STI/SPFA 2026 Mid-Year Highlights: Building Momentum, Expanding Impact, and Looking Ahead

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As we reach the midpoint of 2026, STI/SPFA continues to advance meaningful work on behalf of our members and the steel plate fabricated products industry.

STI/SPFA’s vision is to be the champion of steel storage tanks, pipe, pressure vessels, and other steel plate fabricated products. Our mission is to promote and unite the steel plate fabricated products industry through standards development, education, and communication. The work underway this year reflects the vision and mission in action.

Across the association, STI/SPFA is focused on strengthening member value, promoting the capabilities of our members, expanding technical resources, advocating for the industry, and helping ensure steel fabricated products remain recognized as durable, long-term solutions.

The first half of 2026 has been an active and productive period for STI/SPFA, with many opportunities ahead for members to stay engaged.

Public Awareness Campaign for Steel

A major focus for STI/SPFA in the second half of 2026 will be the launch of a public awareness campaign to promote the benefits of steel versus competing materials.

The campaign is designed to increase awareness of STI/SPFA and its members among key audiences, including owners, engineers, specifiers, regulators, contractors, and other decision-makers. It will help position steel as the preferred solution compared to alternative materials while giving members clear, consistent messaging to use in their own communications.

Member engagement will be a key aspect of this campaign. Through an ambassador program, members will have opportunities to amplify STI/SPFA’s message and help strengthen the industry’s voice.

By using content, partnerships, and member participation, STI/SPFA will work to shape industry perception and promote the value of steel fabricated products in the markets our members serve.

Strengthening Member Value

Benchmarking Initiative

Earlier this year, STI/SPFA completed a new industry benchmarking initiative focused on workforce, business conditions, and overall industry sentiment. Nearly 100 companies across the industry participated, providing valuable insight into the current state of the steel fabrication marketplace.

Participants received full results from the survey, with aggregated information to better understand broader market trends and compare their company with others in the industry.

STI/SPFA plans to continue this effort annually. Members should keep an eye out early next year for the opportunity to participate in the 2027 survey.

Evaluating How STI/SPFA Positions Itself for the Future

STI/SPFA is continuing its data-driven research effort to evaluate how the organization’s name, identity, messaging, and overall positioning are understood by members and key industry stakeholders.

This effort is designed to ensure STI/SPFA remains well positioned to support member companies and the industry in the future, and better promote steel storage tanks, pipe, pressure vessels, and other steel plate fabricated products.

As part of this process, STI/SPFA will soon launch a member survey asking for feedback on a variety of topics related to the association’s identity, value, messaging, and future direction. Member input is an important part of this work, and we encourage all members to share their perspective when the survey becomes available.

The future-focused survey work completed as part of this effort has already uncovered opportunities and challenges ahead for our industry. STI/SPFA will share more during the Future|Now Conference session, “What Comes Next: Preparing for the Future of the Steel Containment Industry,” which will highlight key findings from STI/SPFA’s industry assessment and the trends most likely to influence the industry in the years ahead.

Expanding Online Resources

STI/SPFA is continuing to update and expand its website to better highlight steel fabricated products.

This work includes developing clearer educational content and creating new resources that help decision-makers better understand steel storage tanks, pipe, pressure vessels, and other steel plate fabricated products.

These website updates also support STI/SPFA’s broader public awareness, education, and promotional efforts by making it easier for audiences to understand the benefits of steel.

Supporting Safety Resources

Safety Video Development

Safety remains a core part of STI/SPFA’s value to members.

This year, STI/SPFA has been developing scripts for a new series of safety videos focused on:

• Fall protection
• Overhead cranes
• Lockout/tagout
• Electrical safety
• Near miss reporting

These videos will provide resources members can use in safety meetings, training programs, and internal communications.

The videos will be available to members in English and Spanish later this year, helping companies share important safety information with employees across their organizations.

Safety Awards

STI/SPFA is also improving the Safety Awards submission process. The updated program is designed to simplify submissions, allow members to save information year-to-year, and strengthen award applications by incorporating OSHA 300 log data.

Safety Award winners will be announced at the STI/SPFA Future|Now Conference this September in Mobile, Ala.

Shop-Fabricated Tank Section Highlights

Member Tools, Technology, and Communication

The Shop-Fabricated Tank Section continues to advance resources that support members, improve access to technical information, and strengthen the visibility of STI/SPFA technologies.

The updated Vertical Tank Support Program has officially launched. This new cloud-based solution gives Shop-Fabricated Tank Section licensees an improved platform with expanded functionality and easier access, including the ability to save projects, duplicate projects, and select which standard to apply. Subscriptions are now available for purchase by eligible licensees.

