Despite everything, the drilling and sawing industry and its workers has remained steady in its values and goals, moving, sometimes slower, to unite the sector, exchanging knowledge and ideas, as well as promoting better standards of training and safety among the companies.

In that regard, the return of face to face encounters, as well as joint projects, have been crucial to restoring the close relationships between the industry professionals. As always, the IACDS has come forward, celebrating its 2024 annual meeting this last January. The IACDS annual meeting was truly a cornerstone in our calendar being a unique chance to meet, face to face, with our colleagues from all over the world. The fact that it took place during World of Concrete (WOC), in a vibrant and lively city of Las Vegas, has certainly helped as well!

Thus, on 24 January, the IACDS members from several countries, such as Germany, India, Japan, United Kingdom, and, of course, United States, gathered together to visit the WOC trade Fair, celebrate our general assembly and discuss the current state of affairs. One of the great highlights was the meeting with the International Grinding and Grooving Association, IGGA, which kindly invited us to its cocktail party on the day prior to our annual meeting. Meeting our colleagues from another corner of the industry was a great pleasure, and we look forward to collaborating with them in the (not so distant) future.

In particular, we’re very excited to launch our next project, namely the Global Training and Certification Pathway, which will aid in ensuring that industry workers have an appropriate qualification to carry out their work. The formal launching of the project will take place in late 2024, so keep an eye on that. Of course, I can’t help but mention the welcome reception, organised by the Concrete Drilling and Sawing Association, CSDA. After a long day, having a relaxing and friendly environment is a great pleasure as it allows us to connect with each other on both a professional and personal level.

Lastly, I would like to extend special thanks to the CSDA, and its president, Kellie Kimball. CSDA has been a long lasting friend of IACDS, and its heartwarming disposition and welcome made the celebration of our annual meeting not only possible, but also an incredible experience. 

There is no doubt that the years to come will bring their share of problems and obstacles. The international geopolitical climate, for one, will surely define the way in which we do business and interact with each other in general. However, with perseverance, time and collaboration, I’m certain that we’ll be able to overcome anything the future throws at us.