Demolition Hub at Demolition Phoenix

March 30, 2023
By: Ben Chambers

For the second year in a row, we were invited to the National Demolition Association’s Demolition Conference — this year held in Phoenix, Arizona.

I take my unofficial job as the world’s most traveled demolition media man seriously; I have even invested in a travel pillow, two pairs of headphones and more bizarre-ended chargers than C3PO could use. Straight off the back of being at World of Concrete, did I need the 5,000-mile trek 10 hours and two planes away? No, not really, but for what NDA put on for the industry and, quite frankly, their friendliness and professionalism, I would go again tomorrow.

I feel a part of the family with NDA, and day one started with a 15-minute coach ride to watch some serious kit being demonstrated out in the Arizonian plains.

I was able to see more of Brokk, Sennebogen, Komatsu and, of course, CAT in action while chomping on the complimentary burritos and soda. You can see our footage of equipment in action on our YouTube channel.

Obligatory interviews took place, of course, and friendships were made, to be reaffirmed and rekindled two weeks later at CONEXPO.

On days two and three, we were brought out of the sun and inside the Phoenix Convention Center, where a super-show of booths containing almost everything that could help a contractor do their job better was on offer. Incidentally, my walk around the expo is also available on YouTube.

Education is a key part of the week, and a plethora of comprehensively researched and topical sessions with well-known international speakers were available for delegates to sit in on. That is, if you could get a seat. Every time I walked past, it was standing-room only.

I particularly enjoy a trade exhibition, and it was great to see that NDA had many new service provider members to speak with. This is a testament to the pulling power of being in front of North America’s elite contractors.

As per last year, the final evening was given up to the black-tie NDA Awards event, recognizing members’ achievements as well as employees’ contributions to their firms and the industry.

This was an opportunity for the wine to flow and the conversation to turn to whom we knew in the industry from either side of the pond, attachments used, PPE and American wrestling.

Although we are based in the U.K., NDA recognizes Demolition Hub as a global source of news, views, case studies and demolition interest; they value speaking with us, giving them and their members more exposure. In turn, NDA must be the most professional, open and friendly associations I have had the privilege to work alongside. Long may our association with them and their members continue.

Off to San Antonio next year — yee-haw!