EU Takes Part in Facilities Conference

Board members of Elevator U (EU) took part in the SRAPPA 2018 Conference, held in October 2018 at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, South Carolina. SRAPPA, the Southeastern Regional Association of Physical Plant Administrators, is one of six regional organizations affiliated with APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities, a group dedicated to supporting the men and women who maintain the physical facilities of colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The theme of the conference was “Transforming Leaders, Bridging Generations,” and in his welcome statement, James P. Clements, president of host institution Clemson University, said the theme reflected “the importance of the work you do in helping your campus accomplish its mission.” Nearly 40 presenters led talks and educational sessions on everything from maintaining mechanical equipment to the student’s perspective on the campus environment. Eddie Morris, Elevator Program manager at the University of Virginia and EU president, gave a talk on “MRLs Vs. Conventional Elevators: What’s Right for Your Facility?” He discussed the history and evolution of elevators, the rising popularity of machine-room-less (MRL) units, the advantages and disadvantages of both types, and how facilities managers can determine which is best for their campuses.

An expo held in association with the conference drew 84 exhibitors and included a booth by EU that explained the organization’s mission to “promote excellence in design, construction and maintenance of all forms of vertical transportation” on college and university campuses. In addition to Morris, EU was represented by board member Brad O’Guynn of Elevator World, Inc.