2025 SCNZ Steel Structures Technical Forum

12:45 pm 

Registration opens

12:45 pm 

Lunch and networking

Join us early for a light lunch and informal networking before the forum begins.

1:30 pm 

Introduction

Welcome and overview of the afternoon’s sessions.

1:40 pm

Applying Intumescent Coatings: In-Shop or On-Site? What Every Engineer and Fabricator Should Consider

A practical look at fire protection strategies, application challenges and quality control implications.

2:20 pm

How early involvement of steelwork contractors leads to better outcomes technically, economically and environmentally – A UK Perspective

Explore case studies showing how collaboration during design stages improves project performance.

3:00 pm

What’s Next for Steel in Seismic Design? US Innovations for Resilience and Safety

Cutting-edge developments in seismic design from leading American engineering practices.

3:40 pm

Afternoon Tea & Networking Break

4:10 pm

Connection Design in Steel Structures: Simplifying Complexity for Fabricators and Engineers – A Canadian Perspective  

Tackling the challenges of connection design using practical approaches that bridge engineering and fabrication

4:50 pm 

Unlocking Efficiency and Productivity Through the Steel Fabrication Certification (SFC) Scheme: Best Practices, Lessons and Innovation for the NZ Steel Industry

5:30 pm 

Topic TBC

To be announced – stay tuned for an exciting final presentation

6:10 pm

Closing Remarks

6:20 pm

Forum Concludes

6:30 pm

Welcome Drinks & Nibbles

Unwind and connect with fellow attendees over refreshments

Wayne Carson

Managing Director, D&H Steel Construction (Past Chair, SCNZ) (New Zealand)

Wayne Carson is a long-standing leader in New Zealand’s structural steel industry. With a background in mechanical and structural engineering, Wayne has led D&H Steel to become one of the country's most respected fabricators, known for its commitment to quality, innovation and certification excellence. Under his leadership, the company was the first in New Zealand to achieve both AS/NZS 3834 and Steel Fabrication Certification. Wayne is also a recipient of the Steel Construction New Zealand Chair’s Award, recognising his outstanding industry leadership and contribution

Gary Simmons

Chief Engineer, William Hare Group (Past President, British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA)) (England)

Gary Simmons began his career at William Hare as an apprentice draughtsman straight out of school and rose to lead the firm’s global engineering design division—becoming the first apprentice in the company’s history to sit on its Main Board. He played a central role in high-profile projects including the Olympic Stadium roof, Bloomberg HQ in London, and the Aldar HQ in Abu Dhabi, alongside leading technical innovation around connection design and edge-protection systems. Under his engineering leadership, William Hare has grown into a multinational steel fabrication business renowned for excellence in design, certification and innovation.

Elected President of BCSA in 2023, Gary used his two-year term to raise the industry’s profile, championing early engagement of steelwork contractors, apprenticeships and technological advancement across the sector.

Charlie Carter

President, American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) (USA)

Charlie Carter brings more than 30 years of leadership experience at AISC. He leads efforts in shaping structural steel standards, education and innovation, including the unified Steel Manual, AISC’s first Seismic Design Manual and the Code of Standard Practice. A licenced structural and professional engineer, Charlie holds a B.S. and M.S. in Architectural Engineering from Penn State, and a Ph.D. in Civil & Architectural Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He was promoted to President of AISC in December 2016, after roles including Vice President and Chief Structural Engineer, reflecting his deep institutional knowledge and technical expertise.

Logan Callele

Engineering Manager, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) (Canada)

Logan Callele is a seasoned structural engineer. Formerly Engineering Manager at Waiward in Edmonton, he has led engineering projects across industrial, mining and bridge sectors in Western Canada and the Northwest Territories. A contributor to professional standards, Logan serves on the CSA Technical Committee for CSA S16 ‘Limit States Design of Steel Structures’ and holds a B.Sc. (2002) and M.Sc. (2004) from the University of Alberta.

Michail Karpenko

General Manager, Fab 4.0 & Welding Centre, and HERA / SFC Manager, HERA Certifications Ltd (New Zealand)

Since joining HERA in 2006, Dr. Michail Karpenko has become a driving force behind fabrication innovation and quality assurance in New Zealand’s steel industry.

As General Manager of Fab 4.0 and the Welding Centre, and lead of HERA Certifications Ltd, he oversees technical consulting, training, R&D projects, accreditation to ISO 17065, and certification across standards including AS/NZS 3834, AS/NZS 5131 and SCNZ’s Steel Fabrication Certification (SFC) scheme.

Michail’s expertise spans welding design for seismic and fatigue conditions, smart manufacturing, AI-based quality monitoring and circular design innovation – all supported by over 80 peer-reviewed publications and active involvement in standards development across New Zealand and Australia.

His current work includes leadership of the Ngākopa Construction 4.0 initiative and collaborations with universities to embed advanced technology into fabrication workflows.