NUCA’s 2025 National Convention in Orlando, FL
March 18-21, 2025, National Utility Contractors Association’s (NUCA) 2025 National Convention was held in Orlando, Florida.
NUCA’s annual convention is the premier event for NUCA members, National Partners, chapters and affiliates.
This year’s convention brought more than 250 utility contractors and their peers together for a week of industry updates, informative business sessions, new equipment demonstrations, team building and more.
The National Utility Contractors Association’s Board of Directors formally inducted Kevin Cripps as their new Chairman.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Cripps discussed the year ahead for NUCA and outlined his plans for what his forthcoming work will focus on to benefit the member companies and the nation’s utility construction industry.
Educational sessions, discussions and roundtables throughout the week focused on NUCA priorities and industry trends.
Industry Hot Topic Sessions:
“Winning the Talent War with a Strategic Recruitment Strategy.” Presented by Jen Newman. The business session highlighted the strategic approach to hiring and retaining top talent in the tight labor market.
“AI for Construction: Better, Safer and More Productive Worksites.” Presented by Russ Young. The session focused on utilizing AI in the construction industry.
“Mastering Supply Chain Solutions: Overcoming Challenges in Manufacturing and Construction.” Panelists: Ben Arthur, Phil Goodwin, Don Taylor. The session focused on navigating challenges in the supply chain in manufacturing and construction.
“Contract Essentials: Ensuring Fair Allocation” Presented by Tom Olson, Shawn Ferrell. The session addressed the issues of the subcontractors’ legal right to negotiate proposed subcontracts, and the issues of how the subs should be negotiated to obtain a fair and equitable allocation of rights and obligations.
“Utility Locates: Challenges and Solutions” Presented by Ron Peterson, Kurt Youngs. The business session, with the participation of the leading damage prevention expert and legal expert guiding contractors, focused on ways to solve the common challenges faced by the team along with solutions to reduce the risk of utility strikes.
Economic Outlook General Session “Monetary Marsala.” Presented by Anirban Basu, chief economist for the Associated Builders and Contractors and CEO of Sage Policy Group. During the in-depth discussion of the prospects for the development of American utility construction in 2025, the major factors that will shape economic outcomes were analyzed and a forecast for the coming year was formulated, which highlighted the main risks that economic stakeholders are likely to encounter.
Workshops
“Workforce Development Recruitment Strategic Workshop” with Jen Newman
Profit Pipeline Roundtables
“How to Recruit and Retain Gen Z Employees. Software and Tools Designed to Streamline Collaboration. Tackle the Complexities of Managing Public Procurement”
National Equipment Operator Championships
Equipment demonstrations were included as part of the program, billed as the NUCA National Equipment Operator Championship.
The competitions highlighted operator performance and prize money was awarded to first, second and third place competitors.
The Award Program
The 2024 Ditchdigger of the Year Award was formally presented to Thomas Butler, senior estimator at Kimmins Contracting Corp.
Jason Holden, vice president and chief revenue officer at Akkerman, was presented with the 2024 Associate Member of the Year Award.
NUCA’s William H. Feather Safety Awards, Chapter Merit Awards and Excellence in Underground Projects were also presented.
Wild Wild West Closing Night Celebration and a Live Auction.
The convention attendees, their family members and friends could take part in funny western-themed games, enjoy a DJ and dancing, take photos in a 360-degree photo booth.
The auction featured a wide range of interesting items donated by many of NUCA’s national partners, including interesting items and unique experiences that have long been in demand among the participants.
By the participants, this year’s convention was a great inspiring event.
By Alex Arlander, Gilbert Castro | ENC News
