our perspectives

Redesigning for Results: NDA’s Event Transformation

by Jeff Lambert

July 16, 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Demolition is a hands-on business—but for years, industry events did not reflect that. Equipment was displayed but rarely used. Sales materials took center stage, and attendees often left without seeing tools in action or having the chance to compare options in a real-world setting.

The National Demolition Association (NDA) saw a chance to evolve its flagship event and improve the attendee and exhibitor experience.

The Opportunity

Demolition professionals make equipment choices that affect safety, jobsite efficiency, and profitability. But testing tools in the field across multiple locations takes time, coordination, and budget. NDA saw a more efficient approach: combining the experience in one place, in a format that allowed people to engage directly with equipment, learn by doing, and reduce costs.

What We Did Together

NDA and Smithbucklin launched the LiveDEMOlition Event®, where attendees could operate equipment and observe live demonstrations, replacing traditional static displays with direct, practical experiences.

We built full-scale demo zones that let attendees operate excavators, shears, and hand tools in conditions designed to mirror real jobsites. These firsthand trials gave attendees the clarity and confidence to make more informed equipment purchases.

The event also showcased emerging technologies in robotics, concrete processing, and material handling—giving professionals a chance to explore what’s next and stay ahead of evolving industry standards.

Throughout the event, product walk-throughs and on-site demos sparked meaningful conversations between buyers and sellers, helping decision-makers connect directly with the tools and people shaping the future of demolition.

To round out the experience, NDA delivered expert-led sessions on safety, new technologies, and industry trends, ensuring attendees left with both practical knowledge and strategic insights.

The Results

Attendance doubled. Since its transformation, NDA’s Annual Convention & Expo has grown steadily, drawing nearly 1,500 demolition professionals each year.
Exhibitor costs dropped. The centralized demo format saved vendors up to $10,000 each in transportation and logistics.
Industry recognition followed. Trade Show Executive named the event one of the Fastest Growing Trade Shows in both 2019 and 2023. In 2025, it was honored as a NEXT 50 event by net exhibit space.
Exhibitor Return on Investment (ROI) increased. Live demos gave vendors 20 to 30 minutes of direct engagement with buyers, compared to the typical five to 10 minutes in a booth. That extended time led to stronger leads and better sales outcomes.

Why It Worked

The LiveDEMOlition Event® delivered exactly what NDA members needed: a space to test equipment, engage with new technologies, and connect with peers in ways that mirrored real-world work. For exhibitors, it offered more than visibility—it created a platform to demonstrate value and close deals.

NDA didn’t just improve an event; it redefined what success looks like for its annual meeting. The result: measurable business impact, stronger member engagement, and a model for future industry gatherings.