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Safely Managing Special and Regulated Materials on the Jobsite

Demolition sites often involve more than structural takedown—they require careful handling of regulated and potentially hazardous materials. This expert panel will dive into best practices for managing substances like liquid oxygen, propane, paint, freon, glycol, and other dangerous materials commonly encountered in demolition work. Panelists will share insights on proper storage, transport, and disposal procedures, as well as strategies for ensuring every crew member is trained and equipped to handle these materials safely. From compliance to communication, this session will help you build a safer, smarter jobsite when working with regulated substances.

Government Affairs Update 

On behalf of NDA's Government Affairs Committee, join NDA's Director of Government Affairs, Alex McIntyre for a crucial update on the key policy work completed in 2025 and what lies ahead for 2026. As a group that advocates for the demolition industry's interests, the Committee has been instrumental in shaping NDA’s National Policy Agenda and engaging with federal and state lawmakers on critical issues. This session will highlight the Committee’s recent accomplishments and outline the advocacy priorities and strategies for the upcoming year. 

NDA Education Highlights

Join us to learn about NDA’s robust educational offerings, resources, and the latest advancements in our educational programs. This engaging session will serve as a comprehensive guide to NDA's educational landscape. From foundational resources to advanced training modules, attendees will gain insights into the diverse array of educational materials and initiatives designed to empower industry professionals at every career stage. Attendees of this session will also get a sneak peak of NDA’s newest educational initiatives.

Demolition Methods, Planning and Design 

Demolition is more than just tearing things down—it’s a strategic process rooted in engineering principles. This session, adapted from NDA’s Demolition Methods, Planning and Design course, offers attendees a practical understanding of the engineering concepts that shape demolition planning and execution. Designed for professionals across roles—not just engineers—this course (and session) will cover structural behavior, sequencing, load paths, and other critical factors that influence safe and efficient demolition. Whether you're managing projects, estimating costs, or overseeing field operations, you’ll leave with a stronger grasp of how thoughtful design and planning can improve outcomes and reduce risk.

Reclaiming Value: Recycling, Reuse, and Reputation in Demolition 

As sustainability becomes a driving force in construction and demolition, recycling is no longer optional—it’s essential. This panel will bring together leaders in demolition and recycling to explore the latest trends, regulations, and opportunities in material recovery. Attendees will gain insights into city and state-level recycling mandates, learn how to meet reuse and diversion requirements, and discover practical strategies for integrating recycling into project planning. The session will also offer guidance on how to position your company as a “green” leader—turning compliance into competitive advantage through smart marketing and sustainable practices.

Shutting Down Safely: Demolition Strategies for Complex Industrial Sites

Retiring, repurposing, and remediating large industrial facilities requires more than demolition expertise—it demands deep knowledge of environmental regulations, structural complexity, and long-term site planning. This educational session brings together seasoned professionals to share lessons learned from high-stakes projects across industries including energy, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, paper, and nuclear. Panelists will explore how to navigate legacy infrastructure, coordinate with regulatory agencies, and manage hazardous materials and environmental risks. Attendees will gain practical insights into planning and executing complex industrial demolitions, with a focus on collaboration, compliance, and future-ready site redevelopment.

Tech-Driven Demolition: Innovations, Challenges & What’s Next

The demolition industry is evolving fast—and technology is leading the charge. This dynamic panel brings together demolition professionals and equipment experts to explore the cutting-edge tools reshaping how we plan, execute, and manage demolition projects. From electric, battery-powered machinery to drones for site assessments and GPRS for precision mapping, attendees will gain insight into the technologies driving efficiency and safety on today’s job sites.

But innovation isn’t without its challenges. Panelists will also share real-world experiences with tech adoption, including common pitfalls, troubleshooting tips, and best practices for integrating new systems into existing workflows. Whether you're curious about robotics, concerned about reliability, or ready to invest in smarter solutions, this session will help you navigate the future of demolition with confidence.  

