The convention Exhibit Hall opens today at 11 a.m., featuring more than 20 partner booths and displays. Be sure to stop by to talk with partners and vendors, including BNAP, Union Plus, Bank of Labor, Milwaukee Tools and many more. Plus pick up swag, have a treat and try out some interactive fun.
The highlight is on the far end where you’ll find the Boilermaker History Preservation Department’s display that tells the story of the union from its beginnings to today. On one side, visitors can learn about the union’s beginnings and find details about what shaped the Brotherhood over the years—and discover some interesting surprises.
The other side features samples of products Boilermakers make today throughout the United States and Canada. At the center is a screen displaying videos and scenes of history and paying tribute in memorial to the brothers and sisters who have died since the last convention.
It’s all anchored by the signature Boilermaker riveter sculpture.
“The exhibit is a celebration of our history of craftsmanship,” says Dave Stewart, Director of the Boilermaker History Preservation Department. “We wanted to create an experience where people could learn about the history of our union; how our union developed and evolved through time.”
To round out the exhibit and illustrate what Boilermakers make today in the industrial sector, International Reps had reached out to local lodges seeking details and opportunities to display product samples. A variety of products show the breadth of Boilermakers’ impact on daily lives—from cement to some things that might surprise exhibit visitors.
Aside from the furniture provided by the conference center, the display was entirely designed and crafted by the BHPD staff, from researching and writing about the union’s history to hand making the displays that showcase it all.
“Preserving and showing our union’s history is important, because it educates new members on the legacy of craftsmanship they’ll carry forward. It’s also a reminder to existing members about where our Brotherhood came from and what we’ve gone through to become the union of craftsmen and craftswomen we are today,” says Stewart.
The Exhibit Hall is open today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then daily through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
