"With most regions of the world experiencing steel demand growth for 2018 and 2019, there’s increasing opportunity for investment. AISTech provides the full spectrum of technology solutions for sound capital deployment, from alternative iron production to thermomechanical rolling for advanced high-strength steels," said AIST executive director Ron Ashburn.

This year, 493 suppliers of tools, machinery and services are represented in the show’s exhibit hall, which covers nearly 89,000 square feet.

"There is no greater gathering of steel technology expertise in the world this year," said Ashburn.

The show unofficially opened today with the annual AIST Foundation Golf Classic, this year held at Scotland Run Golf Club in Williamstown, N.J. Twelve dozen  golfers participated in the sold-out event. Proceeds benefit the AIST Foundation.

The conference will shift into full gear on Monday, opening with the AIST J. Keith Brimacombe Memorial Lecture. Colorado School of Mines metallurgist and professor John Speer is set to deliver a presentation titled, “The Continuing Development of Modern Steel Products.”

The lecture is but one of more than 500 technical papers and presentations scheduled for this week.

"In parallel with this growth in regional steel demand, we’re also witnessing the rapid advancement of equipment technology. AISTech serves an important role by effectively disseminating this knowledge throughout the industry, helping companies compete and thrive, which leads to improved sustainability for steel," Ashburn said. 

On Tuesday, AIST president Randy Skagen will honor several industry participants for their contributions to both AIST and to steelmaking during the President’s Award Breakfast. Skagen also will present AIST’s Steelmaker of the Year award to AK Steel Corp. chief executive Roger Newport, who will deliver the keynote speech during the event.

On Wednesday, attendees will have a chance to hear about the state of the industry directly from several top executives during the Town Hall Forum. On the panel this year are Steel Dynamics Inc. chief executive Mark Millett; Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. chairman and chief executive Lourenco Goncalves; B. Thad Solomon, vice president and general manager of Nucor-Yamato Steel Co.; and James L. Bruno, senior vice president of automotive solutions at United States Steel Corporation.

"Whether you’ve traveled from near or far, we hope everyone enjoys their experience this week in the City of Brotherly Love," Ashburn said.