Work continues on Tank Manager. The updated platform will provide new reporting, improved inspection functionality, and better data to help members identify market trends and improve operational efficiency.

As part of this work, enhanced registration labels for STI Technologies are being developed to include QR codes and provide customers with easier access to essential information about their tank, including the manufacturer, capacity, and other important details. This will also increase the visibility of STI/SPFA technologies and reinforce the value of licensed products in the field.

STI/SPFA has also completed and published several Spanish translations of key Shop-Fabricated Tank resources, including installation instructions, standards, and recommended practices. These translations help members better communicate important technical and safety information to Spanish-speaking employees, customers, inspectors, and other stakeholders.

Technical Projects and Product Development

Several technical initiatives are also moving forward within the Shop-Fabricated Tank Section.

The Technical Committee continues to explore a new jacket technology for underground storage tanks. The project has shown positive early test results, with continued product development work underway.

STI/SPFA is also pursuing ballistics testing related to FIREGUARD® tanks. Test samples and materials from multiple sources are being evaluated. The Technical Committee will review results to determine next steps.

A GEN-TANK® alternative construction request has also been approved. STI/SPFA submitted a request to UL to allow multiple support types on a single tank, supported by engineering documentation showing the supports do not depend on each other or the tank.

Additional work is underway on a potential used oil tank product offering, which could tie into existing STI/SPFA technologies. The project includes a spill box and filter accessory concept. The design has been submitted to UL.

The updated ASCE 7 2022 Saddle & Footing Design Spreadsheet is now available for member use.

Tank Integrity Management Course

STI/SPFA is developing videos to support the on-demand Tank Integrity Management course. These videos will enhance the current course materials and create a more engaging learning experience for those using the program.

This work will help inspectors, owners, and operators better understand tank integrity, inspection, and maintenance.

Field Erected Tank Section Highlights

Promotion and Industry Education

The Field Erected Tank Section continues to focus on promotion, technical leadership, and education.

STI/SPFA is developing promotional videos for welded steel field erected tanks. These videos will focus on reservoir storage tanks and elevated water storage tanks and will be used to educate customers, stakeholders, and those new to the industry.

The videos will help promote the benefits of welded steel field erected tanks while giving members additional resources to explain the value of steel products.

STI/SPFA is also developing educational programming connected to storage tank topics, including a seminar for the API Storage Tank Conference later this year. The association is developing an abstract, securing speakers, and finalizing the agenda for a Cold Storage/Cryogenic Tank Fundamentals Course.

Technical Committee

The Field Erected Tank Technical Committee continues to provide an important forum for technical discussion, standards-related activity, and member engagement.

The committee’s work helps ensure STI/SPFA remains active in key industry conversations and continues to support the needs of members involved in field erected storage tanks.

The next Field Erected Tank Technical Committee meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT. All section members are encouraged to register and attend.

Pressure Vessel Section Highlights

Technical Support and Promotion

The Pressure Vessel Section continues to strengthen member value through technical communication, education, and promotion.

STI/SPFA’s pressure vessel consultant, Mark Lower, continues to provide important technical support for the section through quarterly updates and technical talks. His work helps members stay informed about ASME Code activity, technical developments, and issues affecting pressure vessel fabricators.

STI/SPFA is also developing promotional videos for pressure vessels. These videos will be used to educate customers and those new to the industry about pressure vessels and the capabilities of STI/SPFA member companies.

Steel Water Pipe Section Highlights

Consultant Support and Standards Engagement

The Steel Water Pipe Section continues to advance standards engagement, education, technical resources, and industry leadership.

STI/SPFA’s pipe consultant, Dennis Dechant, provides monthly updates that help keep members informed about standards activity, industry developments, and technical issues affecting steel water pipe.

STI/SPFA also remains involved in SWPMTAC, ensuring that steel water pipe members have a voice in important standards and technical discussions. Continued engagement in SWPMTAC helps ensure member perspectives are represented in conversations that affect specifications, standards, and future market opportunities.

Research and Technical Tools

Several major pipe-related projects are also underway.

STI/SPFA is exploring geohazard pipe research. This work has the potential to put STI/SPFA and its members at the forefront of an important technical area in the water pipe industry.

The section is also developing web-based steel pipe calculators to help design, specify, and promote steel pipe. Planned calculators include external load design and internal pressure design. These tools will be available by the end of the year and will support engineers, specifiers, and members by making useful technical information more accessible.

Affiliate Member Highlights

Creating More Opportunities to Connect

STI/SPFA continues to look for new ways to strengthen the connection between Affiliate members and fabricator members.

