EDA gears up for 2025 Study Tour and Annual Convention

European Demolition Association

Spanning five days, the EDA Study Tour Italy 2025 (8–12 June) offers an immersive exploration of Italy’s demolition sector, leading directly into the EDA Annual Convention (12–14 June) in Venice.

Together, these events provide key opportunities to learn, collaborate, and engage with the latest developments shaping the demolition, decontamination, and recycling (DDR) industries.

Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge of cutting-edge techniques, deepen your professional connections, or gain strategic insights into Europe’s DDR landscape, here’s a look at what these events have to offer:

A First-Hand Look at Italian Innovation: EDA Study Tour

Study Tour Dates: 8–12 June 2025

Giving attendees a rare chance to go behind the scenes of some of Italy’s most renowned demolition and equipment manufacturing sites, places for the EDA Study Tour Italy 2024 have been in hot demand.

Indeed, the EDA recently announced that almost all have the spots have now been filled, so anyone wanting to attend had better book soon.

Starting in Milan and concluding in Venice, this five-day journey is designed to showcase the innovative practices, technologies, and methodologies that position Italy as a leader in demolition and circular economy strategies.

Key Stops on the Tour

Global Expertise: Visits to leading manufacturers and industry service providers, including CGT + Caterpillar, Mantovanibenne, Laurini, Trevi Benne, LCD Trading, LeoTech and VTN Europe, will focus on the latest advancements in demolition attachments, heavy machinery, and recycling technologies.

Insights from Contractors: A tour of Despe, one of Europe’s most prominent demolition firms, will highlight the company’s approach to managing complex projects and implementing advanced safety solutions.

Sustainability in Action: Discussions with industry leaders will explore how Italian firms are addressing challenges like material reuse, regulatory compliance, and the integration of circular economy principles into demolition workflows.

Networking and Cultural Highlights

The Study Tour doesn’t just offer technical insights—it’s also an opportunity to connect with peers in informal settings. With planned dinners, site tours, and evening gatherings, attendees can discuss industry challenges, share experiences, and foster professional relationships.

Additionally, participants will have the chance to experience Italy’s rich cultural heritage, from the architectural beauty of Milan and Padua to the artistic legacy of Venice. This blend of professional development and cultural immersion makes the Study Tour both informative and memorable.

Expert Insights and Future Focus: EDA Annual Convention

Convention Dates: 12–14 June 2025

Following the Study Tour, the EDA Annual Convention begins on 12 June at the historic Palazzo del Casinò on Venice’s Lido Island. This two-day event gathers industry leaders, technical experts, and policy-makers from across Europe to discuss the future of demolition and recycling.

A Comprehensive Professional Programme

Known for its focus on industry-wide collaboration and education, the convention attracts contractors, suppliers, and industry experts from across Europe.

The 2025 convention will comprise a high-level professional programme with presentations about cutting-edge projects from around the world, and sessions designed to help contractors address the current and emerging challenges facing today’s demolition, decontamination, and recycling industry.

EDA Annual Convention Schedule

Thursday 12 June

The event, which is being held in collaboration with the European Decontamination Institute and the National Association of Demolition and Circular Economy for Construction Italy, will begin on the afternoon of the 12 June with the Circular Economy Awards prentations.

The European Circular Economy Awards celebrate companies that have demonstrated exceptional innovation and commitment to sustainability in demolition and material recycling. This initiative not only highlights best practices but also encourages wider adoption of sustainable methods across the industry.

The awards will be followed by the EDA General Assembly (for EDA members only) and lin the evening will see demolition industry professionals descend on the Murano Glass Cathedral for the Welcome Cocktail event that heralds the official start of the conference—for which multilingual simultaneous interpretation will be provided.

Friday 13 June

On Friday 13 June the professional programme kicks off with a presentation on the sustainable deconstruction of industrial structures at the port of Buenos Aires from Grupo Mitre’s Maximiliano Mauriño, and a talk on asbestos removal in power plants from Rui Silva of Interamianto

Stefano Panseri of Despe will take to the stage next to give in-depth insight into the contractors’ demolition of the Michelangelo hotel in Milan. He will be followed by Markus Sommer of Kavarmat, who share expertise on the Chromium (VI) regulatory paradox.

A first for the programme is the participation of DDM Demotage. DDM’s Dismantling Specialist John Patist will give a detailed overview on Europe’s first suspension bridge dismantling, before giving the stage to Wesley Princen of Aannemingsbedrigh Princen, who will answer the question of whether small companies can work nuclear projects.

The professional programme will conclude with presentations from Ryan Priestly, Priestly Demolition, who will speak about the La Salle Causeway Bridge project, and Alex Hadden, of BAM Brown and Mason Group, who will give insights into the ‘Untold Story of Explosive Demolition’.

The event will close with a Gala Dinner held in Pescheria di Rialto—the centre of the city’s local life and culinary culture.

Saturday 14 June (Optional)

The end of the professional programme is marked by a leisure programme for all participants, that gives attendees the chance to explore the city of Venice.

The leisure programme begins with a water taxi ride and includes a guided walk through the city’s ‘calli’ (narrow streets) and ‘campielli’ (small squares), with time given to take in city landmarks such as the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo. 

A tranditional lunch signals the end of the leisure programme. Guests will then have some free time to explore the city before returning to the hotel.

What You’ll Gain from Attending

From the hands-on insights of the Study Tour to the in-depth discussions at the Annual Convention, these events are designed to equip attendees with actionable knowledge. Learn how leading companies are addressing challenges in project execution, material recycling, and regulatory compliance, and discover new tools and strategies to enhance your own operations.

Networking is a cornerstone of the EDA events. Whether it’s during a factory tour or over dinner in a Venetian palace, these gatherings provide numerous opportunities to build relationships with other professionals, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations.

Why These Events Matter

The EDA’s 2025 events provide a platform to engage with the industry’s most pressing topics, learn from its innovators, and celebrate its achievements. By attending, you’ll not only gain valuable knowledge and connections but also contribute to shaping the future of demolition, decontamination, and recycling in Europe.

Registration for both events is now open, with limited spaces available. Early booking is recommended to secure your place on each. Visit the EDA website for details on fees, accommodation options, and event schedules.

For more information, visit the EDA Annual Convention 2025 webpage.