From an opening night celebration aboard the historic USS Midway aircraft carrier and a “Shore Leave in San Diego” theme party, to a convention program packed with business-building activities, the National Demolition Association has planned a 40th Anniversary Convention that promises to be a memorable experience.
“Since it’s the NDA’s 40th anniversary, we planned an agenda that makes it advantageous for demolition contractors and frankly anyone involved in the demolition process to come to San Diego and experience it all first hand,” said Michael R. Taylor CAE. “We’re expecting a great turnout as a result.”
This year’s event takes place March 23 to 26 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel and the San Diego Convention Center. The major educational sessions will help attendees maximize their profits and stay current with environmental regulations that impact the demolition industry. The Association will also present its Environmental Excellence Awards. Full information and a registration form is posted at www.demolitionassociation.com in the Events section.
The convention is open to all professionals involved in the demolition process, including those in demolition contracting, general contracting, civil engineering, recycling, scrap, salvage, and other industries.
“This is the largest exposition of demolition products, equipment, and services in the world and it brings together a fantastic cross section of industry experts," Taylor explained. “It provides an incomparable opportunity for networking by our members and other delegates who attend. Besides enjoying the exciting activities, attendees each year point to the opportunity to network as one of the primary benefits of attending our annual convention.”
One highlight of this year’s program is a presentation about disaster response by the contractors who responded to the cleanup following the devastating 2011 Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake. “We are certain that California can greatly benefit from their experiences as that state prepares for the next major earthquake which can come any time,” Taylor said.
The presentation is preceded by the keynote speech by former U.S. Navy Commander Mike Abrashoff, who will share the universal lessons he learned turning around the performance of the USS Benfold.
Other activities include an optional annual golf tournament and the closing night cocktail reception and 40th Anniversary Banquet where NDA Scholarships, the Lifetime Achievement Award, and an auction of a vintage “wrecking ball” will take place.