In 2026, the association has focused on creating more opportunities for Affiliates to connect with fabricators during major meetings, between events, and throughout the year. These efforts help Affiliates build stronger relationships, better understand fabricator needs, and reinforce the value of collaboration across all segments of STI/SPFA.

Workforce Development

Voices From the Trades

Workforce development remains one of the most important long-term issues facing STI/SPFA members and the steel fabrication industry.

Through the Voices from the Trades series, STI/SPFA continues to highlight the people, programs, and career pathways helping build the next generation of skilled workers. The series helps tell the story of the trades through the voices of students, instructors, and industry professionals while reinforcing the value of careers in welding.

By sharing these stories, STI/SPFA is helping promote the opportunities available in the steel fabrication industry and encouraging more people to consider rewarding careers in the trades.

STI/SPFA Scholarship

STI/SPFA also continues to support workforce development through its annual scholarship.

The winner of the 2026 STI/SPFA Scholarship will be announced in the coming months. This scholarship reflects STI/SPFA’s commitment to supporting students pursuing careers connected to the steel fabrication industry and helping members strengthen the future workforce pipeline.

Education, Conferences, and Industry Engagement

Conferences and Industry Events

STI/SPFA has remained active in industry education and outreach throughout the first half of 2026.

In March, STI/SPFA presented a four-hour session on steel water pipe standards, specification, design, materials, joint solutions, and coatings at AMPP.

STI/SPFA staff and members presented multiple sessions related to tank standards, STI SP001 inspections and checklists, and steel underground storage tanks at the CUPA Conference in March.

In April, STI/SPFA attended the NISTM Annual International Aboveground Storage Tank Conference & Trade Show. Staff and members presented a half-day education track on shop-fabricated storage tanks.

The second half of 2026 will bring additional opportunities to promote steel fabricated products and member expertise at the UESI Pipelines Conference, AWWA Water Infrastructure Conference, PEI Convention, and API Storage Tank Conference.

These events give STI/SPFA important opportunities to educate the marketplace, elevate member expertise, and strengthen relationships with allied organizations.

Webinars and On-Demand Education

STI/SPFA has also continued to provide educational webinars throughout the year, giving members and industry stakeholders access to timely technical information without the need to travel.

Webinar topics have included steel water pipe standards, coatings, cathodic protection, joints, pressure vessel design, tank integrity, and other issues important to STI/SPFA members and the markets they serve. These programs help extend the reach of STI/SPFA’s technical expertise and provide practical education for owners, engineers, inspectors, regulators, and other industry professionals.

Many STI/SPFA webinars are also made available on demand, allowing members and customers to revisit important topics and share resources with their teams.

Advocacy Efforts

Member Engagement in Washington

Advocacy continues to be a growing and important part of STI/SPFA’s work on behalf of members.

In June, STI/SPFA held its 2026 Legislative Fly-in in Washington, D.C., giving members the opportunity to meet directly with congressional offices. STI/SPFA members met with nearly one-quarter of Congress, demonstrating the strength of member engagement and the importance of bringing the industry’s voice directly to policymakers.

During the Fly-in, STI/SPFA also presented the Champion of Steel Award to Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-1), chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, and Rep. Frank Mrvan (IN-1), co-chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, in recognition of their support for the steel fabrication industry.

Hearing directly from employers, manufacturers, fabricators, and industry leaders helps policymakers better understand how federal decisions affect companies, workers, customers, and communities. Continued follow-up with congressional offices and active participation in the Legislative Advocacy Committee will help strengthen STI/SPFA’s voice throughout the year.

2026 Policy Priorities

This year’s advocacy priorities included ARPA funding, trade and tariffs, and the Heat Workforce Standards Act. These issues affect the ability of member companies to operate, plan, hire, and invest.

Workforce development was also a key focus of STI/SPFA’s advocacy efforts. STI/SPFA was one of more than 100 organizations to endorse the DIGNITY Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing workforce and immigration challenges affecting employers across the country. The endorsement reflects STI/SPFA’s continued focus on policies that support members’ ability to recruit, retain, and develop the skilled workforce needed for the future.

Looking Ahead

The momentum established in the first half of 2026 will continue this September 22-23 at the STI/SPFA Future|Now Conference in Mobile, Alabama. The conference will bring members together to discuss the future of the industry, connect with fellow members, and build on the work already underway across STI/SPFA’s sections, committees, and programs.

View the full agenda and register today for the STI/SPFA Future|Now Conference.

Members are encouraged to stay engaged and contact STI/SPFA with questions or interest in getting involved in a committee or initiative.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we are advancing STI/SPFA’s mission, strengthening member value, and championing steel storage tanks, pipe, pressure vessels, and other steel plate fabricated products.