NASCC: The Steel Conference in Orlando April 13 to 15 Networking and education about steel construction concepts, techniques and products Canadian Design and Construction Report The annual North American Steel Construction Confer- ence (NASCC) in Orlando from April 13 to 15 will attract thousands of visitors and more than 200 exhibitors to learn about the latest steel construction concepts, techniques and products. “The planning committee spends a lot of time not just determining topics but also selecting the top experts to speak,” said Scott Melnick, vice president of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), which sponsors the event. “Our sessions range from highly technical subjects – such as a discussion of stiffness reduction within the di- rect analysis method for composite design – to business 26 – March 2016 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report topics, such as staff retention in construction employment. We offer more than 125 sessions.” Melnick says the event provides powerful networking opportunities. Last year’s conference attracted a record breaking 4,582 attendees involved in the design and con- struction of steel buildings and bridges. “It’s the perfect place to talk with structural engineers, steel fabricators, steel detailers and erectors,” he said. “We’re even starting to get some general contractors and architects.” Exhibitors will demonstrate “everything from bolts to structural engineering software,” he said. “If you’re a steel fabricator, the steel conference is bet- ter than a candy store. All of the major equipment suppliers are there and they all have their big machinery up and run-