A Warm Welcome

The current economic slowdown has affected nearly every industry in the United States, including the demolition sector. In times like these, it’s more important than ever for demolition professionals to maintain strong relationships with their colleagues and suppliers, according to MichaelTaylor, CAE, executive director of the Doylestown, Pa.-based National Demolition Association.

One way demolition contractors and construction and demolition recyclers can foster valuable business relationships is through networking at industry events such as the National Demolition Association’s Annual Convention. More than

This year, attendees will gather at the Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., April 4-8, for the National Demolition Association’s 36th Annual Convention. Taylor adds that approximately 125 exhibitors are expected to showcase their products in Orlando, an increase from the 100 equipment and service providers who exhibited at last year’s convention.

By choosing the Orlando area and Disney as the setting for this year’s convention, the association intends to encourage attendees to bring their families. to share in the event. "We are very family orientated," Taylor says. "Most of this industry is comprised of family-owned businesses that have been passed down from one generation to the next."

One of the family activities includes the Monday night theme party, which will be hosted by Disney characters. The association has also adjusted the exhibit halls hours on Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7, to give attendees more opportunity to visit the Disney parks in the afternoons. Exhibit hall hours remain the same on Sunday, April 5.

The association has also woven the Disney theme into its educational programming as well.

Frank Addeman, vice president of planning/scheduling and management controls, Walt Disney Imagineering, will give this year’s keynote session titled "Behind the Magic." He will discuss how the Disney resort was developed and what goes on behind the scenes to maintain it. Addeman is scheduled to speak Monday, April 6 at 1 p.m., immediately following the afternoon coffee break.

The association has also included a lineup of educational sessions that addresses some of the most important issues affecting the industry today. In a session on Tuesday afternoon called "Succession Planning: Issues and Obstacles," Gregory A. Hoyle will discuss the issues and obstacles inherent in succession planning for family-owned businesses. Running concurrently with this session will be "LEED for Demolition Contractors," lead by Paul Nutcher, a speaker on green building programs, who will explain how demolition contractors can participate in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. Also included in this timeslot is a session titled "I35W Bridge Collapse – Response and Removal." Mark Ryan and Evan Mackey will give a presentation on the site clearance at the I-35W disaster site in the Twin Cities.

Since the convention is designed to give attendees the opportunity to connect, the association also has planned a number of networking activities, including the 22nd annual golf tournament at ChampionsGate Golf Resort on Saturday, April 4; the opening night cocktail reception on Sunday, April 6; and a cocktail reception and annual banquet on Tuesday, April 7.

To close the show, attendees are invited to a presentation given by Michael Casbon, chairperson of the association’s safety committee. Casbon will provide commentary as the National Demolition Association airs the U.S. Chemical Safety Board’s film on the explosion at the BP Texas City Refinery in Baytown, Texas, that occured on March 23, 2005.

More information regarding the National Demolition Association’s Annual Convention, including the most up-to-date schedule of events, how to register and how to exhibit is available online at the association’s Web site www.demolitionassociation.com.