Demolition New Orleans: What to expect

(IMAGE: NDA)

Live DEMOlition

On Thursday 6 March, the Live DEMOlition Event—a standout feature that lets you test equipment in a real-world environment—will once again return with myriad of equipment manufacturers and machines.

More than a mere spectacle; it’s a chance to evaluate how the latest machines perform under practical conditions, something that could directly influence a contractor’s next purchase or project strategy.

This hands-on experience will complement the in-depth insights provided by the event’s educational sessions on Friday, March 7.

Inspirational stories with real-world applications

A keynote address from Derek Gaunt, a renowned negotiation trainer and former police commander with more than 20 years of experience in hostage negotiations, will set the tone for the day.

His presentation will focus on effective communication and leadership strategies, offering attendees valuable insights into managing high-stakes situations and fostering collaboration within their teams.

Following this, the educational sessions will address a range of critical topics tailored to the demolition industry, including industrial hygiene in demolition with Colleen Loredo, Director at Environmental Services and Occupational Health, Independence Excavating Inc, updates on OSHA compliance, the current state of the scrap market, asbestos research findings, and strategies for environmental management.

Among the highlights of the education programme will be Steve Schwartz, Demolition Estimator/PM/Expediter at H&K Group, Inc, and David Dickson, President at Dickson Demolition & Abatement, who will deliver ‘The Power of Debriefs: Driving Success in Demolition’ session.

Their discussion will explore the different debrief philosophies and how they enhance safety, optimise processes, and foster collaboration.

The panel discussions were a highlight of Demolition San Antonio. (PHOTO: KHL)

A session of particular note will be the ‘Lessons Learned: Promoting Safety Through Shared Experiences’ panel session.

The session will take place on Saturday 8 March with speakers Frank Bodami, Co-Founder, Total Wrecking and Environmental, Wayne Bagnall MBE MSc, CFIOSH, Hon-FIDE, MCMI, Director, Wayne Bagnall Consulting, and John Satterwhite, Regional Manager at ROMCO Equipment, and Chair of NDA’s Safety Committee.

The panellists will share some of their real-world experiences, including moments when things went wrong, and the lessons their companies learned from those incidents. Commenting on the panel, the NDA said: “By embracing vulnerability and learning from one another’s mistakes, we can work toward a safer future for everyone in the demolition industry”.

Yet more learning opportunities will be provided by Dennis McGarel of Brandenburg Industrial Service Company, Chris Price, President at Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation, Brian McKinney, CEO of Gayanga Co., and Frank Bodami, Co-Founder of Total Wrecking and Environmental, who will deliver the “Building a Strong Culture in Your Company” session.

“This panel will explore effective leadership philosophies that drive company culture, strategies for attracting and retaining younger employees, and the importance of workforce development,” said the NDA.

“Panelists will also discuss the evolving recruitment landscape, including the shift from traditional rural sources to urban settings.”

Need practical help? NDA introduces Demo Dialogues

This year also marks the introduction of the Demo Dialogues, which offers an informal platform for round-table discussions where attendees can lead the conversation, sharing their challenges and solutions directly with peers.

For those contractors who are facing a specific challenge, this is the place to find solutions from others in the industry.

Almost 1,500 contractors from the dismantling, demolition and recycling industries attend the NDA event. (PHOTO: NDA)

Similarly, the exhibition floor will also provide an opportunity for contractors to explore tools and technologies that could help address those same challenges.

Whether it’s advanced equipment, innovative software, or operational strategies, contractors will be able to get hands-on information directly from the manufacturers’ experts about improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Living that demolition life

Beyond the practical insights, the exhibition floor is also where contractors reconnect.

It’s a chance to catch up with colleagues and friends, share experiences, and discuss challenges in an environment that fosters collaboration and idea-sharing.

Networking and catching up with colleagues is a key part of the event. (PHOTO: NDA)

These interactions often extend into the networking events like the Welcome Reception and Big Easy Bash, which provide a more relaxed setting to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.

For many, these moments are just as valuable as the formal sessions, offering the chance to build relationships and exchange ideas that lead to long-term partnerships and practical solutions.

Demolition New Orleans will culminate with the NDA Awards Banquet, which will shine a spotlight on industry achievements.

Music greeted the Demolition San Antonio delegates at last year’s Awards Banquet. (PHOTO: NDA)

With more than 1,200 industry professionals expected, Demolition New Orleans is poised to be a key event for contractors, industry leaders, and experts from around the world.