Agenda - STI/SPFA Annual Meeting

February 24, 2026

Time
7:00 am–8:00 am	Buffet Breakfast All attendees are welcome to start their day with a buffet breakfast.
8:00 am–8:15 am	President’s Welcome Robby Hagemann STI/SPFA President, Robby Hagemann, will welcome attendees to the STI/SPFA Annual Meeting.
8:15 am–9:45 am	Built to Last: Creating a Workplace Culture that Attracts, Retains, and Inspires top Talent Lisa Ryan, CSP This engaging keynote will equip leaders with proven strategies to build a culture of gratitude, accountability, and recognition.
9:45 am–10:15 am	Networking Break Take time to connect with colleagues, recharge, and visit with sponsors.
10:15 am–11:00 am	Marketing for Manufacturers Richard C. Balmer This session explores practical strategies to help manufacturers strengthen their brand, communicate value, and reach the right customers.
11:00 am–11:15 am	Break
11:15 am–12:00 pm	Heat Stress Panel Discussion Industry experts will share real-world insights on recognizing heat-related hazards and implementing effective prevention strategies.
12:00 pm–1:00 pm	Welcome Lunch All attendees are welcome to reenergize with a lunch buffet.
1:00 pm–2:00 pm	Emerging Leaders Committee Meeting All members of STI/SPFA are welcome and encouraged to attend the Emerging Leaders Committee meeting.
1:00 pm–2:00 pm	STICO Mutual Meeting A meeting for STICO Mutual policyholders.
2:00 pm–3:30 pm	Pressure Vessel Section Meeting Mark Lower, Ph.D., P.E. All members of the Pressure Vessel Section are welcome and encouraged to attend the Pressure Vessel Section meeting.
2:00 pm–3:30 pm	Steel Water Pipe Section Meeting All members of the Steel Water Pipe Section are welcome and encouraged to attend the Steel Water Pipe Section meeting.
2:00 pm–4:00 pm	Paint with a Purpose Enjoy a fun paint and sip session to create artwork that supports the Foundation for Hospital Art’s mission to brighten hospital spaces.
2:00 pm–5:00 pm	Shop Fab Tank/Technical Committee Meeting All members of the Shop Fabricated Tank Section are welcome and encouraged to attend the Shop Fabricated Tank Section Technical Committee meeting.
3:30 pm–5:00 pm	Field Erected Tank Section Meeting All members of the Field Erected Tank Section are welcome and encouraged to attend the Field Erected Tank Section meeting.
3:30 pm–5:00 pm	Steel Water Pipe Workshop: Suggested Specification for Aboveground Steel Water Transmission Pipe Members of the STI/SPFA Steel Water Pipe Section will hold a workshop to develop a new Suggested Specification for Aboveground Steel Water Transmission Pipe.
5:00 pm–6:00 pm	New Member/First Time Attendee Reception Whether you're new to the association, attending your first event, or a long-time member, this reception is the perfect way to kick off your conference experience.
6:00 pm–7:00 pm	Welcome Reception Catch-up and network with fellow manufacturers and affiliates, and meet new friends during the STI/SPFA Welcome Reception.

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February 25, 2026

Time
7:00 am–8:00 am	Buffet Breakfast All attendees are welcome to start their day with a buffet breakfast.
7:00 am–8:00 am	Legislative Advocacy Committee Meeting All members of the Legislative Advocacy Committee are welcome and encouraged to attend the Legislative Advocacy Committee Meeting.
8:00 am–9:00 am	From Talk to Action: Making Gratitude Stick on the Shop Floor Lisa Ryan, CSP Hands-on tools for supervisors and leads to build everyday appreciation habits that strengthen retention.
9:00 am–9:15 am	Break
9:15 am–10:30 am	Normal is a Myth: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Jennifer L. Landon, M.Ed. This is interactive presentation will provide participants with a different perspective and tools for addressing challenging conversations.
10:30 am–11:00 am	Networking Break Take time to connect with colleagues, recharge, and visit with sponsors.
10:30 am–12:00 pm	Safety and Health Committee Meeting All members of STI/SPFA are welcome and encouraged to attend the Safety and Health Committee meeting.
11:15 am–12:00 pm	Predictions for the Future of the Industry Earl J. Crochet, P.E. Take a candid, forward-looking tour of the oil and gas sector through the hazy crystal ball of a seasoned industry professional.
1:30 pm–5:30 pm	STI/SPFA Golf Tournament Calling all golfers! Hit the links for a day of fun, competition, networking, and prizes!

February 26, 2026

Time
7:00 am–8:00 am	Affiliate Section Meeting All members of the Affiliate Section are welcome and encouraged to attend the Affiliate Section meeting.
7:00 am–8:00 am	Buffet Breakfast All attendees are welcome to start their day with a buffet breakfast.
8:00 am–9:00 pm	AI for Fabricators: What’s Real, What’s Working, and What’s Coming Richard C. Balmer See how AI and modern marketing are reshaping productivity, sales, and customer reach in manufacturing.
9:00 am–10:00 am	Steel Industry Update Information on the state of the steel industry including economics, infrastructure, sustainability, and the future.
9:45 am–10:15 am	Networking Break Take time to connect with colleagues, recharge, and visit with sponsors.
10:15 am–11:00 am	Legislative Advocacy Update Stephen Borg The Vogel Group will provide updates on important legislative issues affecting the steel fabrication industry.
11:00 am–11:15 am	Break
11:00 am–12:00 pm	Market Outlook Alan Taxman An outlook on the markets, the economy, and their potential impact on your portfolio.
12:00 pm–4:00 pm	Board of Directors Meeting The STI/SPFA Board of Directors will meet to discuss the strategic direction, mission and goals of the organization.
6:00 pm–9:00 pm	Farewell Dinner and Product of the Year Awards Winners of the STI/SPFA Product of the Year Awards will be announced and the newest inductees to the STI/SPFA Hall of Fame will be revealed.

STI/SPFA Apparel