Exploring Innovation at NASCC: The Steel Conference 2025

On April 2-4, 2025, the steel industry converged in Louisville, Kentucky, for NASCC: The Steel Conference 2025, a premier event hosted by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). This annual gathering brought together professionals, innovators, and leaders to showcase advancements, share knowledge, and shape the future of steel construction. While American Katerra did not exhibit this year, our team attended to explore the latest trends and connect with industry pioneers, with an eye toward future participation.

The conference featured a robust lineup of educational sessions and a vibrant exhibit hall, offering insights into cutting-edge steel technologies and solutions. For those interested in the full scope of the event, the session details and exhibitor list provide a comprehensive overview. Below, we highlight three industry leaders—Nucor, Steel Dynamics, and Gerdau—whose presence at NASCC 2025 caught our attention and underscored the dynamic advancements in the steel sector.

Nucor, a titan in the steel industry, continues to lead with its commitment to sustainability and innovation. At NASCC 2025, Nucor showcased its advanced steel products and recycling initiatives, emphasizing its role as North America’s largest steel recycler. Their focus on low-carbon production and high-strength steel aligns with the industry’s push toward greener construction practices. Nucor’s presence at the conference, detailed in the event program, highlighted their ongoing efforts to deliver versatile, eco-friendly steel solutions that meet modern construction demands.

Steel Dynamics caught our attention with its diverse portfolio of steel products, ranging from flat-rolled to structural steel. Known for its operational efficiency and customer-centric approach, Steel Dynamics showcased solutions that cater to a wide array of construction needs. Their participation at NASCC underscored their role in advancing steel manufacturing technologies, offering products that balance strength, cost, and adaptability. We were particularly impressed by their ability to innovate while maintaining a strong focus on market responsiveness.

Gerdau, a global leader in steel production, brought its expertise in sustainable and high-quality steel to NASCC 2025. With a focus on reducing environmental impact, Gerdau’s electric arc furnace technology and recycled steel products stood out as examples of forward-thinking manufacturing. Their exhibit highlighted their commitment to providing durable, reliable steel for infrastructure and commercial projects, making them a key player to watch in the evolving construction landscape.

Kobelco, the American subsidiary of Kobe Steel, showcased its innovative steel solutions at NASCC 2025, as highlighted in the event program. Known for its high-quality steel products, Kobelco presented advanced materials tailored for demanding construction applications, emphasizing precision and durability. Their commitment to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and sustainable practices makes them a compelling partner for American Katerra as we seek to integrate state-of-the-art steel solutions into our projects.

One notable trend at NASCC 2025 was the growing prominence of cold-formed steel (CFS), as highlighted in a recent BuildSteel article. CFS is gaining traction for its lightweight, cost-effective, and sustainable properties, making it a game-changer for modern construction. Sessions at the conference explored its applications in mid-rise buildings and modular construction, sparking ideas for how American Katerra can leverage this material in future projects.

NASCC: The Steel Conference 2025 was a valuable opportunity for American Katerra to immerse ourselves in the latest steel industry innovations. By observing leaders like Nucor, Steel Dynamics, and Gerdau, we gained insights into the technologies and practices shaping the future of construction. As we plan for future participation, we’re excited to explore how these advancements can enhance our projects and contribute to a more sustainable, efficient built environment.