SMA Annual Conference Recap
This year’s SMA Annual Conference was held September 18-19, 2023, at Horseshoe Bay Resort. The two-day conference included educational exhibitors, knowledgeable speakers, and fascinating sessions about the moving industry. Friends, colleagues, and industry professionals all gathered to share their thoughts and insights about the past, present and future of moving.
This year a new event format was implemented to help consolidate our schedule and make the most of our time together. The conference kicked off on Monday, September 18 with a fishing tournament and golf tournament before the SMA Foundation Trustee meeting and Executive Committee meeting. The second full day of events included 5 sessions from industry experts, a Board of Directors meeting and a fun-filled Casino night benefitting the SMA Foundation.
Sessions began Tuesday morning with Ryan Bowley from the ATA Moving & Storage Conference giving a federal update about what we can expect to see for the moving industry out of Washington this year. Next Dan Bradley, Director of Government and Military Relations, with the International Movers Association (IAM) spoke about moving the military and its associated challenges. The morning sessions concluded with an Insurance Panel discussion with Ed Brady, ENR Consulting, Tricia Smith Bermudez, HUB International Insurance and Sean Steckfus, Aegis Powered by Hylant. One of the highlights of the morning was the Heritage Award Luncheon, where Joe Harris was honored for his exceptional contributions to the industry. Harris's dedication was celebrated, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future movers. Read more on why Joe is so deserving of this on our awards page.
The afternoon sessions featured discussions on succession planning with Clint Fiore, CEO of Bison Business, and a Texas legislative recap from SMA staff. These informative sessions were a valuable resource for industry professionals looking to stay ahead in an ever-evolving sector. Once these sessions concluded all attendees were invited to join the Board of Directors meeting. During the meeting the 2023-2024 officers and board members were sworn in, and attendees heard a presentation from Jackie Godlewski with Move for Hunger. For a full list of current leadership, see page X.
In the evening, the Chairman's Dinner took center stage, honoring Ben Breedlove, the Chairman of SMA. Breedlove's dedication and leadership over the past two years have been instrumental in the association's success.
But the night wasn’t over! After the Chairman’s Dinner the fun began with the SMA Foundation Casino Night including a silent auction and poker tournament. During the festivities, the winners of the golf tournament, fishing tournament, poker tournament as well the winner of the Kentucky Derby Raffle were announced by SMA Executive Director John D. Esparza.
Congratulations to our Golf Tournament winners! In 1st place we have Jay Miller, Paul Gregory and Kregg Boreani. In 2nd place we have Matthew Harris, Carson Smith, Jesse Dominguez and Steve Caruso. And finally in 3rd place we have Derrick Potter, Lance Thompson, Patrick Dodson and Sean Streckfus.
The night ended with Mark Southerland taking home the Grand Champion prize for poker and Traci McCullah being announced the winner of the fishing tournament.
Thank you to each and every attendee, sponsor and exhibitor who helped make the 2023 SMA Annual Conference a success. We will be back at Horseshoe Bay Resort next year for the final year of our multi-year contract. Mark your calendars for September 9-11, 2024 and start thinking of ideas for 2025 locations.
Kentucky Derby Raffle
Thank you to our sponsors Aegis Powered by Hylant, HUB International Insurance and Victory Packaging for sponsoring the Kentucky Derby Raffle benefitting the SMA Foundation. Attendees entered to win one of three amazing prizes including a Kentucky Derby vacation package to the 2024 or 2025 Kentucky Derby in Louisville.
Congrats to all our winners!
WIN: JD Bancroft, Bancroft and Sons Transportation
Kentucky Derby Vacation Package.
The experience of a lifetime! The winner receives a vacation package for two to the 2024 or 2025 Kentucky Derby.
PLACE: David Mireles, Houston Police Department
Mint Julep Basket
This basket will include all the fixin's for Mint Julep cocktails, perfect for your Derby celebration.
SHOW: Tricia Smith-Bermudez, HUB International Insurance Services
Hat Basket
This Derby hat-making basket will include all the supplies needed to create a fabulous Derby hat.