Conference Opening

Ronald Ashburn, Executive Director, Association for Iron & Steel Technology

Tech Talk: Engage With the Machine 

Steelmakers can reap tremendous benefits through artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic solutions. More than just hype, these powerful tools deliver cost savings, enhanced safety, improved quality and greater customer service. Our panel will discuss real-world applications and trends for digital, autonomous tools. 

Moderator: Ronald Ashburn, Executive Director, Association for Iron & Steel Technology

Panelists:

• Berk Birand, Chief Executive Officer, Fero Labs
• Jake Loosararian, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gecko Robotics

Tech Talk: The Transition to Carbon-Neutral Iron 

Hydrogen-reduced iron remains a promising path to carbon neutrality, but the hydrogen sector is not materializing at the speed and scale initially envisioned. Nevertheless, steelmakers continue to adopt alternatives to the blast furnace in their pursuit of greener iron units. This panel will examine trends, feedstock and technological innovations. 

Moderator: Ronald Ashburn, Executive Director, Association for Iron & Steel Technology

Panelists:

• Stephen Montague, Member of the Board, Midrex 

Networking Break

Steel Raw Material Panel

John Lichtenstein, Managing Partner, World Steel Dynamics

Panelists:

• Andrew De Simone, Country Manager USA, Vale; Managing Officer, Vale USA LLC 
• Allen C. Behr, Executive Vice President, Raw Materials, Nucor Corp.
• Ernie Thrasher, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, XCoal Energy
• Martin Dionne, Global Director Iron Ore & Coal-Graphite Primary Processing, Hatch 

Interview With North American Steel Industry Executive 

Moderator: Philipp Englin, Chief Executive Officer, World Steel Dynamics

Networking Lunch

Tech Talk: Better Outcomes Through OpEx Optimization 

Energy, raw materials and labor are the top costs for producing steel. Prudent steelmakers also closely monitor their equipment operating costs. Technology partners are responding with an array of solutions to reduce maintenance, automate control and lower risk. This panel will delve into technologies reshaping operational efficiency.

Moderator: Ronald Ashburn, Executive Director, Association for Iron & Steel Technology

Panelists:

• Lee Morgan, Chief Executive Officer and President, The Systems Group

Interview

TV Narendran, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Steel

Willy Korf/Ken Iverson Steel Vision Award and Willy Korf Young Excellence Award Ceremony   

• Steel Vision Award Recipient
  TV Narendran, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Steel
• Young Excellence Award Recipient
  TBD

Networking Break

Interview With Steel Industry Executive

European Steel Perspectives Panel

Cocktail Reception

Opening Session

Philipp Englin, Chief Executive Officer, World Steel Dynamics

International Steel Perspectives

Moderator: Edwin Basson, Director General, World Steel Association

Panelists:

• Kevin Dempsey, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Iron and Steel Institute
• Martin Theuringer, Managing Director, Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl
• Ezequiel Tavernelli, Executive Director, Alacero
• Alok Sashay, Secretary General and Executive Head, Indian Steel Association
• Representative from CISA

Interview With Steel Industry Executive

Networking Break

Presentation

Interview With Latin America Steel Industry Executive

Moderator: John Lichtenstein, Managing Partner, World Steel Dynamics

Networking Lunch

Tech Talk: Innovations in Mill Design 

From the outside, the steel sector may seem monolithic, endlessly producing a commoditized material in a highly competitive, globally oriented business. The reality is that differentiation and efficiency is leading the best steel producers to sustainable profits. This panel will explore innovative mill design that will set the best apart from the rest. 

Moderator: Ronald Ashburn, Executive Director, Association for Iron & Steel Technology

Panelists:

• Joseph Dzierzawski, Vice President of Sales and Strategy, Primetals Technologies USA LLC
• Representative from Danieli

Presentation

Shannon K. O’Neil, Senior Vice President, Director of Studies and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair, Council on Foreign Relations

Analyst Roundtable

Leading industry analysts come together for an insightful debate on the future of the global steel industry. This session will explore key market trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the sector, providing expert perspectives on what lies ahead.

Moderator: Adam Green, Managing Partner, World Steel Dynamics

Networking Break

North American Service Center Panel

Moderator: Philip Bell, President, Steel Manufacturers Association

Interview With Steel Industry Executive

Moderator: Philipp Englin, Chief Executive Officer, World Steel Dynamics

Cocktail Reception