The 2014 NCSEA Annual Conference was held this past week in New Orleans, LA. Hosted by the National Council of Structural Engineers Association, this conference draws hundreds of structural engineering professionals each year to attend educational sessions, social and networking events, and visit exhibitors at the trade show. Atlas Tube was one of the exhibitors at this year’s show, giving us a unique opportunity to connect with engineering and design professionals from all across the country. As one of the only steel manufacturers in attendance, we were able to educate hundreds of professionals on our unique ERW (electric resistance welding) manufacturing process, as well as the advantages and benefits of hollow structural sections and structural steel in general.

One of the highlights of the conference was Kim Olson’s well-attended presentation, “Practical HSS Design with the Latest Codes & Standards.” A technical advisor at the Steel Tube Institute and a structural engineer at FORSE Consulting, Kim did an excellent job discussing the evolution and corresponding research about HSS, as well as how the HSS community is responding to designers’ needs with the latest material specifications and available sizes. She also talked a lot about the new ASTM A1085 spec, highlighting how it helps engineers specify the most economical structures.

Although historically steel manufacturers have not exhibited at NCSEA, we feel that our presence over the past two years, as well as Steel Tube Institute’s attendance this year, has really helped to further educate the structural engineering community about structural steel and its numerous benefits for design applications. We look forward to exhibiting again at next year’s show in Las Vegas!