CAMX 2018 was a great show and I was there to network. I am working on operations and technology composite positions. Visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldwalczak to see the profiles. For clients that need hiring support in the industry contact me and set up time to discuss.
This is always a must attend show to network with clients and candidates. CAMX has established itself as North America’s largest event for the industry in the largest market for composites and advanced materials. Innovation Park was introduced at last year’s show, and this year again offered seeing composite fabrication live and a terrific way to get updated on technologies and to make new connections, exchange ideas and learn new things. The show offers the ability to discover and see a variety of new materials, technologies and products that improve the performance and make the job of composite fabrication more efficient and more affordable.
The booths showed off some of the new applications, with the Solvay booth capturing my attention with the 2018 four-man bobsled where I met the Olympian Nick Cunningham who was the driver of the sled and who has competed since 2008. Nick spent time explaining the advantages of the composite sled and the advances it offers in the competitiveness of the US team. He wished he had more time with the sled prior to the Olympic runs.
Nick and I enjoyed sharing common interests in Lake Placid where he has lived and trained and where I will spend more time in the future with friends. We discussed hoping to run into each other, at both our favorite restaurant “dog friendly” Lisa G’s and I hope to have a brew with Nick in the future. I did ask for a ride with Nick in the future.
What I learned after the show was Nick is a Sergeant in the New York Army National Guard and we thank him for his service and appreciate his hard work representing our country in the Olympics. I found Nick a great representative for our country as an Olympian and in his military service and Solvay was lucky to have him represent their company.
This is just one example of making new friends at CAMX and that learning and having fun is the priority for me at the show. I also try to grow my business relationships, clients and candidates at the same time.
My new business relationships, interactions with attendees and exhibitors continue to show increasing challenges to fill and find the RIGHT people to support the industry innovative technologies and growth opportunities. While I am working on technology and operations positions, I found the most desired position and person continues to be an application development and or engineering support resource. Only a few people were focused on sales or marketing people. I was also surprised at how a few companies at the show had delayed hiring till 2019 and after the show a couple companies I am working with also decided to delay hiring. I am worried that finding the RIGHT people in this industry is not easy and people who delay may be surprised when in 2019 they will have in place their needed resources.
I look forward to understanding the critical people needs for the composite industry to support the present and future challenges and always making new friends. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and please contact me for any of your hiring or career needs.
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