The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence Awards, recognizing member companies that are raising the bar for jobsite safety and ironworker training.

Presented at SEAA’s Convention & Trade Show, May 5-8, in Kansas City, Missouri, this year’s awards reflect both consistency among top performers and continued growth across the industry, including the introduction of a new Fabricator Safety Excellence category.

“The expansion of the awards program for our fabricator members reflects the makeup of the association,” said R. Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. Like the Erector Safety Excellence Award, it uses a points-based system evaluating EMR ratings, OSHA logs, citations, safety programs, and training initiatives.

As hybrid steel and mass timber projects continue gaining momentum across the country, industry organizations and steel erectors are increasing efforts to prepare erection crews and field leaders for the evolving demands of construction.

To support that effort, SEAA is partnering with WoodWorks to host the next installment of its Mass Timber Training program July 13-14 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in coordination with SEAA member company Pioneer Construction.

Designed specifically for foremen, superintendents, project managers, and field operations leaders, the two-day program combines classroom instruction with hands-on erection experience focused on real-world field execution.

By: Macie Murie, associate editor of Connector magazine, and associate client manager for Mighty Mo Media Partners

If there was one takeaway from the 2026 SEAA Convention & Trade Show, it’s this: the association continues to grow, and so does the energy behind it.

From packed education sessions and a busy trade show floor to networking events that kept conversations going long after the sessions ended, this year’s convention reflected the momentum happening across SEAA and the steel construction industry as a whole.

Attendance was strong with nearly 400 erectors, fabricators, and industry suppliers, but what stood out most was the level of engagement. Education sessions covering workforce development, AI, leadership, safety, project management, cybersecurity, and emerging opportunities like mass timber construction drew great participation and sparked conversations that will carry well beyond the meeting rooms.

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) will host its National Convention & Trade Show May 5–8, 2026, at the Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The event brings together steel erection and fabrication professionals for practical business and workforce development discussions and opportunities to connect directly with peers and industry leaders. Attendees will also have access to the Trade Show, featuring new technologies and solutions for steel contractors.

The keynote speaker for the 2026 Convention will be Jim “The Rookie” Morris, whose remarkable career shift from high school science teacher to Major League Baseball pitcher was immortalized in the Disney film The Rookie. Morris will speak on mentorship, leadership, and the impact of surrounding yourself with people who elevate your potential.

“These bonus training aids are available to SEAA members at no cost and are designed to make implementation of craft training more manageable at the company level,” said Tim Eldridge, President of Education Services Unlimited and SEAA Training Coordinator. “They reflect our commitment to providing practical safety, education, and craft training resources that help members turn curriculum into action.”

We’re excited to announce significant updates to our annual award programs, giving members new opportunities for recognition. Submissions for the Project of the Year Award are due December 15, 2025, and entries for the Safety and Craft Training Excellence Awards are due January 31, 2026. 

What’s New This Year
For the first time, the Project of the Year Award will feature a dedicated category for Reinforcing Steel projects. This addition ensures that rebar contractors are evaluated alongside their peers for similar types of work. Rebar projects can now be submitted under two contract value classes—up to $500,000 and over $500,000—covering a range of project types including transportation, building structures, industrial and utility, and specialty work.

The Safety & Education Committee has also expanded its Safety Excellence Award to include a new category for Fabricators, recognizing members that demonstrate outstanding safety performance and best practices. Like the Erector Safety Excellence Award, it uses a points-based system evaluating EMR ratings, OSHA logs, citations, safety programs, and training initiatives.

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) is now accepting nominations for the SteelStrong Women in Construction initiative, which recognizes women that are advancing the steel construction industry. The program is designed to showcase women serving in a variety of capacities, from ironworkers and field supervisors to project managers, executives, and business owners.

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has announced new appointments to its Board of Directors, welcoming a mix of returning leaders and fresh voices from across the steel erection industry.

Returning to the board are Carrie Gulajan of Construction Insurance Agency, Inc. and Jason McElrath of MP Specialty Insurance. Gulajan, a longtime SEAA member and past board member, has been actively involved with the association for more than 15 years. McElrath joined the board in 2021. Both bring deep experience in contractor-focused insurance and continue to support the association’s mission.

SEAA has entered into an agreement with Engine, a travel platform for booking flights, hotels, and car rental. Their services include options for booking for large groups and extended stays.

“Through this formal agreement, SEAA can now offer its members access to discounts on hotels, averaging 26% savings over booking direct,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA.

Engine’s travel platform saves businesses time and money through an intuitive travel network that connects to nearly every hotel, airline, and car rental company in the United States. It offers single invoice billing, the flexibility to modify trips at any time, and a unified view of all company travel expenses.

SEAA is currently seeking dedicated members to join several of its key committees. This is a valuable opportunity for those looking to make an impact within the industry while contributing to the organization's growth and success.

We have openings in the following committees:

• Awards Committee: Help recognize and honor outstanding achievements within our industry.
• Events Committee: Planning and execution of peer groups, Meet & Greets, Golf Tournament and Convention.
• Marketing Committee: Assist in promoting our brand and developing content and resources for members.
• Membership Committee: Contribute to enhancing member engagement and recruitment strategies.
  

Update: 7/22/2025
As extreme heat becomes a more persistent occupational hazard across the U.S., regulatory efforts to protect workers are gaining momentum. While federal OSHA continues to develop a national heat standard, several states have already implemented their own heat illness prevention rules.

These state-level standards are often more stringent and tailored to local conditions, underscoring the need for employers, especially those operating across multiple state lines, to understand and comply with varied requirements.

Even if your state hasn’t yet adopted a specific heat standard, a federal rule is on the horizon. Now is the time for employers to assess current practices and identify gaps. Doing so ensures your organization is prepared for compliance when the federal rule is finalized.

Stakeholder Input Due September 30
OSHA has conducted public hearings to gather stakeholder input, and the Post-Hearing Comment Period remains open through September 30, 2025. This is a pivotal moment for employers, labor groups, and safety advocates to influence the outcome of the federal standard by submitting feedback, raising concerns, or highlighting successful local approaches.

It’s an opportunity to share challenges and solutions related to workforce development, safety, operations, and business management in an open, collaborative setting. The Peer Group session will begin at 3:30 PM, giving attendees a chance to connect with others in the steel construction industry.

Following the Peer Group discussion, attendees are invited to stay for an informal Meet & Greet from 6:00–8:00 PM, also at the Omni Providence Hotel. This casual networking reception is the perfect way to expand your network, exchange ideas, and discover valuable resources for hiring, training, and running your business.

Whether you’re a long-time SEAA member or new to the association, Steel Connections provides a unique opportunity to engage with peers in your region and gain fresh insights into industry best practices. Attendees often walk away with actionable ideas they can implement in their own companies, while also building stronger ties within the steel erection and fabrication community.
Interested companies are also encouraged to sponsor the event for added visibility. Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Kathy Epperson at [email protected].

To register and learn more about the event, visit: https://www.seaa.net/meetings-and-upcoming-events.html#steelconnections.

Hosted in the Steel City, this year’s Convention & Trade Show was one of our biggest yet. With record-breaking attendance, and a sold-out trade show, the energy throughout the week was electric. From river views and inspiring education sessions, to honoring the people and projects driving the industry forward, the message was clear: SEAA’s momentum is building- and we’re just getting started.

SEAA is offering two limited-time promotions for companies planning to participate in the 2026 Convention & Trade Show, scheduled for May 5–8, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces the winners of its 2025 Projects of the Year- consisting of both specialty steel installation and structural steel construction.

“These projects are excellent examples of how steel erectors bring a variety of services to construction projects. Two of the winners served as both the fabricator and erector on the job and worked closely with the Engineer of Record to find workable solutions to original design plans. Another is a crane services provider, with unique access to rigging, cranes, and lift planning in addition to steel and concrete panel erection services,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. And for the first time, one of the winners is a specialty services provider—an industrial contractor that perform structural installations of material handling systems.

Winners receive trophies, feature article coverage in Connector magazine, and the chance to participate in peer panel discussions. Summaries provided below.

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces the winners of its 2025 Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence Awards. These honors highlight member companies who demonstrate exceptional performance in workplace safety and the training of ironworkers. Awards were presented at SEAA’s 2025 Convention & Trade Show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 5-9, 2025.

“This year’s recipients demonstrate what’s possible when safety and training are treated as top priorities,” said Jason Farris, Chairman of SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. “Their commitment to safety and workforce development is essential for the future of our trade. These are companies that lead by example, invest in their people, and prove that excellence is achievable at every level.”

