DOYLESTOWN, PA, APRIL15, 2010 – Even with the downturn in the construction industry continuing, the National Demolition Association drew 1,100 attendees to its 37th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, a number close to the previous year’s level.

“We were very pleased at the turnout,” said Michael R. Taylor, CAE, Executive Director of the National Demolition Association. “We know it’s a tough time for our industry, which makes the solid turnout all the more remarkable.”

Taylor noted that the keynote speaker, Lt. General (Ret.) Daniel Christman, the retired superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and current foreign business expert, is one of the reasons many attendees said they decided to come to the Las Vegas event.

In addition, the educational breakout sessions were very well received by attendees. “Each session was packed and the response we got afterwards was great,” Taylor said. Presenters included Bob Mellinger of Attanium Corp. who spoke on crisis communications and decision-making skills; Michael Casbon of ERM, Inc. on how a comprehensive safety program can positively impact the bottom line; and Greg Hoyle of Hoyle & Associates on how companies can financially cope with and plan for the upcoming recovery.

Other highlights of the event were the presentation of the National Demolition Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award to National Wrecking Company’s Sheldon Mandell and the awarding of five NDA scholarships to prospective and current college students.

Next year’s 38th Annual Convention of the National Demolition Association will take place March 6 – 9, 2011 at The Mirage in Las Vegas.