What you missed Wednesday at the Steel Conference

Steel industry peers and professionals enjoyed more than 12 hours of education and networking opportunities on the first day of NASCC: The Steel Conference in Louisville, Ky.!

With all of the festivities of the kickoff day, here are just a few of the moments that stood out to us the most.

AISC President Charlie Carter, SE, PE, PhD (left) and Board of Directors Chair Hugh McCaffrey (right) presented the 2025 Geerhard Haaijer Award for Excellence in Education to Professor Emeritus Karl H. Frank, PE, PhD of the University of Texas at Austin.

William Arruda shared his three-step personal branding process--know, show, grow--in the opening keynote focused on maintaining an authentic presence in an increasingly virtual world.

Participants in search of the latest innovations flooded the Exhibit Hall when the doors opened at noon.

Besides game-changing products and services, conference attendees also found opportunities to shoot hoops, win prizes, and sit down for caricatures in the Exhibit Hall. See our rundown of 10 cool things to do when you're there!

We might be biased, but we think you absolutely need to check out AISC's booth (#189) to walk across a 3D-printed steel bridge.

Bridge owners, designers, mills, fabricators, contractors, and erectors gathered to discuss crucial topics and resources at the Steel Bridge Industry Roundtable.

Among many popular sessions on Wednesday was "Words of Wisdom from the Steel Industry."

Dennis McCartney (right) generously donated $20,000 to the AISC Education Foundation! This gift expanded the total fund of the AISC Ernest J. McCartney/B&B Welding Company, Inc. Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program to $400,000. Pictured left to right are 2024 Fellowship recipient Paul Quinn, AISC Director of Foundation Programs Maria Mnookin, McCartney's niece Amanda, and McCartney.

Participants closed out an exciting first day of the Steel Conference with dancing, drinks, and desserts at Elevate.