LONG BEACH, Calif. — More than 250 engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals gathered May 18–20 for the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. The event became the largest CFSEI Expo to date.
Hands-on “Tool Time” demonstrations and networking mixers energized attendees throughout the conference. Technical sessions explored seismic design, adhesives, prefabrication and emerging technologies in cold-formed steel engineering.
CFSEI Expo: Learning, Networking, Fun
Hosted by the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI), the three-day event combined technical education, networking and recognition of industry excellence. Sessions addressed pressing engineering challenges while exploring the future of building with cold-formed steel systems.
Attendees packed technical sessions during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Attendance exceeded 250 people, setting a record for a CFSEI Expo event.
Jeff Klaiman, P.E., of ADTEK Engineers; Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University; Kara Peterman, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst; and Frank Pospisil of USG unwind during the 2026 CFSEI Expo.
Research Pushes CFS Engineering Forward
Among the conference highlights was the keynote presentation, “Advancing Cold-Formed Steel in Mid-Rise Building Systems in High Seismic Zones: Accomplishments of the CFS-NHERI and CFS10 Capstone Programs,” presented by Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, of Johns Hopkins University, Lynn Padgett, ClarkDietrich Engineering Services and Tara Hutchinson, Ph.D., of the University of California San Diego. The session examined years of large-scale seismic testing and research focused on improving the performance and resilience of cold-formed steel building systems in earthquake-prone regions.
Steel-to-Steel Adhesives
One of the conference’s most discussed sessions was “A Sticky Subject: Adhesives for Steel-to-Steel Connection,” presented by Kara D. Peterman, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Peterman shared results from a four-year experimental research effort examining the design space for adhered steel connections, an emerging area of interest as structural adhesives become increasingly common in facades, structural components and other building systems.
Kara D. Peterman, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts Amherst launches her presentation, “A Sticky Subject: Adhesives for Steel-to-Steel Connection.”
Jeffrey Kreinke, P.E., of Excel Engineering, Inc., addresses attendees during the 2026 CFSEI Expo after being confirmed as chair of the CFSEI Executive Committee.
Nicola Ishaq of Bailey Metal Products enjoys a presentation during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Attendees packed technical sessions throughout the record-setting conference.
CFSEI confirmed its 2026–2027 Executive Committee during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Pictured left to right are Chair Jeffrey Kreinke, P.E., Excel Engineering Inc.; Immediate Past Chair Tammy Gleed, P.E., ClarkDietrich Engineering Services; Vice Chair Josh Garton, P.E., S.E., McClure; Kara Peterman, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst; Dana Hennis, P.E., S.E., WSP USA; Riley Mahaffey, P.E., Lochsa Engineering; Clifton Melcher, P.E., S.E., Simpson Strong-Tie Co.; Patrick M. Hainault, P.E., raSmith; and Karl Schroeder, P.E., Devco Engineering.
“The program this year reflected where the industry is headed,” said one attendee. “The sessions combined serious technical depth with practical application.”
The Expo also recognized excellence in cold-formed steel engineering and construction through the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence and Creative Detail Awards. The honored projects showcased innovative uses of cold-formed steel across commercial, institutional and residential applications, highlighting both large-scale structural achievement and creative problem-solving through thoughtful detailing.
Young Engineers
CFSEI continued to emphasize professional development and industry mentorship through programs focused on emerging engineers and students. The conference included a Young Member Group networking mixer and technical sessions that explored training gaps and career development within the cold-formed steel profession.
Young engineers gather during the Young Member Group Mixer at the Westin Long Beach during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
Young member panelists Alyssa Pease, P.E., raSmith; Elizabeth “Ellie” Viox, McClure; Daniel Church, Excel Engineering; Lia Zhu, MTE Consultants; and Kamryn Miller, P.E., Simpson Strong-Tie, pose following their presentation at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
Student Competition
The Expo also recognized winners of the 2026 CFSEI Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design. Students were honored for innovative design solutions that demonstrated creative problem-solving and technical understanding of cold-formed steel systems.
