TOMCAT experienced a record number of attendees at its 2016 TOMCAT U workshop, held from March 7th – 11th at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Attendees from North America and Europe helped to make this year’s workshop twice as large as last year’s, making it the biggest TOMCAT U since moving offices to Knoxville!
TOMCAT U is an annual workshop that reinforces the Area Four Industries education promise by giving attendees access to the long time knowledge and experience of industry professionals, who teach rigging practices, hoist maintenance, fall protection, truss theory and other industry standards.
The new curriculum for the 2016 TOMCAT U workshop addressed five key areas – truss theory, rope access, rigging, hoists and automation. TOMCAT’s own Will Todd started off the week with his truss class focusing on truss design, usage and theory as well as indoor and outdoor ground support structures. Nick Fleming and Brian Leister, from Rope Access Orlando, explained how to safely and effectively access hard to reach locations with their Rope Access Workshop. Returning instructor from last year’s TOMCAT U, Bill Sapsis from Sapsis Rigging, Inc., covered many important facets and practices from the wonderful world of rigging. Dave Carmack, from Columbus McKinnon, raised attendees’ knowledge with his hoist class and giving the attendees the opportunity to take the CM Level 1 certification exam. And Scott Beckwith, from Tait Towers, jumped into automation with insight that only comes from many years of real world experience. As with last year’s TOMCAT U, Danny Davis and Pro Video Audio Productions provided the superb ground support system.
A highlight of every TOMCAT U is the much-anticipated Factory Night, where attendees enjoy a tour of the factory, eat dinner and take part in hands-on training activities. This year’s hands-on program featured an educational truss inspection workshop and a welding competition. We’re happy to report that Factory Night was again a huge success this year, thanks in part to the fantastic food provided by Knoxville’s Copper Cellar Catering & Banquet.
Make sure to sign up early for a spot in 2017’s TOMCAT U, which will be held from March 13th – 17th at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.