The New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association held its 95th Annual convention this past October 17th through 19th at Resorts World Catskills, in Monticello, NY.  A few rounds of virtual golf, followed by a welcome reception on Tuesday, the 17th, kicked off the event as guests enjoyed refreshments and caught up with fellow movers, industry suppliers and event speakers.  A total of 17 industry suppliers participated by exhibiting at this year’s event!!

The Association’s educational program took place on the following day when guest speakers discussed current and important industry issues. Association President, Brian Hasson, started the program off by welcoming everyone to the event and talking a bit about the Association’s current efforts, as well as the importance of coming together to share best practices, especially in today’s challenging climate.  Attendees then heard from Alex Dimitracopoulos, with Remeday Payment Solutions.  Alex talked about the importance of proper paperwork and having policies in place, to minimize the frequency of chargebacks.   The group next heard from Winston Davis, with MoveUp Consulting.  Winston shared his thoughts and ideas for best hiring practices, along with a great example of an employment application via video.  Brock Hartzler, with ProMover Accounting was up next, to discuss financial metrics for movers.  Brock shared a great illustration of the importance of knowing your costs.  Ethan Chazin, with The Chazin Group, followed Brock and spoke about embracing change in an ever changing workplace.  To finish up the morning, Brian Hasson moderated a panel of professionals, including Ethan Chazin, The Chazin Group, Ed Katz, International Office Moving Institute and Beau Roskow, Naglee Moving.  The panel’s discussion focused on the importance of process development, change management and keeping movers accountable.  The panel format provided for a more interactive discussion, with several questions coming from the audience.  Following a lunch with suppliers, Mark Wisz, with OtherWisz creative, gave a presentation on marketing for movers.  Closing out the educational program was Ed Katz, with the International Office Moving Institute.  Ed talked about how to differentiate yourself in the marketplace to get more business, and also shared a great deal of insight into his success with the office moving side of the business.   Coffee and refreshments were served throughout the day’s program, while attendees took the opportunity to meet and talk with event exhibitors and peers.  It was a great day of learning industry best practices, catching up with old friends and making new ones!

For the rest of the afternoon, attendees had time to relax or check in with the office.  Some took advantage of the learn to play activities the association arranged for the group, which included sports betting, craps, baccarat and blackjack!!

Later in the evening, the president’s cocktail reception kicked off NYSMWA’s annual banquet and awards dinner, where attendees had a chance to relax and discuss the day’s activities with their peers.  Following the reception, attendees enjoyed dinner as the evening’s awards were presented.  First up was the 2023 NYSMWA Mover of the Year award, which was presented to Triangle Movers, Newburgh, NY.  Owner Kevin Eschbacher was there to accept the company’s championship belt!!  The 2023 NYSMWA Driver of the Year award was presented to Antonio Foots, with Wayfinder Moving Services, Buffalo, NY.  It was an amazing feeling to see Antonio’s emotional response, after being selected for the award.  Daniel Moloney, with Liffey Van Lines was presented with the 2023 Move For Hunger Hunger Hero Award!  The final award of the evening, the 2023 NYSMWA Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Victory Packaging’s Eric Scorzelli, who has dedicated several years of support and service to New York’s household goods moving and storage industry.  The event concluded with the Association’s Board of Directors meeting, held on the following morning.

Overall, this year’s convention was successful in many ways, from attendees gaining valuable insight on important issues affecting their businesses to catching up with friends and having some downtime.

The Association’s convention committee is currently discussing potential locations for our 2024 event, soif you didn’t get a chance to attend this one we hope you’ll join us next year!