NUCA Convention Convenes Members, Highlights Industry Trends in Orlando
NUCA’s 2025 National Convention rolled into Orlando, Florida, March 18-21, bringing more than 250 utility contractors and their peers together for a week of industry updates, networking and family fun.
NUCA’s annual convention is the premier event for NUCA members, National Partners, chapters and affiliates, and was held this year at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress just minutes away from Walt Disney World Resort. Educational sessions and discussions throughout the week focused on NUCA priorities and industry trends including federal infrastructure funding, workforce development, AI in utility construction, contract management and risk, supply chain issues, utility locates challenges and solutions, and more.
On Wednesday, March 19, the activities kicked off with an inspiring keynote from retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman. Redman, who sustained severe injuries in combat in Iraq in 2007, spoke about resilience, teamwork and his “overcome mindset” that can be applied to everyday business. Redman’s talk was followed by a Welcome Reception sponsored by United Rentals.
On Thursday, for the first time at the NUCA Convention, equipment demonstrations were included as part of the program, billed as the NUCA National Equipment Operator Championship, sponsored by U.S. Pipe. The fun competitions highlighted operator performance and prize money was awarded to first, second and third place competitors.
Thursday evening featured an awards dinner, and 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.
On Friday, Anirban Basu, chief economist for the Associated Builders and Contractors and CEO of Sage Policy Group, gave an in-depth discussion of the American utility construction outlook for 2025. The conference concluded with Friday evening’s Wild Wild West Closing Celebration featuring a live auction.
Utility Contractor will have a full recap of the 2025 Convention, as well as write-ups on the Ditchdigger and Associate of the Year award winners in its May/June issue. NUCA’s 2026 Annual Convention is scheduled for Feb. 10-13, 2026 at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona.
