ISSA 2019 Slurry Systems Workshop Overview

As a first-time attendee in the Slurry Systems Workshop (SSWS) this year, I would like to thank everyone that made the SSWS a success. I have planned the booth for the last two years, but this is the first time I have met everyone that makes the show great in person. The Texas Station staff are so helpful, and Kristi’s Team from CM Services did a wonderful job organizing the event! I met many of our customers, some industry professionals, and a few friendly competitors. ISSA is truly a fantastic organization and I’m so proud to have the opportunity to work for Bergkamp and be a part of it all.

One of the things that make SSWS different from other tradeshows Bergkamp attends every year is the amount of Bergkamp customers that attend the show and are members of ISSA. Tyler Kee, Territory Manager, described presenting this year as “an honor and a bit terrifying.” There were almost 500 attendees and all with so much experience in the industry that he hoped he presented enough information that could help them complete a project safer, faster, and with higher profitability. No other show gives us the same opportunities to meet with that many of our customers.

The SSWS also allows Bergkamp Inc. new employees to learn about micro surfacing. Brett Marks, Current Product Engineer, expected to learn about quality control of the product and specific road conditions that are best suited for the application, but stated, “the group sessions and information on hand mixing tests were all new information to me.” Brett particularly found all the discussion and demonstrations of the good and poor practices that affect the outcome of the applications useful. The SSWS is a great opportunity to see how the materials react and see the equipment used each day.

The SSWS is not all work. There are opportunities to network and Bergkamp Inc. holds their annual Paver School the Monday before it all begins. This year it was held at Pole Position and our customers joined us for some go-cart racing after the class. The presentations during the SSWS are informative and humorous. David Marez, Bi-Lingual Technical Representative, really enjoyed Pavement Preservation Presentation by Gary Houston of Valero and learned a lot about best practices. By keeping it fun and interesting, ISSA has increased their attendance year after year.

For more information on how to become a member of ISSA, visit their website at www.slurry.org.
Author – Crystal Lance, Marketing Communications Specialist at Bergkamp Inc.