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SMU NexGen Leadership Award 2026

The Future of Steel Starts With You.

Are you — or someone on your team — redefining what leadership in steel looks like?

The SMU NexGen Leadership Award, is awarded to an individual working in a manufacturing or fabrication company that utilizes mild carbon or automotive grade steels in their products, steel distributors (service centers or wholesalers), steel mills, trading companies or toll processors. 

Why Nominate?

Accelerate your career

Gain industry-wide recognition and position yourself as one of steel’s rising leaders. Finalists and winners earn powerful visibility that sets them apart.

Spotlight your company

Your leadership reflects your organization. This award brings national exposure to both you and your company.

Cover feature in Modern Metals

The winner appears on the cover of Modern Metals magazine — plus a two-page feature highlighting you and your organization.

Exclusive VIP Access

All finalists receive an invitation to a private VIP networking event at Steel Summit with steel mill leaders, CEOs, and senior executives across the supply chain.

You won’t just attend — you’ll connect.

Shape the industry’s future

Help showcase the innovation, technology, and leadership happening in modern steel — and inspire the next generation to join the industry.

Who’s Eligible?

Nominate yourself or a colleague.

Candidates must:

  • Be 35 or younger by August 1, 2026
  • Work at a steel mill, service center, manufacturer/fabricator, trading company, or toll processor

What Finalists Receive

  • Complimentary registration to the 2026 SMU Steel Summit
  • Travel stipend (airfare + hotel)
  • Invitation to the VIP Finalist Dinner

What the Winner Receives

  • Cover feature in Modern Metals
  • Recognition across SMU and Steel Summit platforms
  • Complimentary registration to 2027 Steel Summit
  • Complimentary Steel 101 or Steel 201 workshop
  • Award presentation video + trophy

Nominations Close: June 8, 2026

If you’re building what’s next in steel — or know someone who is — now’s the time.

Important Dates

Nominations Open

Monday, March 16, 2026

Nominations Close

June 12, 2026

Blind Judging Preparation

June 15-19, 2026

Judging Period

June 22 - July 7, 2026

Finalists Announced

July 9, 2026

VIP Event for Finalists

August 24, 2026

Award Presentation

August 25, 2026

The SMU NexGen Leadership Award is sponsored by: