New Categories Added to 2026 Award Programs

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.

Opportunities for Every Member
“Steel construction and SEAA’s membership includes more than structural steel, and updating our awards is an important step in recognizing the work our members do in reinforcing steel and fabrication. These disciplines are part of the steel trade, and the awards program should reflect the full range of the industry,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA.

The updated award structure gives every member (regardless of company size or specialty) an opportunity to showcase their achievements. Participating in SEAA’s awards program not only celebrates success but also provides valuable benchmarking and visibility for member companies. Submissions often highlight new approaches to safety management, crew training, and project delivery that serve as learning tools for the broader membership.

Award recipients will be recognized during the 2026 Convention & Trade Show in Kansas City, Missouri, and gain industry-wide visibility through features in Connector magazine and SEAA’s digital channels.