The STEEL DAY Conference, held on April 16 and 17 at The Lalit, Mumbai, emerged as a premier gathering for industry professionals, thought leaders, and innovators in the field of steel construction. With a dynamic lineup featuring over 70 speakers, two fireside chats, four panel discussions, and a myriad of project presentations, the event provided attendees with an unparalleled opportunity to learn, engage, and network with the best minds in the industry.
Event Overview:
Spanning two enriching days, the conference offered a diverse and comprehensive program tailored to meet the evolving needs and interests of participants. With two parallel tracks focusing on ‘Buildings & Infrastructure’ and ‘Warehouse, Industrial & Special Structures’, attendees had the flexibility to explore topics and sessions aligned with their areas of expertise and interest. Each track featured a Super 7 Session, Technical Session, and Panel Discussion, ensuring a holistic and immersive learning experience for all.
DAY 1
Inaugural Session Overview
The first day of the STEEL DAY Conference commenced with great anticipation and enthusiasm, as industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts gathered for the inaugural session. The session served as a platform to set the tone for the event, offering insights, perspectives, and reflections on the state of the steel industry, its challenges, and opportunities. The proceedings were marked by a series of engaging speeches and presentations, highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in driving the future of steel construction.
Highlights of Day 1
Welcome Speech by ISCA Chairman
The inaugural session kicked off with a warm welcome by Amit Shah, Chairman of the Indian Steel Construction Association (ISCA). Shah extended his heartfelt greetings to all attendees, expressing gratitude for their participation and support. He emphasised the significance of the conference as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and collective action to address the evolving needs and challenges of the steel industry.
Keynote Address by Economic Advisor, MoS
Following the welcome address, Ashwini Kumar, Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Steel, delivered a compelling keynote speech, shedding light on the economic landscape, policy priorities, and growth prospects of the steel sector. He provided valuable insights into the government’s initiatives, regulatory framework, and investment incentives aimed at promoting sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing competitiveness in the steel industry.
Special Address by Director, Jindal Stainless
Vijay Sharma, Director of Jindal Stainless Ltd, took the stage to share his perspectives and experiences as a key player in the steel manufacturing sector. Sharma’s keynote speech focused on industry trends, technological advancements, and market dynamics shaping the future of stainless steel production and consumption. He highlighted the importance of product innovation, quality assurance, and customer-centricity in driving value creation and market differentiation in the highly competitive steel industry landscape.
FireSide Chat
The FireSide Chat on ‘Aesthetics in Steel Structures’ served as a captivating exploration of the intersection between functionality and beauty in steel construction. Moderated by Girish Dravid, a seasoned structural designer with a passion for complex engineering, the session brought together industry experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts to delve into the artistry, creativity, and aesthetic possibilities inherent in steel structures. With Ratan Batliboi, an acclaimed architect and design visionary, as the panelist, the conversation promised to be illuminating and inspiring.
Division of Tracks
Following the captivating FireSide chat, the STEEL DAY Conference transitioned into two parallel tracks, each offering a focused exploration of specific aspects of steel construction and engineering. The division into tracks provided attendees with the opportunity to delve deeper into topics relevant to their professional interests and expertise, ensuring a tailored and immersive learning experience for all participants.
Track 1: Buildings & Infrastructure
This track was dedicated to exploring the multifaceted realm of buildings and infrastructure, showcasing innovative approaches, best practices, and emerging trends in architectural design, structural engineering, and urban development. Sessions within this track covered a diverse range of topics, including high-rise construction, sustainable building design, iconic landmarks, and urban planning. Attendees had the opportunity to gain insights from industry experts, engage in interactive discussions, and discover cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the future of buildings and infrastructure worldwide.
