Understanding the 'Why' Behind the Industry's Most Challenging Problems

As a young engineer designing transmission lines at a utility in Colorado, my boss, Dean Miller, taught me a most valuable life lesson. Dean used my engineering work to introduce and reinforce an awareness that has served me every day since. You see, Dean was short in stature, but long in enthusiasm, energy, and wisdom. At the most unexpected moment, Dean, unseen advancing in the cubicle farm, would pop around the corner of my cubicle, startling me and asking, “Hey Ron, what are you doing?”

Well, this was the easy question as I dutifully reported on some calculation, material list or structure spotting. The next question sure to follow was, “Why are you doing that?” The first time, I answered “because so-and-so told me to.” Needless to say, that was the last time I gave that answer.

Over a handful of subsequent similar interactions, I learned to always have an answer, so I was prepared for Dean’s next surprise appearance. As I reflect on those experiences early in my career, I’ve come to appreciate the priceless gift that I was given, that being, always being ready to explain why.

So you might be asking yourself why did I tell this story? Obviously, this is a good reminder of something we all should be putting into practice on a daily basis – being ready for those unexpected occasions and always knowing ‘why’ you are doing what you are doing. Reading T&D World's Lines & Structures supplement shows your interest in being ready by increasing your knowledge, which is an excellent step in the process. Taking that a step further is an upcoming event offering experiences guaranteed to change your perspectives and perceptions.

In September 2025, just nine short months from now, you will have the opportunity to attend the premier event in the power delivery industry! The Electrical Transmission & Substation Structures (ETS) Conference meets in Dallas, Texas. This conference is held only once every three years. It will showcase more than 40 authors from across North America and beyond.

The ETS conference explains the ‘why’ of our industry’s most challenging projects and groundbreaking solutions to structural problems big and small. The ETS Conference Steering Committee received more than 150 abstracts. From those the committee selected the 35 most relevant submittals for papers and presentations. Each provide insights to structural analysis and design for the construction, operation and maintenance of transmission lines and substations.

As in the past we have a blockbuster program, starting with pre-conference workshops on Sunday followed by three days of presentations. The conference concludes Thursday with field trips to manufacturing facilities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The educational content does not stop with the workshops, paper sessions and field trips. That is because more than 100 exhibitors will be set up to explain the ‘why’ of their products, services and solutions during meals, session breaks and evening events. And unlike any other conference, the many sponsors provide breakfast, lunch, and appetizers at nightly receptions.

This conference, without question, is the signature event for our industry. With more than 1,500 of your friends and colleagues in attendance, networking is easy. You’ll be able to connect and reconnect with industry experts, engineers and scientists from utilities, consulting, manufacturing, academia, and government. They are all ready to talk about the ‘why’ of what they do.

The ETS Conference and ASCE/SEI also have an eye on the future. The SEI Futures Fund is offering scholarships to aspiring, soon to graduate, engineers to attend the conference. And to make the most of this experience, the ETS Conference Steering Committee is organizing a mentoring program to support these individuals while attending the conference. If you are interested in giving back, mentor volunteers are welcome.

So be sure to put Sept. 14-18, 2025, on your calendar! You don’t want to wait until 2028 for the next opportunity to see the passion of our most talented colleagues! You want to be able to hear them explain the ‘why’ behind their solutions to our most challenging structural problems. I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Dallas.