On the long list of reasons why NDA’s Annual Convention and Expo is famed as a “can’t-miss event,” education is at the top. This year’s program is jam-packed with sessions on the latest demolition trends, best practices, and actionable insights you can implement immediately. From a pre-convention course that give you hands-on experience to fast and furious education session in the exhibit hall, you’ll walk away with key learnings to help you and your business. View the pre-convention workshop and CDS exam.
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Key Industrial Hygiene (IH) Concepts in Demolition
Friday, March 7 | 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Speaker: Colleen Loredo, CIH, CHMM, CPESC, Director, Environmental Services and Occupational Health, Independence Excavating, Inc.
Industrial hygiene broadly is the practice of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling environmental, health, and safety hazards within the workplace. This 30 minute session focuses on key elements to create a successful industrial hygiene program specific to the hazards found in the demolition industry.
Maximizing Scrap Value and Safety in Demolition
Friday, March 7 | 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Speakers: Blake Hurtik, Editorial Manager, Argus Media and Bryan Cherkasky, Vice President of Ferrous Metals, GLE Scrap Metal
Join industry experts as they delve into the critical role of scrap in demolition projects. This panel will explore the latest trends in the scrap market, offer insights into scrap abatement, and provide strategies to maximize returns and fuel savings from scrap materials. Additionally, panelists will discuss best practices for managing hazards and toxicity in scrap, ensuring both safety and compliance. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to turn scrap into success in your demolition projects.
Government Affairs Update
Friday, March 7 | 11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Speaker: Alex McIntyre, Director of Government Affairs, NDA
Join the Government Affairs Committee for a crucial update on the key policy work completed in 2024 and what lies ahead for 2025. As a group that advocates for the demolition industry's interests, the Committee has been instrumental in shaping NDA’s National Policy Agenda and engaging with federal and state lawmakers on critical issues. With the new White House administration and Congress starting in 2025, the upcoming year will bring significant regulatory and legislative changes. This session will highlight the Committee’s recent accomplishments and outline the advocacy priorities and strategies for the upcoming year.
Legacy Asbestos in Reinforced Concrete
Friday, March 7 | 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Speaker: Wayne Bagnall, MBE MSc, CFIOSH, Hon-FIDE, MCMI, Director, Wayne Bagnall Consulting
Sponsored Partner Session
Friday, March 7 | 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
NDA Education Highlights
Friday, March 7 | 1:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Speakers: Steve Schwartz, Demolition Estimator/PM/Expediter H&K Group, Inc and Brian McKinney, CEO, Gayanga Co.
Join us to learn about NDA’s robust educational offerings, resources, and the latest advancements in our educational programs. This engaging session will serve as a comprehensive guide to NDA's educational landscape. From foundational resources to advanced training modules, attendees will gain insights into the diverse array of educational materials and initiatives designed to empower industry professionals at every career stage. Attendees of this session will also get a sneak peak of NDA’s newest course.
Building a Strong Culture in Your Company
Friday, March 7 | 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Speakers: Dennis McGarel, Brandenburg Industrial Service Company, Chris Price, President, Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation, Brian McKinney, CEO, Gayanga Co., and Frank Bodami, Co-Founder, Total Wrecking and Environmental, LLC
In today's competitive industry, cultivating the right company culture is essential for growth and success. This panel will explore effective leadership philosophies that drive company culture, strategies for attracting and retaining younger employees, and the importance of workforce development. Panelists will also discuss the evolving recruitment landscape, including the shift from traditional rural sources to urban settings. Learn how to foster a positive environment that enhances employee satisfaction, promotes innovation, and positions your demolition company for long-term success
Harnessing Technology: The Future of Demolition
Saturday, March 8 | 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. | Speakers: Alex Berg, Founder and CEO, Cratos and Jadon Kool, Sr. Sales Support Consultant, Caterpillar
Explore the cutting-edge technologies transforming the demolition industry in this panel discussion. From advancements in demolition-specific machinery to the integration of robotics, this session will highlight innovative tools enhancing efficiency and safety on the job. Experts will also discuss fleet tracking technology and management, the expanding role of drones in site assessments, and the benefits of GPRS technology for precision and data accuracy. Join us to discover how these technologies are shaping the future of demolition and how your company can stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.
Navigating Environmental Challenges in Demolition
Saturday, March 8 | 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. | Speaker: Jim Graham, Executive Vice President, Winter Environmental
As environmental regulations evolve, it's critical for demolition professionals to stay informed and compliant. This panel will cover essential environmental topics impacting the industry in 2025, including the latest EPA regulatory updates, key changes in environmental law, and their implications for demolition projects. Experts will discuss the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the future of carbon regulation, and best practices for dust mitigation. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to ensure your projects meet environmental standards while maintaining safety and efficiency.
The Power of Debriefs: Driving Success in Demolition
Saturday, March 8 | 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Speakers: Steve Schwartz, Demolition Estimator/PM/Expediter H&K Group, Inc and David Dickson, President, Dickson Demolition & Abatement
Debrief meetings are crucial in the demolition industry, offering a structured opportunity to reflect on project performance and promote continuous improvement. In this session, we'll explore different debrief philosophies and how they enhance safety, optimize processes, and foster collaboration. By reviewing safety protocols, identifying successes and challenges, and encouraging open communication, debriefs help teams solve problems, strengthen client relationships, and drive professional growth. Join us to learn how implementing effective debriefs can lead to better project outcomes, increased efficiency, and long-term success in demolition.
Sponsored Partner Session
Saturday, March 8 | 10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Lessons Learned: Promoting Safety Through Shared Experiences
Saturday, March 8 | 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Speakers: Frank Bodami, Co-Founder, Total Wrecking and Environmental, LLC, Wayne Bagnall, MBE MSc, CFIOSH, Hon-FIDE, MCMI, Director, Wayne Bagnall Consulting, and John Satterwhite, Regional Manager, ROMCO Equipment Co., and Chair of NDA's Safety Committee
In the fast-paced world of demolition, safety is paramount. NDA provides a unique opportunity for attendees from demolition companies across the country to come together, not as competitors, but as a community with a shared goal: enhancing safety standards. Panelists will share some of their real-world experiences, including moments when things went wrong, and the lessons their companies learned from those incidents. By embracing vulnerability and learning from one another's mistakes, we can work toward a safer future for everyone in the demolition industry.
(NEW!) Demo Dialogues:
NDA is excited to debut a brand-new education stage this year: Demo Dialogues. These informal round-table sessions will allow attendees to lead the conversation! Come to Demo Dialogues to listen, learn, share ideas, discuss challenges, network, and collaborate on solutions with fellow demolition professionals. Whether you're looking to gain new insights, make valuable connections, or share your expertise, these interactive sessions are designed to bring people together for meaningful discussions and networking.
NDA's Certified Demolition Supervisor (CDS) Certification: What it is, how to prepare, and why it's good for your business
Friday, March 7 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Moderator: Anthony Abela
Problem Solving 101: Crowd-sourcing solutions to common demolition issues
Friday, March 7 | 1:25 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. | Moderator: David Dickson
Team Work Makes the Dream Work: How to facilitate collaboration between owners, contractors, estimators, and purchasers on the job site
Saturday, March 8 | 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Moderators: Sandy Bodami and Bill Abraham