Notable Presentations On:
– 1857 War Memorial Museum, Ambala Cantt by Architect Renu Khanna
– Rec-Tech Park Center, Chennai by Architect V.S. Vigneswar
– New Pune Airport Terminal Building by Architect Shival Manchanda
– Mankind R&D Center, Mahape by Deepak Bashetty
– Launching of Harris Bridge, Pune by Ramnath Bhat
– ATC Auckland Buildings by Shubham Navale
– Engineering the AI Revolution by Robert Otani
– New Trichy Airport Terminal Building by Mahendra Pingle
– JW Mariott Hotel, Bhubaneswar by Nilanjan Basu
– Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya by Saurabh Sharma
– Right Choice for Sustainable Building & Infrastructure by Nagarajan P
– Stadiums in Kalinga Complex, Odisha by Sachin Kumar
– JSP New Products & Grades by Shekhar Thete
– Retractable Roofs by Abhijit Shah
– Steel Building Solutions by Lalit Tyagi
– Veer Savarkar International Airport, Portblair by Dhananjay Dake
– Etna Residential Apartment by V Sridhar Reddy
Track 2: Warehouse, Industrial & Special Structures
In contrast, Track 2 focused on the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in warehouse, industrial, and special structures. This track delved into specialised applications of steel construction, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, logistical infrastructure, sports arenas, and cultural landmarks. Participants had the chance to explore topics such as structural optimisation, modular construction, seismic resilience, and advanced fabrication techniques, gaining valuable knowledge and practical insights to enhance their expertise in this specialised domain.
Notable Presentations On:
– Exo Composite Framing at PSG Hospital by Prof LS Jayagopal
– Steel the Material with Mettle by Architect Daraius Choksi
– India’s First Frozen ASRS Integrated Cold Storage Facility by Akshay Agrawal
– Yokohama India Expansion, Haryana by Rajesh Ukey
– Impact of Right Insulation on Steel Buildings by Badruddin Sudanwala
– Agriflo Foods Cold Storage Building, Nagpur by Jigar Shah
– Importance of Correct Screws for Construction by Hans Hsu
– Rayna Riverwalk Stay, Vadodara by Architect Sachin Ambekar
– SIN Beam Technology by Prakash Shah
– The Backbone of Modern Construction by Pratik Deshpande
– AEC Steel Industry by Dharmesh Chandnani
– Retrofitting & Strengthening of Steel by Kaustubh Raikar
– Importance of Roofing Fasteners by Hitesh Parmar
– Edible Oil Refinery by Manohar Kanade
– Training Facilities at IPSHEM Campus of ONGC, Goa by Akhilesh Maurya
– Delhi Public School, Ferozabad by Vibhor Mukul Singh
– Structural Steel for Suction Piles by Nasir Momin
The division into tracks allowed attendees to tailor their conference experience according to their specific interests, professional roles, and career aspirations. By attending sessions within their chosen track, participants were able to gain in-depth knowledge, exchange ideas with peers, and explore opportunities for collaboration and professional development within their respective fields. Additionally, the parallel track format maximised the diversity of content offered at the conference, ensuring that attendees had access to a wide spectrum of topics and perspectives relevant to their areas of expertise.
Panel Discussions
The panel discussion on “Steel Revolutionising Infra Growth” served as a focal point for exploring the pivotal role of steel in driving infrastructure development and economic growth. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts, the session aimed to examine the transformative impact of steel in shaping the modern infrastructure landscape, fostering innovation, and accelerating progress towards sustainable development goals.
The panel discussion on the ‘Past, Present & Future of Steel Construction’ provided a comprehensive exploration of the evolution, current state, and future prospects of steel as a primary material in construction. The panel discussion concluded with a sense of optimism and anticipation for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. By reflecting on the rich history, current trends, and future prospects of steel construction, panelists and attendees gained valuable insights and inspiration to navigate the complexities of the industry and contribute to its continued growth and evolution in the years to come.
Tribute to Excellence and Leadership
The SSMB Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony was a celebration of the exceptional achievements and leadership demonstrated by the recipients Mr. Shirish Patel, Dr. Nori, and Mr. D Raju throughout their illustrious careers. Their visionary leadership, innovative contributions, and unwavering commitment to excellence have played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the steel construction industry and inspiring future generations of professionals.
The SSMB Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony was a fitting tribute to the exemplary careers and profound impact of these stalwarts in the field of steel construction and engineering. As they were honoured for their outstanding achievements and contributions, attendees were reminded of the transformative power of leadership, vision, and dedication in shaping the trajectory of the industry and inspiring future generations to strive for excellence.
DAY 2
Inaugural Session
The inaugural session of Day 2 of the STEEL DAY Conference commenced with great anticipation, building upon the momentum generated on the previous day. The session brought together esteemed leaders, industry experts, and delegates to set the stage for another day of insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration within the steel construction community.
Highlights of Day 2
Opening Remarks by Core Committee Member, ISCA
Ruchir Panwar took the stage to deliver the opening remarks for the second day of the conference. In his address, He set the tone for the day’s proceedings, highlighting the significance of the conference as a platform for fostering innovation, driving collaboration, and advancing the goals of the steel construction sector. He underscored the importance of leveraging collective expertise and experience to address the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and chart a course for sustainable growth and development.
