Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association held its 4th Annual Conference at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., Jan. 16 to 18.

The conference featured a general membership meeting, special sessions, group meetings and an opening session featuring keynote speaker, Dick Hoyt of Team Hoyt. Activities were capped off with a Presidential Black-Tie Gala.

Dick Hoyt’s presentation discussed the challenges he faced in ensuring that his son, disabled from birth, live a full and what has become a remarkable life. Told by doctors that his son Rick would be in vegetative all his life, Dick and his wife never gave up on him.

The speech included how Dick and his son deomonstrated the power of perseverance through competing in marathons and triathlons around the globe. In these competitions, Dick pushed his son in a specially designed wheel chair, pulled him on a raft and peddled with him on his bike.

Attendees also were able to meet with equipment and service providers as well as product suppliers who had table top exhibits at the event trade show.

Major sponsors for the event included AIS Construction Equipment Company and Michigan CAT. Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers and Wolverine Tractor & Equipment Company were co-sponsors and Southeastern Equipment marked their first appearance as an event supporter.