Downtown Atlanta was bristling with energy Sept. 30-Oct. 2 for the 2018 ASPE Convention and Expo.

On Sunday evening, ASPE hosted a Welcome Party at the Tabernacle featuring a live band, Southern comfort food, and plenty of opportunities to catch up with friends and network with industry colleagues.

Multiple dance circles broke out during the event, including a large troupe partaking in the choreographed dance from the ‘Thriller’ music video by Michael Jackson. Make sure to check the video out over on pme’s Facebook page.

ASPE and the industry got to work on Monday and Tuesday, including the announcement of a new ASPE President. Carol Johnson, a plumbing/fire protection project manager with Hoover, Alabama-based Edmonds Engineering, will serve a two-year term as president. Johnson took the gavel from now-current ASPE Past President Mitch Clemente, CPD.

“I’m honored and humbled,” said Johnson, during Monday morning’s ASPE Breakfast Award Ceremony. “I’m here because of you. This is a magnificent association. I’m here because I want to see ASPE be the greatest society in this industry.”

She added: “As president, I’ll work with this board to solve problems and guide our path. I intend to meet and exceed everyone’s expectations. I believe in communication and transparency. I thank you for allowing me this opportunity. I will work hard to make this a magnificent society.”

More than 300 manufacturers exhibited on the Expo floor showcasing their latest products lines. Many booths provided live demonstrations to interested onlookers.

ASPE next major event is its 2019 Technical Symposium set for Oct. 24-27 in Pittsburgh. The 2020 Convention & Expo will be Sept. 11-16 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

For more coverage of the 2018 ASPE Convention & Expo, make sure to check out our Nov. issue and www.pmengineer.com for upcoming videos, podcasts and photo galleries.