Scrap Under Pressure: Navigating Value, Risk, and Opportunity in a Shifting Landscape 

As global trade tensions rise and tariffs reshape the economic terrain, the scrap metal market is facing unprecedented volatility. This panel brings together demolition and recycling experts to explore how current political and economic forces are influencing scrap valuation, export dynamics, and operational strategies. Attendees will gain insights into how to adapt to fluctuating prices, manage inventory efficiently, and diversify supply chains to stay resilient. Panelists will also discuss the environmental and regulatory implications of scrap handling, and how to turn uncertainty into opportunity through strategic planning and innovation. Whether you're a contractor, recycler, or project manager, this session will help you stay ahead in a market where agility is key.

Demo Dialogues: 

Come to Demo Dialogues to listen, learn, share ideas, discuss challenges, network, and collaborate on solutions with fellow demolition professionals. Whether you're looking to gain new insights, make valuable connections, or share your expertise, these interactive sessions are designed to bring people together for meaningful discussions and networking.

Workforce Wins and Challenges — Let's Talk Strategy
Friday, February 6 | 10:35 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Building a strong demolition workforce takes more than good intentions—it takes shared knowledge, creative problem-solving, and open dialogue. This interactive session invites attendees to continue the conversation sparked by the keynote panel Force Forward, diving deeper into the real-world challenges and successes of workforce development. Join peers from across the industry to exchange ideas on recruitment, retention, and team management strategies that work for companies of all sizes. Whether you're navigating labor shortages, refining your onboarding process, or looking to boost morale on the jobsite, this is your chance to learn from others, share your own experiences, and walk away with new tools to strengthen your team.

Navigating Challenging Conversations on the Jobsite
Friday, February 6 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

In demolition, some of the most complex challenges aren’t technical—they’re interpersonal. From managing difficult clients and general contractors to resolving disputes under pressure, strong communication and conflict resolution skills are essential. This educational session goes beyond theory, offering real-world insights from demolition professionals who’ve faced—and learned from—working with difficult people and even legal disputes and lawsuits. Panelists will share hard-earned lessons on how miscommunication and unresolved conflict can escalate, and how proactive strategies can protect your team and your business. Attendees will gain practical tools for setting expectations, maintaining professionalism, and navigating high-stakes situations with confidence and clarity.

Building the Next Generation — Mentorship That Matters
Friday, February 6 | 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

In demolition, experience is one of our greatest assets—and sharing it is how we build a stronger future. This interactive session invites attendees to explore the power of mentorship within NDA and the industry at large. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this dialogue will focus on how we can support one another, pass down knowledge, and create meaningful connections across generations. Join the conversation to share your own mentorship experiences, learn how others are fostering growth in their teams, and discover ways to get involved in NDA’s mentorship initiatives. We are each other’s best resource—let’s talk about how we can lift each other up.

Safety Lessons in Practice — What’s Changed, What’s Working 
Saturday, February 7 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

In demolition, safety isn’t just about what happens on the jobsite—it’s about what happens after. This educational session builds on last year’s impactful conversation by focusing on the power of post-project debriefs. Panelists will share real-world examples of how structured team debriefs have helped identify what went well, uncover what didn’t, and prevent repeat incidents. Attendees will learn how to create a culture of open communication, encourage honest reflection, and turn lessons learned into lasting improvements. Whether you're a field supervisor, safety manager, or company leader, this session will equip you with practical strategies to make debriefing a cornerstone of your safety program. 

Protecting Your People and Your Premiums: Building a Safer, Smarter Insurance Profile
Saturday, February 7 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Insurance and safety go hand-in-hand on demolition job sites—but navigating coverage, cost, and crew communication can be a challenge. This interactive discussion invites demolition professionals to share strategies for minimizing insurance costs while maintaining proper coverage. Topics will include how to leverage tools like dash cameras and telematics for potential insurance credits, and how to introduce these technologies in a way that builds trust rather than resistance among employees. Attendees will also explore how safety protocols and documentation can impact premiums, and how to work with insurers to get the most value from your coverage. Whether you're looking to cut costs, improve safety, or better communicate with your team, this session offers peer-driven insights to help you make smarter decisions on and off the jobsite.