5 Things We Learned at SEAA 2025

Reflections about trends in the steel erection industry from Safety Plus’s attendance at the Steel Erectors Association of America’s Convention and Trade Show in Pittsburgh 

The 2025 SEAA Convention & Trade Show in the Steel City of Pittsburgh was nothing short of inspiring! Safety Plus was humbled to sponsor and exhibit at this event for the first time, giving us the opportunity to meet dozens of steel erectors from across the country.  

From technical insights to conversations about workforce development, it was clear: the steel erection industry is evolving rapidly, and organizations that adapt are poised to thrive. 

At Safety Plus, we were grateful to be part of this incredible event, surrounded by forward-thinking leaders committed to safe, efficient, and impactful construction. 

Here are our five key takeaways from our time at SEAA 2025: 

1. It’s an Exciting Time for Steel Erectors (and for Commercial Construction at Large) 

From content sessions throughout the week, as well as from 1-to-1 conversations, we heard from companies working on ambitious, high-profile projects that show just how dynamic and diverse the steel erection industry is becoming. 

A highly-attended session on Wednesday, May 7 highlighted SEAA’s Projects of the Year for 2025, illustrating the amazing work of the members: 

• Orbit Industrial led a massive 3-million-square-foot manufacturing expansion for Lucid Motors in Arizona.
• Hodges Steel added 180 tons of structural steel to the Kaseya Center’s new scoreboard, all without disrupting the arena’s game schedule. 
• All Things Metal transformed a major Phoenix office building into a mixed-use space.
• Alliance Rigging contributed to a brand-new high school performing arts center in Carlsbad, NM. 
• Last but not least, Safety Plus customer GMF Steel completed a waterfront expansion of the Tampa Convention Center in just 55 days, despite working around active events through that time period. 

These projects aren’t just visually impressive; they reflect the increased complexity and scale of today’s construction landscape. That complexity demands both highly skilled workers and more advanced safety programs than ever before. After hearing about these and other projects, we’re bullish on the future of construction and are excited to support the steel erectors leading the way. 

2. Cash Is King, But So Is Automation 

A powerful session led by a financial software vendor in the construction industry highlighted a hard truth: 

• The average time to get paid in construction is a staggering 89 days, one of the slowest of any industry globally. 
• Yet, the average company has only 16 days of working capital. 
• 20% of firms become cash-flow negative after just 40 days. 

In an industry where operating margins are tight, automation isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity. Safety Plus, along with numerous other show vendors, offered compelling software solutions to attendees to help them better automate their businesses.  

We heard strong calls during the sessions and on the show floor for: 

• Standardized processes 
• Visual workflows
• Easily accessible documentation
• Centralized contract access 
• Better field-to-office collaboration 
• Less paper (finally!) 

By investing in automation and systems integration, steel erectors can reduce risk, increase cash flow, and create stronger operational resilience. 

3. Organizations Like SEAA Will Thrive by Delivering Real Value for Members 

SEAA brought together more than 50 exhibitors and sponsors, hosted packed educational sessions, and created countless opportunities for connection. But beyond that, they’re actively helping their members succeed. 

SEAA supports members with:

• Job placement and workforce development 
• Workers’ comp and insurance resources 
• Safety and training tools 
• A platform to celebrate impactful groups like young steel working professionals, and the growing number of women in the field 

In a time when many organizations are stretched thin, it’s more important than ever to be part of one that gives more than it asks. SEAA is one of those. 

4. Safety Has Never Been More Important in Steel Erection

More bids. Higher expectations. Less margin for error. 

We heard from companies that are stepping up their safety game in new and innovative ways: 

• Safety Plus customer Shelby Erectors uses AI-powered cameras to identify hazards and near-misses, helping to reduce the number of boots needed on-site and increasing scalability. 
• Many leaders are rejecting the old mindset of “If you know about it, you’re liable.” Instead, they’re creating cultures of accountability, where teams want to identify risks and speak up. 
• Employee participation in safety programs is key. It’s not about what your program looks like on paper—it’s about what it feels like on the jobsite. 
• Daily reporting and integrated project management tools are critical, and steel erectors are looking for platforms that connect everything in one place. 
• Safety incentive programs, especially point-based systems where employees earn rewards for things like near-miss reports and toolbox talk participation, are seeing real traction. 

We believe these changes are both positive and critical for the continued growth of the steel and commercial construction industries.  

Click here to watch our interview with SEAA President and COO of Shelby Erectors, Jack Nix.

5. Nothing Beats Face-to-Face Connections 

We live in a remote, digital-first world, but SEAA reminded us of something important: there is no replacement for in-person conversation. 

Whether you’re seeking a new partner, exploring software solutions, or just trading stories over breakfast, these face-to-face moments lead to the strongest relationships. 

If you’re not already involved with SEAA or your local trade organization, get involved. And don’t be shy about asking them to bring in vendors you want to meet—it could lead to the exact solution you’ve been searching for. 

We’re incredibly thankful to SEAA for another memorable and productive convention. Steel erectors are the backbone of modern construction, and we’re proud to support their work with safety and compliance tools that make a real difference. 

If you are interested in seeing more about SEAA 2025, check out our LinkedIn posts for highlights from the event. And if you are interested in upgrading your safety program with the most modern technology, request a consultation with Safety Plus today!