Demolition New Orleans 2025: best moments from this year’s NDA event
12 March 2025
New Orleans played host to Demolition New Orleans 2025, the National Demolition Association’s (NDA) flagship event, from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 March.
Across four packed days, demolition contractors, suppliers, and industry leaders came together to see the latest equipment in action, discuss the sector’s biggest challenges, and recognise the people and projects that are pushing the industry forward. From the dust and diesel of DEMOlition Live to the high-level conversations inside the convention halls, here’s what stood out.
DEMOlition Live: Machinery in Action
The off-site DEMOlition Live exhibition remained a key attraction at NDA events, giving attendees the opportunity to see the latest demolition machinery in a real-world setting. High-reach and demolition excavators, attachments, and demolition robots were put to the test, demonstrating advancements in efficiency and safety.
Standout machines on show, which attendees were free to try out, included Volvo’s EC500 High Reach and the EC230 Electric, Sennebogen’s 830E demolition excavator, Komatsu’s PC490 HRD, and Kobelco’s 6MCR crawler skid excavator.
One of the most talked-about innovations was a new non-explosive ‘blasting’ technique designed to fracture concrete with minimal noise and vibration.
With regulatory restrictions tightening around traditional explosives, Petram Industries’ HPEP System, which uses just electricity and water to break rock, caught the interest of contractors looking for alternative methods, particularly for urban demolition projects.
Beyond the demonstrations, manufacturers and operators were on hand to discuss performance and capabilities, offering a direct and practical insight into how these machines function under real working conditions. The event reinforced why DEMOlition Live remains an unmissable part of the NDA convention.
Inside the Convention: Big Ideas, Big Conversations
Day two of the event saw its main activities shift to the convention hall, where leading demolition professionals were brought together to tackle some of the industry’s biggest issues.
One of the biggest draws this year was keynote speaker Derek Gaunt, a former FBI hostage negotiator, who shared how tactical empathy—the ability to influence and persuade through listening—can be a game-changer in business negotiations. For demolition contractors used to tough client discussions, regulatory battles, and job site conflicts, his insights struck a chord.
Elsewhere, panel discussions and presentations covered everything from evolving safety regulations to advances in recycling and deconstruction.
Sustainability was a major theme, with multiple sessions focusing on how demolition firms can improve material recovery, reduce waste, and meet increasing environmental standards without hurting their bottom line. Meanwhile, the future of advanced demolition equipment and digital project management tools highlighted just how much technology is reshaping the industry.
Other highlights included a presentation from OSHA on what lies ahead for safety in the industry, and the legacy of asbestos in reinforced concrete by leading consultant Wayne Bagnall. Significant time was also devoted to government affairs, and how the proposed tariffs could effect the market.
On the exhibition floor, a wide range of suppliers showcased the latest in demolition technology—from more efficient attachments and dust control solutions to software designed to streamline operations. The strong engagement throughout the convention underscored the industry’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
Over 1,300 industry professionals attended Demolition New Orleans. (PHOTO: D&Ri/KHL)
NDA Awards: Recognising Industry Excellence
The NDA Awards of Excellence provided a fitting close to the event, honouring individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the demolition industry.
Hall of Fame Inductees: The NDA welcomed three new members into its Hall of Fame: Donald Barris Jr, Greg Menen, and the late DH Griffin Sr.
DH Griffin’s son, David Griffin Jr., accepted the award on his father’s behalf, receiving a standing ovation. Jim Graham captured the moment, stating, “I, along with many others in the room at DH’s funeral, stood there for two hours in line to greet the family. It’s a testament to what the people in this room, our predecessors, and their predecessors have done and the impact we’ve made on our communities.”
Griffin Sr. built his company from the ground up and played a crucial role in the cleanup of the World Trade Center after 9/11, a testament to his dedication to both the industry and public service.
Lifetime Achievement Award: The late John T. Adamo was posthumously honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
His son, accepting the award, reflected on his father’s remarkable journey from immigrant roots to industry pioneer.
John T. Adamo Jr recalled: “I do remember that my father and mother came home from Washington, DC with smiles on their faces. They did it. They won.”
This referred to Adamo’s landmark 1978 Supreme Court victory over the United States’ EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), which set a key legal precedent for the demolition industry. John T Adamo Sr’s contributions, from shaping Detroit’s urban renewal programme to revolutionising demolition technology, left a lasting impact.
2025 Excellence in Demolition Awards
A major highlight of the evening was the 2025 Excellence in Demolition Awards. Nine projects by nine different contractors were shortlisted for the awards, which comprised three categories:
Category 1: projects valued at up to US$1 million
Category 2: projects valued at over US$1 million and up to US$5 million
Category 3: projects valued at over US$5 million.
While Trifecta Services Company took the category 1 prize for its Tillman Hall project, Spirtas Worldwide was recognised for its Oxford House Demolition in Category 2, with Veit & Company Inc securing the Category 3 award for its New North Office Modernisation project.
Looking Ahead
Demolition New Orleans 2025 once again proved why the NDA’s annual convention is a must-attend event for demolition professionals. From groundbreaking technology demonstrations to discussions on the industry’s future, it was clear that innovation, safety, and sustainability remain at the heart of demolition.
With new challenges and opportunities ahead, the conversations and connections made here will shape the industry for years to come.
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