July 2, 2026
GFT Helps Lead the Conversation at IBC 2026
Leadership, Technical Expertise, and Industry Recognition
GFT’s Jen Laning Opens the 2026 International Bridge Conference
When National Bridge Inspection Practice Leader Jen Laning stepped to the podium to open the 2026 International Bridge Conference (IBC) in Pittsburgh, it wasn’t just a moment for GFT; it was a signal about where bridge engineering is headed. Laning served as general chair of IBC, a significant leadership role in the conference’s annual program, helping guide one of the bridge industry’s premier events attended by bridge owners, engineers, and inspectors from across the world.
Alongside Laning, GFT’s Michael Cuddy served as technical chair, and Jay Hyland contributed as a member of the conference’s executive committee. Together, they helped shape the conference program, technical content, and attendee experience.
Laning opened the conference with a keynote focused on the work ahead for the profession and the importance of staying connected as an industry. Her message reflected a shared reality facing bridge owners, engineers, and inspectors alike: while infrastructure challenges are growing, so are the collaboration, experience, and innovation needed to address them.
Sharing Real-World Experience Across the Industry
As a Silver Sponsor, GFT also contributed eight technical presentations and four chaired sessions, including two sessions chaired by Cuddy and two by Hyland. The presentations reflected some of the most important conversations happening across the bridge industry today. Topics included AI-assisted bridge design, rope access inspection techniques, rehabilitation of historic and rail structures, innovative pedestrian bridge delivery, advanced structural analysis, and modernization of aging infrastructure. Together, these sessions highlighted how bridge owners and engineers are balancing emerging technologies with the ongoing need to maintain, inspect, and improve critical infrastructure.
Featured in the Pittsburgh Engineer
GFT’s contributions extended beyond the conference program and into industry publications. The Pittsburgh Engineer’s Summer 2026 Special IBC Edition centered on the theme “Celebrating Women in Bridge Engineering” and featured three GFT bridge professionals whose work reflects different areas of the profession, from industry leadership and major reconstruction efforts to bridge inspection and public safety.
Featured Insights
- Jen Laning (p. 4): A welcome message to IBC attendees and a perspective on the role of the bridge community in advancing the profession.
- Cayty Dean (p. 13): Leadership on complex reconstruction efforts through coordination, collaboration, and project delivery.
- Melissa Chanto Lukert (p. 18): How field experience, safety, and engineering judgment support effective bridge inspection programs.
Industry Perspectives Shared with Roads & Bridges
During the conference, GFT professionals also contributed to broader industry conversations through two interviews with Roads & Bridges magazine. In her interview, Laning discussed mentorship and workforce development, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of bridge engineers. Rope Access Program Administrator Dillon Winters explored how rope access, a method that uses climbing ropes and harnesses to inspect hard-to-reach infrastructure, is changing how inspections are performed, helping teams safely access critical bridge components while improving field efficiency by reducing costly road closures. These discussions explored some of the profession’s most pressing challenges and demonstrated how GFT is adapting and leading in real time.
Watch the Interviews
Laning on mentorship and leadership insights shaping the next generation of bridge engineers.
Winters discusses how rope access is advancing safer, more efficient bridge inspections.
Looking Ahead
IBC 2026 reinforced an important reality for the bridge industry: the work ahead is significant, but so is the experience, commitment, and collaboration dedicated to addressing it. From conference leadership and technical sessions to industry publications and media interviews, GFT’s contributions reflected a continued focus on sharing knowledge, shaping the profession, and advancing bridge engineering.
Media Contact
Jill Black
Chief Marketing Communications Officer
Jill Black is a strategic, results-driven marketing and communications leader with over 20 years of experience. She has driven two major rebrands and merger and acquisition communications, spanning brand storytelling, digital strategy, thought leadership, and conference engagement to strengthen GFT's reputation and impact.
Jill Black
Chief Marketing Communications Officer
Jill Black is a strategic, results-driven marketing and communications leader with over 20 years of experience. She has driven two major rebrands and merger and acquisition communications, spanning brand storytelling, digital strategy, thought leadership, and conference engagement to strengthen GFT's reputation and impact.
Jill Black
Chief Marketing Communications Officer
Jill Black is a strategic, results-driven marketing and communications leader with over 20 years of experience. She has driven two major rebrands and merger and acquisition communications, spanning brand storytelling, digital strategy, thought leadership, and conference engagement to strengthen GFT's reputation and impact.
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John Bergman, PE
Salvatore “Sal” Costanzo
