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 Larry Wombles, Justin Kerbe, Clayton Simons, Chad Gieck 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
9:00 am–10:30 am	Board of Directors Meeting The STI/SPFA Board of Directors will meet to discuss the strategic direction, mission and goals of the organization.
9:15 am–10:30 am	Normal is a Myth: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Jennifer L. Landon, M.Ed. This 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.
11:00 am–11:15 am	How To Insurance: Minimizing Risk & Maximizing Health with Marsh McLennan Agency Erik Grimestad, Shawn Staggs This session will focus on minimizing risk and exposure in commercial insurance for steel manufacturers while reducing health benefits costs by targeting pharmacy spend.
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!
2:30 pm–3:30 pm	Come See AI in Action…and See How to Get Output You Can Actually Use Richard C. Balmer Hearing and reading about how to use AI can be useful…but seeing it actually done in real-time can be eye-opening.

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–9:45 am	Steel Industry Update Dathan Dunn, Mike Dosal 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
11:15 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–2:00 pm	Board of Directors Meeting The STI/SPFA Board of Directors will meet to discuss the strategic direction, mission and goals of the organization.
2:00 pm–6:00 pm	Busch Gardens Adventure Afternoon Spend the afternoon at Busch Gardens, home to world-renowned roller coasters and one of North America’s largest accredited zoos.
6:00 pm–9:00 pm	Farewell Dinner at Busch Gardens Wrap up an unforgettable Annual Meeting with a night of thrills, celebration, and surprises at Busch Gardens!

STICO Mutual