in a formal dress setting. The ATSS Foundation Fun Run will be held January 26 on a two-mile course conveniently located near the conven- tion center. The Foundationwill also host the 29thAnnual Golf Classic Tournament and the 8th Annual Sporting Clays Event on January 24 in the New Orleans area. The ATSS Foundation is a nonprofit that providesprograms that assist andsupport injuredor fallenroadwayworkersandtheir families. Net proceeds benefit programs including TheRoadwayWorkerMemorial Scholarship Program, The Marty Weed Engineering Scholarship Program, The National Work Zone Memorial, and the ExperienceCampsTravel Scholarship. The NationalWorkZoneMemorial honors the names of roadway workers, law enforce- ment officers, first responders,motorists, pedestrians, and passengers who have lost their lives in a roadway work zone Celebrating 50 years of ATSSA’s Annual Convention & Traffic Expo Experience four days of education, networking, and exhibits The 2019 annual ATSSA event looked to the future to influence, innovate, and inspire. In 2020, the Association will take a look back, celebrating 50 years that propelled ATSSA to the forefront of the industry as a leader in roadway safety infrastructure.