Keynote Addresses by Executive Plant Head, Tata Steel
Kapil Modi, Executive Plant Head at Tata Steel, shared insights into the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in steel production. He highlighted Tata Steel’s role as a global leader in the steel industry and its efforts to drive technological advancements, enhance operational efficiency, and meet the evolving needs of customers and markets.
Special Address by Executive Director, Engineers India Ltd
Anurag Sinha, Executive Director at Engineers India Ltd (EIL), delivered a keynote address focusing on the role of engineering consultancy firms in supporting the growth and development of the steel sector. He discussed EIL’s contributions to major infrastructure projects, highlighting the company’s expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction management and its commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions to clients.
FireSide Chat
The FireSide Chat on ‘AI in Design & Construction’ brought together industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionising the design and construction processes. Moderated by Abhijit Shah from Walter P Moore, the session delved into the applications, challenges, and implications of AI technologies in shaping the future of the built environment. Joining the discussion were Anil Mutalik from Turner India and Shravan Bendapudi from Gensler India, each offering unique perspectives and insights into the topic.
Panel Discussions
The panel discussion on ‘Steel in Sustainable Construction’ convened industry leaders, experts, and practitioners to explore the role of steel in advancing sustainability goals within the construction sector. Against the backdrop of growing environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable development, the session examined how steel, as a versatile and recyclable material, can contribute to reducing carbon footprint, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting resilience in the built environment.
The panel discussion on ‘Steel Construction Achievements & Aspirations’ brought together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to reflect on past accomplishments, current challenges, and future aspirations in the field of steel construction. Against the backdrop of rapid urbanisation, technological advancements, and evolving market dynamics, the session provided a platform for insightful dialogue and collaborative exploration of opportunities to drive innovation, excellence, and sustainability in steel construction practices.
Unveiling the Structural Intricacies of NMIA
In a momentous occasion, the presenters at the STEEL DAY Conference unveiled the structural intricacies of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) for the first time in an open public forum. This landmark event provided attendees with a unique opportunity to gain insights into the design, engineering prowess, and construction challenges of this iconic airport project, which promises to be a transformative addition to India’s aviation infrastructure.
Experts from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and L&T Construction shared the design and engineering innovations that have been incorporated into the development of this ambitious project. Attendees were treated to a detailed exploration of the airport’s architectural vision, spatial planning, and structural design features, highlighting the integration of cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and passenger-centric amenities. From terminal design and runway configurations to air traffic management systems and environmental sustainability initiatives, presenters provided a comprehensive overview of NMIA’s design philosophy and engineering excellence.
Thoughtful Industry Support
As many as 13 brands from the steel construction industry were actively engaged at the STEEL DAY Conference. These brands played crucial roles in different capacities contributing to the success and impact of the conference.
Diamond Partners:
– Jindal Steel & Power Limited
– APL Apollo Steel Pipes
Dinner Partner:
– Suroj Buildcon
Lunch & Lanyard Partner:
– Tata BlueScope Steel Limited
Stainless Steel Partner:
– Jindal Stainless Limited
Silver Partners:
– Everest Industries
– Kirby Building Systems
– Tata Steel
Associate Partners:
– Altair Inc.
– BDN Fasteners
– Phenix Construction
– Roxul Rockwool
– Roofix Fasteners
Exclusive Media Partner:
– Steel Structures & Metal Buildings
The conference provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, insightful presentations, and collaborative engagement, fostering a spirit of innovation, excellence, and sustainability within the steel construction community. Attendees were immersed in a wealth of knowledge and expertise through thought-provoking panel discussions, engaging fireside chats, informative keynote addresses, and insightful project presentations, gaining valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry.
The STEEL DAY Conference concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended and laying the foundation for continued collaboration and success in the dynamic world of steel construction and engineering.
Sponsors
RUSHAD BANDEKAR, Executive Director, Suroj Buildcon Pvt. Ltd.
BADRUDDIN SUDANWALA, Head India – BD, Roxul Rockwool
HANS HSU, Founding Partner & VP – Sales, BDN Fasteners
MAHENDRA PINGLE, GM – Market Development, Tata BlueScope Ltd.
AMIT SANTRA, Head BD (Tata Structura), Tata Steel
NAGARAJAN P, GM – Head Sales Development, Jindal Stainless Ltd.
SHEKHAR THETE, Regional Manager (West), Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.
