It was a fond reunion when a number of delegates from IACDS met for the annual meeting in connection with the World of Concrete fair in Las Vegas. The meeting itself was held on 24 January at the tradeshow, which was organised at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The meeting was organised in collaboration with the US Concrete Drilling and Sawing Association, CSDA.

General assembly and networking

Over 30 attendees from all around the globe, including several delegations of national association, gathered together to attend the meeting. As usual, the aim of the meeting was to strengthen the relationships between the industry professionals, get closer with the CSDA colleagues and exchange knowledge, experience and ideas at an international level.

The meeting also coincided with the IACDS general assembly, in which the association members and other guests had the chance to become familiar with the IACDS activities. The meeting was headed by IACDS president, Douglas H. Walker and the general secretary José Blanco. The highlight was the presentation of IACDS project on training and certification. Showcased by Joel Vinsant, from Drilling and Sawing Association (UK) and José Blanco, it aims at creating an international system, aided by the different actors – contractors, manufacturers, and national associations – thus promoting good practices in the sector.

Welcome reception on the strip

Lastly, the welcome reception  took place at Davidoff of Geneva Cigar Bar located next to the Las Vegas strip, closing the event with a more informal and personal note. During the reception, Douglas H. Walker, IACDS president, presented Kellie Kimball, CSDA president, an honorary plaque in recognition for the association’s hard work and dedication to the drilling and sawing industry.

IACDS expressed its thanks to everyone involved, especially CSDA, for their warmest disposition. Without CSDA, this event would not be possible. The IACDS delegates also had the possibility to visit the World of Concrete trade show which was bigger than ever. They also visited the CSDA booth in the Central Hall, and in particular, the CSDA awards ceremony which was held in the CSDA booth in the morning of Wednesday 24 of January. 

About the International Association of Concrete Drillers & Sawers, IACDS

The International Association of Concrete Drillers & Sawers, IACDS, is the organisation representing the associations, companies, and professionals of the concrete drilling and sawing industry around the globe. The IACDS has a strong focus on providing an international union with the cooperation of trade associations. Today architects, engineers, general contractors, and government officials in the construction and renovation industry can take advantage of the advances in technology by employing specialised drilling and sawing contractors that utilise diamond cutting techniques to ensure the success of any project. The annual convention is one of the most important events that IACDS organises, a meeting that includes a technical part with presentations about very relevant topics from many experts’ experiences about the concrete drillers and sawers industry.