Recipients are selected through a blind evaluation process led by the association’s Safety & Education Committee. Submissions are judged across multiple criteria including training investments, portability of credentials, incident rates, and overall safety performance.

SEAA’s Board of Directors voted in January to endorse a series of certification programs offered by the National Institute of Steel Detailing.

"Every steel project begins with the detailing phase. Detailers are the first to translate a structure’s design into precise, buildable plans. When detailers understand OSHA requirements and erector best practices, many potential hazards are eliminated right from the start,” said David Deem, President of Deem Structural Services and SEAA board member. He added: “NISD has always encouraged their members to be proactive in that regard. Their certification and training programs serve as another way to ensure a quality steel product can be completed safely and efficiently.”

The programs include: Individual Detailer Certification, Quality Procedures Program, and CD-BIM Certification. Learn more at https://www.nisd.org/.

“This is a great example of how related groups can work together to improve safety and education for all members of the steel industry be they union, open shop, detailers, fabricators, erectors, ironworkers, or rodbusters,” said Jack Metcalfe, SEAA board member and industry liaison to NISD.

Representatives of SEAA member companies, who are also involved in other industry associations, recently provided updates on relevant initiatives to SEAA’s board of directors. The following reports come from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the National Institute of Steel Detailing (NISD).

“SEAA remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen the steel construction industry. By collaborating with organizations like AISC and NISD, we are ensuring that fabricators, detailers, and erectors have access to the best training, certification, and technical resources available. These initiatives not only improve safety and efficiency but also help attract and retain the next generation of skilled professionals,” said Glen Pisani, Chairman of SEAA’s Strategic Planning Committee.

In support of the 2025 Women in Construction Week (March 2-8, 2025), the Steel Erectors Association of America recognizes 17 women who were nominated by colleagues. In addition, seven were selected as “Legacy Builders,” who will be featured in the association’s social media campaign the first week of March.

All nominees will also be recognized during SEAA’s 2025 Convention & Trade Show, May 6-9, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Candidates were evaluated on their professional achievements, contributions to the team, leadership or mentorship, community involvement, and personal qualities. “Each woman nominated is exceptional in her own right,” said John Hughes, director of Business Development for Industrial Training International, and member of the SEAA Marketing Committee. “Their stories of perseverance and accomplishments are inspiring.”

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) is proud to announce EZARC Building Solutions, based in Lindon, Utah, has joined its network of SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Training Units and Assessment Sites. Known for its excellence in structural steel erection and fabrication, and specialization in the semiconductor industry, EZARC brings unique strengths to SEAA’s training initiatives.
 
As one of the fastest-growing companies in Utah, EZARC Building Solutions upholds an exceptional commitment to safety, with an impressive EMR of 0.67 and a TRIR of 0.35. In addition, the company is AISC Certified and woman-owned.

SEAA’s Board of Directors voted in January to endorse a series of certification programs offered by the National Institute of Steel Detailing.

“Every Steel project starts with the detailing phase. Detailers are the first to put “on paper” how the design of a structure is to be put together. Having quality detailers that are familiar with OSHA requirements and erector best practices eliminates many hazards right from the start,” said David Deem, President of Deem Structural Services and SEAA board member. He added: “NISD has always encouraged their members to be proactive in that regard. Their certification and training programs serve as another way to ensure a quality steel product can be completed safely and efficiently.”

The programs include: Individual Detailer Certification, Quality Procedures Program, and CD-BIM Certification. Learn more at https://www.nisd.org/.

“This is a great example of how related groups can work together to improve safety and education for all members of the steel industry be they union, open shop, detailers, fabricators, erectors, ironworkers, or rodbusters,” said Jack Metcalfe, SEAA board member and industry liaison to NISD.

It is with great reverence and our sincerest condolences that SEAA announces the passing of Eddie Williams. From his beginning as a rebar laborer in 1952 to Chairman of the Board of Buckner Companies, Eddie Williams devoted his life to the betterment of the steel construction industry. He was one of the founding fathers of SEAA and he was instrumental in ensuring the organization’s success through the decades.

To honor him, the SEAA Board of Directors voted on January 17, to name the annual Person of the Year award after him. “We would not be the organization we are today without his guiding influence. We chose to rebrand the award as ‘The Eddie’ as an acknowledgement of the devotion Eddie Williams had to this association for the purpose of improving the ironworking profession,” said David Deem, Deem Structural Services, and member of SEAA’s Executive Committee.