Short Span Steel Bridges 
Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance Semi-Annual Meeting (Oct. 12-14, 2026 – Omaha, NE)
Event: Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance Semi-Annual Membership Meeting
Date: October 12-14, 2026
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Description: The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) is a group of bridge and buried soil steel structure industry leaders who have joined together to provide educational information on the design and construction of short span steel bridges in installations up to 140 feet in length. The SSSBA members meet in-person twice per year to discuss research, technical and educational activities.
We are excited to announce that this event will be co-located with the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) Executive Committee and Board meeting— offering opportunities for collaboration and engagement.
NACE is a vital partner for the SSSBA, representing the nation’s county engineers who oversee 46% of the country’s roads and 40% of its bridges. As the largest stakeholder in local road and bridge construction, rehabilitation, expansion, and maintenance, their involvement is instrumental in shaping the future of our industry.
As part of this exciting partnership, the NACE Executive Committee and Board members will join select SSSBA events, creating valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing. See the schedule below for details!
If you are not a member and still interested in attending, please contact dsnyder@steel.org for information on how to join the meeting, or complete a membership application.
Meeting Highlights
- Tour of the Valmont Galvanizing Facility – We will kick things off with a tour of Valmont’s galvanizing facility in Valley, Nebraska.
- SSSBA Design Tools – An update on eSPAN140, the release of ePLATE140, and a look at AI integration into our design tools.
- Bridge Maintenance & Preservation – A technical discussion on resources and practical approaches for short span steel bridge inspection, maintenance, and preservation.
- SSSBA Member Updates – A new session where members will share what is new with their companies and organizations, including projects, products, research, and other developments.
- PBTG & SDCL Updates – Presentations on projects and developments in Press-Brake Tub Girders and the continued evolution of Simple for Dead Load and Continuous for Live Load bridge designs.
- Networking Reception & Dinner – A joint NACE/SSSBA reception and dinner at Châm Pang Lanes, featuring duckpin bowling, food, drinks, and plenty of space to relax and network. It should be a fun way to meet the NACE members and catch up with everyone in the industry!
- Industry Keynotes – Updates on steel industry trends, galvanizing market outlook, and opportunities to advocate for county bridges.
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – Derek Miller from the City of Omaha will provide a planning and community perspective on the bridge, followed by a walking tour of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.
- Optional Golf Outing – For those staying through Wednesday, we will wrap up the meeting with an optional golf outing at Players Club on October 14.
General Meeting and Events Schedule
Monday, October 12
- 8:00A-1:00P: Tour of the Valmont galvanizing facility (Valley, Nebraska)
- 2:00-5:00P: SSSBA Technical Council Meeting
- 5:30-8:30P: Networking Reception and Dinner with NACE/SSSBA members
Tuesday, October 13
- 8:00A-Noon: SSSBA Marketing and Education Council Meeting
- Noon-1:00P: Lunch with NACE/SSSBA members
- 1:00-4:30P: SSSBA General Session with Featured Speakers, Plus Tour of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
- 4:30P: Networking Reception with NACE/SSSBA members (dinner on your own)
Wednesday, October 14
- 9:00A Start Time: Optional Golf Outing (Players Club – Omaha, NE)
Sponsors
A BIG thank you to the following companies that have already agreed to sponsor the SSSBA receptions/dinner (Want to be added to this list? Contact Dan Snyder for sponsorship information – dsnyder@steel.org):
Diamond Sponsors
- Acrow
- American Galvanizers Association
- AZZ Metal Coatings
- Cleveland-Cliffs
- Fought & Company
- National Steel Bridge Alliance
- SSAB Americas
- STS Steel
- V&S Galvanizing
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
For a full agenda, sponsorship opportunities and registration, please contact Dan Snyder (dsnyder@steel.org)
Does the SSSBA offer educational opportunities?
Yes! The SSSBA offers educational opportunities to students and professionals:
Professionals: The SSSBA provides complimentary half-day or full-day workshops on short span steel bridge design to states, counties, and design firms. Topics covered include practical and cost-effective steel bridge design and fabrication with eSPAN140, press-brake-formed steel tub girders, steel buried bridge design, galvanized coating solutions, and economical design with case studies, and more. The workshops can take place virtually or in-person, compliments of the steel industry. Learn more.
Students: The University of Wyoming and the Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance created a free 6-part live-lecture educational series to cover the many aspects of designing, fabricating, and constructing steel bridges. All students who successfully complete the education series will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Wyoming. Learn more.
Speakers: The SSSBA provides expert speakers to present topics of interest on the cost-effective design and construction of short span steel bridges. If you need a speaker for your next event, contact the SSSBA.
Events
Free 4-Part Quarterly Webinar Series: Steel Bridge Playbook (Next Webinar, Dec. 10)
This free, four-part quarterly webinar series delivers expert insights on steel bridge design, preservation, and innovation. Explore essential design resources, corrosion protection through galvanizing, accelerated construction methods, and real-world case studies to gain practical guidance for every steel bridge project. Sponsored by SSSBA and AGA. This course is accredited by AIA and RCEP to provide 1.0 LU/PDH (HSW Hours).
Events
Free 6-Part Live Lecture Series: Steel Bridge Design — From Concept to Delivery (Starts Sept. 7)
SSSBA and the University of Wyoming are offering a free six-part lecture series, September 7–23. The series covers key aspects of steel bridge design, fabrication and construction, with live and recorded participation available.
Events
Free Webinar: Galvanize It! Core Webinar (Aug. 26)
SSSBA member American Galvanizers Association’s Core Galvanize It! webinar provides an introduction to hot-dip galvanizing, covering the galvanizing process, zinc coatings, and key benefits such as corrosion resistance, durability, longevity, sustainability and life-cycle cost. The seminar is AIA and RCEP accredited for 1.0 LU/PDH.
Events
Free Customized Workshops for Counties, DOTs, and Design Firms
The SSSBA now offers free customized in-person or vitual workshops for bridge owners and designers.