Michael Keagan accepts recognition for winning the 2026 CFSEI Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design. Tammy Gleed, P.E., of ClarkDietrich Engineering Services and 2025–2026 CFSEI chair, presented a $2,000 check.
Michael Keagan discusses his award-winning project during a presentation at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Keagan was recognized as a winner of the 2026 CFSEI Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design.
Maihan Ali (right) of George Mason University accepts recognition for third place in the 2026 CFSEI Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design.
Luke Albert of Lindenhurst UFSD, the second place winner of the 2026 CFSEI Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design, was unable to attend the awards presentation in Long Beach.
Stipend Program Winners
Recipients of the 2026 CFSEI Expo Stipend Program gather during the conference in Long Beach, California. The program supports young engineers and university instructors. Winners received Expo registration and $1,200 for travel and lodging expenses.
Recipients of the 2026 CFSEI Expo Stipend Program (left to right): Jiachen Zhang, University of California San Diego; Zachary Johnson, Devco Engineering; Michael Keegan, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Aaron Boucher, Modulus Designs; Elizabeth Viox, McClure Engineering Co.; and Lia Zhu, MTE Consultants.
Dr. Benjamin Schafer Honored
CFSEI named Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, of Johns Hopkins University as the recipient of the 2026 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service. The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their time, expertise and leadership to advancing the cold-formed steel industry.
Jeff Klaiman, P.E., CFSEI managing director, presents the 2026 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service to Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University. The presentation took place during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
2026 Design Excellence Awards
Commercial
- First Place: American Way Engineering. Super Nintendo World Orlando, Orlando, Florida
- Second Place: McClure. 10 World Trade, Boston, Massachusetts
- Third Place: Industrialized Construction Solutions. Orlando Health Bayfront Medical Pavilion — St. Petersburg, Florida
Municipal
- First Place: Lochsa Engineering. Las Vegas Convention Center Renovation, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Second Place: Martin/Martin. U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor’s Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Third Place: Salas O’Brien. Barclays Center Renovation Phase 2: Modelo Bridge CFS Design, Brooklyn, New York
Residential/Hospitality
- First Place: McClure. Kindred Resorts, Keystone, Colorado
- Second Place: Steel-IQ. Riviera Lane Residence, Southlake, Texas
- Third Place: Martin/Martin. Revival on the Platte, Denver, Colorado
2026 Creative Detail Awards
- First Place: Martin/Martin. Revival on the Platte, Denver, Colorado
- Second Place: Excel Engineering. Rutters No. 82, Altoona, Pennsylvania
- Third Place: McClure. Legends 267 Apartments, Kansas City, Kansas
Attendees at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach review photo displays featuring the conference’s winning Design Excellence and Creative Detail Award projects.
A Strong Industry Community
Outside the technical sessions, the energy of the 2026 CFSEI Expo remained strong through networking mixers and hallway discussions. Informal conversations connected engineers, researchers, manufacturers and students throughout the conference.
From Tool Time demonstrations to the Young Member Group mixer and Aquarium of the Pacific events, attendees exchanged ideas and built professional connections.
As the 2026 CFSEI Expo concluded in Long Beach, one message stood out clearly. Cold-formed steel engineering continues evolving through research, collaboration and practical innovation. CFSEI remains at the center of those industry conversations.
Attendees at the 2026 CFSEI Expo enjoyed breakfast each morning before technical sessions began. The buffet offered a wide variety of options for engineers, researchers and industry professionals gathering in Long Beach, California.
CFSEI Expo Attendees Unwind
Importantly, the 2026 CFSEI Expo also gave attendees opportunities to relax and connect outside classroom sessions. The conference opened Monday evening with networking mixers at The Westin Long Beach. One mixer focused on early-career engineers in the Young Member Group.
Brian Norby of American Way Engineering and Chris Raebel of the American Institute of Steel Construction join Tom Sputo of the Steel Deck Institute during CFSEI Expo’s Monday evening welcome reception.
CFSEI Expo attendees compete in cornhole during the Monday evening welcome reception at The Westin Long Beach in Long Beach, California.
