We know with a new event there are a lot of questions. See below for some FAQs about Demolition New Orleans!
Why did NDA decide to convert the Annual Convention to a two day event?
With the impact of COVID-19 on our country, it became clear that NDA would not be able to host our annual convention as previously planned. Our utmost priority is to keep you safe, and we felt hosting the event in a convention center and hotel would not allow us to properly follow state and CDC guidelines.
For the safety of our attendees, speakers, exhibitors and the communities they serve, NDA decided to reimagine the Annual Convention to create the safest environment for our guests while still providing value from an in-person event. The reimagined event allows NDA to host the majority of the activities outside following social distance guidelines.
This event is mainly outdoors, what activities will be taking place indoors?
Weather permitting, we are moving as many activities outdoors for this event.
The Exhibitor Pavilion and Food Pavilion will be under spacious tents. The sides of the tents will be up, to allow for airflow pending weather elements.
Activities that will take place socially distanced indoors:
- Registration - at Hilton and NOLA Motorsports
- Safety Briefing
- Executive Committee Meeting
- Pre-Convention Education: Superintendent Bootcamp
- Board of Directors Meeting
I typically bring my family to the NDA convention. Should I bring them in 2021?
As in past events, families are welcome to the NDA Annual Convention. We will have activities for kids to participate in. All guests, including children will need to abide by the safety guidelines outlined by NDA. Given the heightened concerns regarding safety we ask each attendee to consider attendance of at-risk populations including older adults and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
What changes are you making to the convention schedule?
It is our goal to provide attendees with the community and educational value they expect from the NDA Annual Convention.
With the new format, we are able to expand the Live Demolition Event to a two day event, giving attendees and companies on display more time to connect and discuss equipment needs for 2021.
The event will also include an Exhibitor Pavilion. The Pavilion will feature a wide range of exhibitors who will be showcasing their latest services, products, and equipment advancements. This outdoor pavilion will give attendees an opportunity to connect with vendor representatives and create new relationships to grow their business.
The reimagined event is making training and education a priority. We are excited to bring back the NDA Superintendent Bootcamp course and Fast and Furious presentations. These opportunities provide best practices on a variety of demolition topics.
We are still planning to host a fun networking event where attendees can relax and celebrate together. The details of this event will be released soon.
During our typical convention schedule, we host two activities in a large auditorium. This includes the welcome general session and the awards ceremony. Due to safety concerns, these activities will be reimagined as virtual offerings.
How is the NDA staff prepared to keep guests safe?
NDA is uniquely equipped to offer demolition professionals an in-person event due to the nature of our annual outdoor Live DEMOlition Event and meeting planning expertise of the NDA Events Team, who are GBAC-Trained Technician certified in infection and contamination control measures. NDA staff have the planning, knowledge and expertise to successfully implement an in-person event during an ongoing pandemic. They will ensure proper measures are in place and the highest level of disinfectants as indicated on List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus are being used throughout the event to kill the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
NDA has put together the Attendee COVID-19 Health & Safety Policy and will be creating additional safety materials for all attendees, which must be read and acknowledged before entering the event.
We will be following state and government issued guidelines for events and enforce these guidelines during the event. Visit our COVID-19 protocols page to see more.
Will I be able to request a refund if I decide not to attend due to COVID-19 concerns?
Due to current circumstances, we have created a more flexible refund policy given the need to make last minute decisions. Our cancellation refund states:
There will be a $75 processing fee for all cancellations received on or before Monday, February 15, 2021. After that time, there will be no refunds for registrations cancelled after Monday, February 15, 2021. Cancellations must be emailed to registration@demolitionassociation.com prior to this date for refunds to be issued. Name substitutions are allowed to transfer a paid registration to another colleague. Registrations cannot be transferred or applied as a credit to a future event. Telephone cancellations are NOT accepted for refunds. Hotel reservations must be cancelled separately. If you need to cancel your hotel reservation, you have up to 72 hours prior to arrival to do so and receive a refund of your deposit. Please contact the Hilton Riverside using the reservation link or call 1-800-hiltons.
If any circumstances or event beyond the control of NDA causes cancellation of the event, NDA will rollover your registration fee to NDA Annual Convention 2022.