ATSSA The Signal January February 2020

American Traffic Safety Services Association 24 Meetings & Conventions “During my time at ATSSA, it has been extremely rewarding towatch our Associ- ation’s Annual Convention& Traffic Expo grow throughout the years. What began half acenturyagoasasmall tabletopevent in New Orleans has grown into the larg- est roadway safety infrastructure trade show in North America. Since then, we introduced our exhibit show, where we have seen traffic control devices contin- uously improve and break new ground,” saidRogerWentz, whowill officially retire as the Association’s President & CEO on February 28. On theExpofloor, ATSSAwill host adisplay of historical roadway safety and traffic devices from longtime industrymember Chris Laughland, who is an avid collector of transportation memorabilia. Bubba Lee, a longtime ATSSA member and Vulcan employee, said the Conven- tion has been significant for his career and his company. “Over the years, ATSSA’s Annual Conven- tion & Traffic Expo came to mean many things for Vulcan. The committee meet- ings produced ideas and directions for ATSSA to take, many of which would help shape national policy for highway safety. The trade showwas always valu- able for visits with vendors and custom- ers, seeing the newproducts introduced, but mostly the value of networking with other industry members. All of these were extremely beneficial to our busi- ness future,” Lee said. Wentz said one of the greatest changes he’s seen throughout the years has been the increased collaboration and involve- ment of public agency officials fromstate Departments of Transportation (DOTs). “Over the last several years, we have broken attendance records time and time again and watched collaborations and connections between public agen- cies and roadway devicemanufacturers and suppliers flourish. The presence and involvement of public agency offi- cials at our Annual Convention is a true symbol of how ATSSA has held true to its core mission: To Advance Roadway Safety. I am honored to have played a 1970 s 1980 s 1990 s