Fired up in Phoenix
June 13, 2023
Demolition Phoenix kicked off at the Phoenix Convention Center with pre-convention education, including the Demolition Superintendent Bootcamp course on Tuesday, Feb. 21, and the Hands-on Equipment Maintenance course on Wednesday. An NDA Board of Directors meeting, in which the board’s new strategic plan was approved, and a welcome reception in the Expo Hall rounded out Wednesday and commenced a convention to remember.
Live DEMOlition
The much-loved Live DEMOlition event was held on Thursday and welcomed 663 attendees to the soon-to-be-demolished Phoenix Metrocenter Mall. Throughout the day, attendees were able to put 46 pieces of equipment from 20 exhibitors to the test against concrete, rebar and more. For those who were unable to attend the event this year, highlights can be viewed in the Live DEMOlition recap video and in NDA President James Milburn’s television interview. NDA would like to thank member James Middleton of BCS Enterprises Inc. for his generous support of the Live DEMOlition event, including assistance with securing the event space and materials.
Rockstar Education
Starting off Saturday’s full day of education with a literal bang, Mark Schulman, P!NK’s drummer, shared his greatest hits of information for changing attitudes, outputs and behaviors. Attendees were not only treated to a drum performance, but also learned how to increase individual and team performance ways to break through barriers and trepidation, and shift their mindset from “have to” to “get to” through Schulman’s ABC (attitude x behavior = consequences) process.
A scrap update in which trends and the recent results of scrap markets and pricing was discussed, and an electric construction equipment panel rounded out the morning’s education. The afternoon’s education lineup included sessions on dust control/air quality and workers’ compensation, and the Women in Demolition Panel. An update from NDA’s Government Affairs Committee and overviews of NDA’s Foundations of Demolition Management courses and Superintendent Bootcamp were also given.
On Sunday, a roundtable discussion on tool use and maintenance kicked off the second day of sessions, followed by presentations on fuel costs and the nonproft Helmets to Hardhats program. Rounding out the conference’s education was the new closing panel, “What’s Keeping You up at Night.” Featuring James Milburn (Milburn Demolition), Tim Gunn (Adamo), Allie Lloyd (Lloyd’s Construction Services, Inc.) and Mahesh Bailakanavar (Thornton Tomasetti Inc.), attendees were able to hear what the panelists thought about some of the biggest issues the demolition industry is currently facing and how they are managing through them.
Expo and Networking
Opening with a first-time attendee and new member meet and greet, followed by the official welcome reception, the Expo Hall opened Thursday night. Attendees had to opportunity to begin networking with fellow industry professionals and take part in the annual NDA Cornhole Tournament.
On Friday night, attendees were able try out local beers and chat with one another in the hall during the Local Brews Beer Reception, as well as attend Phoenix Fest, which featured live music courtesy of dueling pianos, specialty cocktails and comfort food.
The 2023 convention wrapped up on Saturday evening with the Annual NDA Awards Banquet where James Milburn gave his first speech as NDA’s new president; R. David Loewendick was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Jeff Stocker, Michael Brant and Nicholas Straub were inducted into the NDA Hall of Fame; and six companies were recognized for their commitment to demolition excellence and safety.
In total, NDA welcomed over 1,000 national and international demolition professionals to Phoenix and 83 exhibitors. We hope to see you next year for Demolition San Antonio, taking place March 6-9, 2024!