Annual NDA event brings together the demolition industry

The Phoenix Convention Center hosted the NDA event (Image credit: KHL Group)

In addition to a full program of educational sessions, presentations and demo dialogues, 83 exhibitors were present at the convention centre and at the live demo site outside of the city to meet contractors, industry leaders and other attendees.

Some 90 pieces of equipment, from high reach excavators and demolition robots to all types of attachments and tools, were presented by the participating manufacturers and suppliers.

The demonstrations at the Firebird Motorsports Park, which showcased the capabilities in action, were particularly popular with young and old at this family-friendly event.

There were also live demo challenges giving operators the opportunity to prove their skills and compete for prizes. At the end, Chris Wireman from Protech Environmental in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was declared the winner, with Lance Matheson of Sage Demolition in Layton, Utah, a close runner up.

Among the programme highlights at the convention centre was the opening keynote session which debated workforce issues, focusing on how to attract new talent and developing strategies for staff retention.

Setting the industry standard

Welcoming the audience in his speech on the opening day, NDA president Ben Hayden noted, “The association is making great strides in setting the standard for our industry and elevating the profession. We want to inspire talent while also promoting safety.”

He highlighted the various initiatives from the NDA established to promote learning and development, such as the Workforce Development Toolbox launched last year to provide a structured framework for career progression.

Part of the new framework is the NDA certification scheme which offers demolition professionals validation of their expertise and commitment. To date, 121 demolition supervisors and 15 technicians have been certified, an important milestone according to Mr Hayden who emphasised that “industry-driven credentials matter.”

He also announced that the association will launch a new website later this year in order to better highlight mentors and offer an easier way to access the multitude of resources available.

Live demos in the desert showcased equipment in action at Demolition Phoenix (Image credit: KHL Group)

Awarding excellence and dedication

As is tradition, this Excellence in Demolition Awards winners were announced during the gala dinner on the final day.

Brandenburg Industrial Service Company won for the Buffalo Mountain Wind Farm project in Oliver Springs, Tennessee; North American Dismantling Corporation for Continuous Ship Unloader at Kalaeloa Barber’s Point Harbor on the island of Oahu in Hawaii; and Lindamood for the demolition of the UT Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.

As well as handing out the annual awards for demolition projects, the event was also an opportunity to recognise the people that have played a key role in promoting the industry.

The NDA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to David H Griffin of DH Griffin Wrecking Co for his decades of leadership, dedication and lasting contributions to both the demolition industry and the association.

There were two inductees into the Hall of Fame. Jeffery Carpenter, Homrich Inc, was post-humously awarded for his technical excellence, integrity and mentorship. He was the first in the US to operate the Liebherr R9150 and served as lead operator on the Colbert Fossil Plant project.

The second inductee, Neil R LeBlanc (now retired from Caterpillar) was recognised as an advocate for the industry, helping to establish the NDA’s industry council and advance demolition education at Purdue University.

The association also remembered John Satterwhite who passed away in April 2025. A dedicated member of the NDA Board of Directors, he was chair of the Safety Committee.

Finally, the Michael J. Casbon Safety Awards honoured the companies that go above and beyond to protect their teams and set the standard for safety in the industry. Rachel Contracting, North American Dismantling Corporation and Brandenburg Industrial Service Company each took home a trophy.

Heading to Texas in 2027

With Demolition Phoenix notched up as another successful event, the attention will soon turn to next year when the NDA will welcome the demolition industry to Fort Worth, in Texas.