The 2026 CFSEI Expo attendees take a moment to relax and unwind at the Westin Long Beach, enjoying downtime after the first day’s activities.
Dinner at the Aquarium
On Tuesday evening, 2026 CFSEI Expo attendees enjoyed a private dinner sponsored by ClarkDietrich at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.
After a full day of technical sessions and networking, attendees at the 2026 CFSEI Expo relax Tuesday evening at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.
Marcus Himmelberg of McClure touches a jellyfish at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. The aquarium visit gave CFSEI Expo attendees an opportunity to unwind and network.
Attendees at the 2026 CFSEI Expo enjoy dinner beneath a giant blue whale and calf during an evening event at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. ClarkDietrich sponsored the networking event.
Jonathan Fox of Argus Systems explores an exhibit at the Aquarium of the Pacific during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. The aquarium visit gave attendees an opportunity to network and unwind following a full day of technical sessions.
Spotlight on Sponsors
The 2026 CFSEI Expo was made possible through the support of industry sponsors. Their contributions helped fund the conference’s technical programming and networking events. Also, sponsors provided breakfasts, lunches, social mixers and hands-on demonstrations. In all, they created additional opportunities for education, collaboration and professional networking.
Diamond Sponsors
Chuck Webb of SFIA member and CFSEI Expo Diamond Sponsor ClarkDietrich helps Allyssa Pease, P.E., of SFIA member raSmith sharpen her fastening skills during “Tool Time” at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), a CFSEI Expo Diamond Sponsor, demonstrated its leadership in supporting networking opportunities throughout the 2026 CFSEI Expo.
Diamond Sponsor USG Corp. showcased its Structo-Crete product during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Phil Garner and Clint DeShon manned the booth.
Platinum Sponsors
Steve Farkas of SFIA member and CFSEI Expo Platinum Sponsor CEMCO showcased his company’s advanced cold-formed steel (CFS) framing solutions at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach.
Platinum Sponsor GRAITEC showcased its STRUCSOFT software, which integrates with Revit, during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Engineers explored how the software supports cold-formed steel design and project coordination.
Gold Sponsors
Mahsa Mahdavian and Cydney Skeens of SFIA member and CFSEI Expo Gold Sponsor Scottsdale Construction Systems featured their company’s steel framing technology during 2026 CFSEI Expo’s “Tool Time” event.
Carleton Elliott and Tyler Elliott of Gold Sponsor SURE-BOARD highlighted the product’s strength and noncombustible properties during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
Darren Myler and Randy LaPlant of Gold Sponsor hsbCAD showcased the company’s offsite construction software, hsbLGS, during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
Sebastian Higdon and Cory Chen of Gold Sponsor MEGABOARD showcased the company’s noncombustible structural building panels during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
Gold Sponsor Hilti showcased its tools and Nuron cordless platform to engineers Bala Surampudi, P.E., of GPLA and Maihon Ali of George Mason University during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.
Silver Sponsors
Silver Sponsor and SFIA member Grabber featured its new TrueShear shearing press during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Jason Roxburgh, the tool’s product developer, demonstrated how the tool can improve field productivity.
Ken Charles of the Steel Deck Institute visits with Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, of Johns Hopkins University at the SDI booth during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. SDI participated as a Silver Sponsor of the conference.
Engineers visiting CFSEI Expo Silver Sponsor Simpson Strong-Tie’s “Tool Time” booth at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach tested different fasteners while assembling a small wood structure. Whether it was a dollhouse or doghouse remained open for debate.
Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute
The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) comprises hundreds of structural engineers and other design professionals who are finding a better way to produce safe and efficient designs for commercial and residential structures with cold-formed steel. CFSEI members work together to develop and evolve industry standards and design methods, produce and issue technical bulletins and provide seminars and online training to improve the knowledge and skills base of engineers and design professionals. For more information, visit www.cfsei.org.
Additional Resources
- CFSEI Announces Winners of 2025 Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design
- CFSEI Publishes Tech Note on the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Bearing Stiffeners
- Ask an Expert: CFSEI Responds to a Question about the Anchored Leg of a Clip Angle