New twists on old traditions

Annual trade shows that continue to produce the same program year after year might have a tendency to get stale. But attendees of the National Demolition Association (NDA) and Construction & Demolition Association (CDRA) spring conventions have nothing to worry about. Both events continue to provide the networking, education and exhibits that attendees have become accustomed to, but in 2016, each has infused new experiences into their tried-and-true events.

Both industry events have become an annual tradition for many association members, and providing fresh and relevant content is paramount to continue to draw people to these events. The organizers of Demolition 2016 and C&D World have continued to build upon the successes of previous conventions while continuing to evolve and stay relevant.

BUILDING ON MOMENTUM

Demolition 2016, March 14-17, at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, builds on the success of the 2015 event, which was the first convention hosted under the direction of a new association management firm, Smith Bucklin, with offices in Chicago and Washington, and new NDA Executive Director Cheryl Caulfield.

“We saw record attendance in 2015 of 1,100 attendees and are excited to build on this great momentum in 2016. With the exciting changes to the event and even more ways to network and connect with peers in the demolition industry, we expect to have similar if not a greater number of attendees in March,” predicts Caulfield.

One of the biggest differences attendees will notice in 2016 is the expo format. All educational sessions will take place in the expo, making it the central location of the convention. A main stage will host the keynote presentation and three additional stages for safety, environmental and industry have been added.

Another new feature is the Recycling Pavilion, offering attendees with one-stop access to some of the latest recycling equipment and services supplying the demolition industry.

Session highlights include a keynote presentation on Wednesday, March 16, presented by a pair of fighter pilots who will introduce the Flawless Execution Cycle—Plan, Brief, Execute Debrief—designed to accelerate business, and Part II of the Workforce Issues Panel providing a solutions discussion to issues raised during this panel discussion in 2015.

Of course no NDA annual convention is not complete without a set of networking opportunities, and the 43rd annual convention is no different. “In 2016, we are offering numerous opportunities to network with exhibitors during the opening reception on Tuesday night (March 15) and Whiskey Business on Wednesday afternoon (March 16), which welcomes attendees to meet our exhibitors while sampling different types of whiskey at participating exhibitors’ booths.”

A celebration on Wednesday evening, March 16, will be held on the Marriott Pool Deck and includes live music, savory food and games. “We host the Wednesday night celebration as a way to bring all attendees together to relax, celebrate and create lasting relationships,” says Caulfield. The convention closes Thursday evening, March 17, with the annual banquet at which time awards and scholarship winners will be announced.

More information about Demolition 2016 is available at www.demolitionassociation.com/convention.

CHANGING IT UP

C&D World, May 1-3 at the Double Tree by Hilton San Jose, in San Jose, California, is the 23rd edition of the exhibition and conference hosted by the Milwaukee-based CDRA.

Troy Lautenbach, chair of the CDRA Convention Committee and owner of Lautenbach Recycling, Mount Vernon, Washington, says the association chose San Jose for a couple of reasons. First, the CDRA board wanted to change up the format of the show. “One of those changes is being able to offer a tour of a world-class facility, which Zanker Recycling certainly qualifies as,” he says. As well, the board wanted to have a West Coast meeting in addition to the meeting it hosts in Las Vegas every three years in conjunction with ConExpo-Con/Agg.

Lautenbach says touring Zanker on May 3 will give attendees plenty to see. “Zanker is one of the best C&D recycling operations in North America because of the variety of materials it processes, as well as the number of lines it has on site, including two mixed C&D lines, asphalt shingle processing, concrete processing and wood recycling.” He adds the facility also processes drywall and had an on-site anaerobic digester.

Topics covered during the educational sessions May 1 and 2 include succession planning for C&D recycling facilities, and fire prevention and reaction techniques. More than two dozen exhibitors will be on hand for the estimated 300 attendees.

“Attendees not only benefit from timely and inclusive sessions, but the chance to mingle and talk with their peers from across North America at the reception events, coffee breaks and group meals,” says Lautenbach. “C&D World is the place to learn about what is happening and how to react and succeed from these developments. The program is put together by the CDRA board of directors, which is made up of leading C&D industry leaders so the topics are what is important to recyclers everywhere.”

More information about C&D World is available at www.cdrecycling.org.

With so many variations to their programs, both Demolition 2016 and C&D World are sure to provide the best these industries have to offer, and give attendees takeaways to help them improve their businesses.

The author is editor of Construction & Demolition Recycling and can be reached at ksmith@gie.net.