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By: Macie Murie, Associate Editor of Connector magazine, and Associate Client Manager for Mighty Mo Media Partners 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.  Kicking Things Off in Steel City Style The week teed off with the George R. Pocock Memorial Golf Tournament at Quicksilver Golf Club, where solid swings set the tone for the days ahead. Meanwhile, the fan-favorite Pickleball Tournament at The Pickleball Warehouse brought out fierce (but friendly) competition and plenty of laughs. That evening, attendees boarded the Gateway Clipper for a Riverboat Cruise sponsored by SEAA’s Gold Level Sponsors. With the skyline glowing and the captain sharing stories of Pittsburgh’s legendary steel bridges, it was the perfect backdrop for networking and reflecting on the legacy of the industry. Hard-Hitting Insights and Honest Conversations Wednesday delivered a full slate of future-focused education. Breakout sessions tackled some of the biggest topics contractors face today. From preparing for OSHA’s proposed heat stress standard to strengthening quality management systems and navigating cash flow like a pro. First Sergeant (Ret.) Matt Eversmann took the stage and brought the room to a hush with his keynote on leadership, resilience, and what it means to truly put people first. His message hit home for an industry built on grit and trust. Equally impactful was a session on mental health and suicide prevention in the trades. It was a candid and necessary conversation that reminded everyone that protecting workers goes far beyond the harness. Mental well-being is jobsite safety, too.  Celebrating the Best of the Best At the President’s Dinner, sponsored by GMF Steel Group, SEAA honored the people and projects that define excellence in our industry. Glen Pisani of MAS Building & Bridge, Inc. was recognized as both a 2025 Trailblazer and SEAA’s Person of the Year, an acknowledgment of his steady leadership and lasting contributions behind the scenes. Jack Nix, COO of Shelby Erectors, was named SEAA’s 2025 Top Trailblazer for his outstanding efforts in recruiting new members. We also celebrated the 2025 Women in Construction Nominees, and the 2025 Project of the Year, Safety Excellence, and Craft Training Excellence Awards, showcasing what’s possible when skill, innovation, and safety come together on the jobsite.
Building What’s Next
SEAA’s impact is growing, and so is its responsibility. Doubling down on the mission to provide training, elevate safety, and support the next generation of craft professionals. With new partnerships, evolving technology, and a network of dedicated members, the future is full of opportunity, and SEAA is leading the way. “The engagement we saw this year is a reflection of where our industry is headed,” said R. Pete Gum, SEAA’s Executive Director. “Our members are energized. They’re investing in their people, leaning into innovation, and collaborating in ways that push us all forward.” To everyone who made this year’s event unforgettable: thank you. Whether this was your first SEAA Convention or your fifteenth, we hope you left inspired and ready for what’s next. Click here to view 2025 Convention & Trade Show photos. Comments are closed.
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