SPECIAL FOCUS By Macie Murie
Connected by Craft, Powered by Purpose Highlights from SEAA's Convention & Trade Show
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eld in the heart of Steel City, SEAA’s 2025 Convention & Trade Show in Pittsburgh was a celebration of growth, grit, and the ever-expanding future of the industry. With record-breaking attendance and a sold-out trade show, the event brought together hundreds of professionals for four days of learning, celebration, and community.
Golf Swings and Pickleball Zings The week teed off with the George R. Pocock Memorial Golf Tournament at Quicksilver Golf Club. Golfers brought their A-game, and the leaderboard showed it. First place went to Daniel Fortin, Frank Gauthier, Matthew McKenzie, and Quinn Angel, with a score of 62. Second place: Paul Kollman, Keagan McGinnis, Jon Gardenhour, and Cody Giles-Tucker (64). Third and fourth place teams, respectively, were Steve Shannon, Jeromy Sipes, Stephen Stopyra, and Mack McGuire (65); and Matt Roskie, Nick Newbury, Joe Leinwol, and Michael Belilacqua (66). Standouts in individual contests included Art Golmbiewski, Dave Nelson, and Jon Quesada (Longest Drives), and Quinn Angel, Jody Burl Henson, Christian Read, and Bobby Hathaway (Closest to the Pin). Across town, the Pickleball Tournament brought energy and laughs to The Pickleball Warehouse. Designed for all skill levels, the Round Robin format received high praise for its inclusive, networking-friendly style. After some Macie Murie is the Associate Editor of Connector magazine.
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competitive volleys, Matt Bricker, BBSI and Jeff Wetter, Columbia Safety took first place. Runners-up: Tucker Smith, BBSI and Tracy Bennett, Mighty Mo Media Partners; Third place Glen Pisani, MAS Building & Bridge and Mark Upton, Thornton Tomasetti
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Real Conversations, Real Impact Tuesday evening’s riverboat cruise, sponsored by Gold Level Sponsors, offered sweeping skyline views and sparked meaningful conversations about the future of steel erection. Education over three days tackled OSHA’s proposed heat stress standard, cyber security, safe use plans for MEWPs and more. But it was the candid discussion about mental health and suicide prevention that left a lasting impression. Industry leaders shared personal stories, underscoring that safety isn’t just physical—it’s personal. Keynote speaker First Sergeant (Ret.) Matt Eversmann, whose story inspired Black Hawk Down, brought a powerful message of resilience, sacrifice, and leadership. His perspective resonated deeply with an industry where teamwork and trust are the cornerstones of success.
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A Night of Recognition At the President’s Dinner, sponsored by GMF Steel Group, SEAA honored the exceptional people and projects shaping the industry. Glen Pisani of MAS Building & Bridge, Inc. was named Person of the Year, receiving “The Eddie”—a newly renamed award in honor of SEAA founding member Eddie Williams. A longtime leader and advocate, Williams played a
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