SMU Agenda

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  • 24 Aug MON
  • 25 Aug TUE
  • 26 Aug WED
Monday, Aug 24
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Registration Open

Sponsored by:

 

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

All-Day Beverages

Sponsored by:


Networking
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Lobby Stage: TBD

Lobby Stage
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Lobby Stage: The Invisible Essential: Why EAF Steelmaking Runs on Graphite Electrodes

Sponsored by:

 


Every ton of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel starts with an electric arc — and every arc runs through a graphite electrode. There is no substitute, no workaround, and no EAF steelmaking without it. Yet the market behind this mission-critical consumable is under quiet strain: capacity has been shrinking outside China, new EAF projects keep adding demand, and the battery boom is now competing for the same raw material. In this session, we follow the journey from oil to arc and unpack what it means for supply security, pricing, and the future of low-carbon steel production. Whether you make steel, buy it, trade it, analyze it, or write about it — this is the session that explains what keeps the arc burning.

 

Lobby Stage
M
Mike Dillon
A
Alexey Simushkin
E
Ethan Bernard
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Break

Break
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM

Pre-Conference Workshop: Futures Panel

Main Session
S
Spencer Johnson
A
Alex Alcantara
E
Ed Karasek
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

CRU Price Case Study

In a market defined by pricing volatility, manufacturers and service centers need buying strategies that are both competitive and resilient. This panel will explore how steel pricing benchmarks can be used to help reduce risk, improve transparency, and support smarter procurement decisions. Our panel of experts will share approaches that help buyers stay aligned with market movements, ensure consistent supply, and protect margins when conditions shift. For anyone responsible for direct material costs, supply continuity or contract management, this panel will bring clarity on how pricing benchmarks can boost visibility and confidence in the steel procurement process.
Main Session
E
Estelle Tran
C
Chris Shipp
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Pre-Conference Workshop: Technology That Works: Real-World Digital Transformation in Metals

Sponsored by:




Join this candid panel discussion on the technologies delivering real operational and commercial value across the metals industry. We’ll explore the most pressing digital transformation questions facing the sector in 2026 and beyond. The panel will examine build versus buy decisions, identify the single technology having the greatest impact, and discuss how business use cases, not just technology alone, drives successful outcomes. The panel will also consider whether user adoption remains the biggest challenge, share lessons learned from deploying AI in industrial settings, and review insights from Crowe’s Technology in Metals Survey. This session offers practical perspectives, honest debate, and real-world lessons for organizations looking to turn digital ambition into measurable impact.
Main Session
T
Tony Barnes
D
David Schollaert
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

Lunch

Sponsored by:




Networking
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Aluminum Hedging 101

PART 1: Introductory Concepts -The “Why?” of Hedging -The Basic Practices -Facilities (trading venues) -Futures vs OTC Markets, Margins and Credit -Understanding your Risks

PART 2: The Unique World of the London Metal Exchange -a brief history -key features/unique aspects of the exchange -the LME trading day and terminology -connecting to the physical world

Part 3: Application of Concepts -case studies -forwards, averaging, options -Conclusions

Lobby Stage
L
Lucian Zebrowski
J
Jacob Blood
S
Spencer Johnson
Lobby Stage
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Opening of the Conference

Main Session
D
David Schollaert
M
Michael Cowden
1:15 PM - 2:20 PM

Keynote Presentation: How the Future of Automobiles Could Impact the Steel Industry

This presentation frames the future of automobiles based on maturing and emerging technology, and global competition. It then assesses how this future could impact the use of materials in vehicles with focus on steel and aluminum. It concludes with advice on how to position for the future.
Main Session
D
David Schollaert
L
Lawrence D. Burns
1:15 PM - 2:20 PM

Keynote Presentation: How the Future of Automobiles Could Impact the Steel Industry

This presentation frames the future of automobiles based on maturing and emerging technology, and global competition.  It then assesses how this future could impact the use of materials in vehicles with focus on steel and aluminum. It concludes with advice on how to position for the future.

SMU Main Session
L
Lawrence D. Burns
SMU Auditorium
2:20 PM - 2:40 PM

Break


Sponsored by:




Networking
2:20 PM - 2:40 PM

Break

Break
2:40 PM - 3:45 PM

The Outlook for Steel into 2027 and Beyond

Join Josh, Timna, and John, for a timely discussion on the outlook for U.S. steel markets as prices continue to rise amid falling imports and tightening supply. With hot-rolled coil now above $1,000 per ton, the session will examine how last year’s low pricing suppressed imports, how weekly increases from producers are shaping market behavior, and whether the current shortage will persist or deepen. We will also look at cost curves, the likely sources of future imports, and how supply, demand, and pricing are expected to rebalance in 2027 as more domestic and North American capacity comes online. The discussion will explore the implications of USMCA, 232 tariffs, and the push toward a more “fortress North America” supply model, while also outlining the best commercial strategies for balancing contract and spot purchasing and building inventory in a volatile market.
Main Session
T
Timna Tanners
M
Michael Cowden
J
Josh Spoores
J
John Anton
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Fireside Chat with Barry Schneider

Join Barry Schneider for a candid discussion on the state of the US flat-rolled steel market, including demand trends, capital investment, and how Steel Dynamics is positioning itself in a market shaped by tariffs, changing end-use demand, and ongoing shifts in domestic supply. As one of the industry’s most influential operators, his perspective will offer valuable insight into mill strategy, operating discipline and the outlook for North American steel.
Main Session
B
Barry Schneider
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Fireside Chat

SMU Main Session
B
Barry Schneider
SMU Auditorium
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Fireside Chat with Worthington Steel

In this discussion, Geoff Gilmore will share an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing a major steel processor and solutions provider in today’s market. The conversation will explore demand across key end markets, the role of service centers and processors in managing volatility, and how Worthington Steel is navigating pricing, inventory and customer expectations in a more complex steel environment. And what else might be in store after the historic acquisition of Kloeckner.
Main Session
G
Geoff Gilmore
4:45 PM - 6:00 PM

Networking Reception


Sponsored by:




Tuesday, Aug 25
Wednesday, Aug 26

AMU Agenda

Filter by Type

Types
  • 24 Aug MON
  • 25 Aug TUE
  • 26 Aug WED
Monday, Aug 24
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Registration Open

Sponsored by:

 

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

All-Day Beverages

Sponsored by:


Networking
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Lobby Stage: TBD

Lobby Stage
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Lobby Stage: The Invisible Essential: Why EAF Steelmaking Runs on Graphite Electrodes

Sponsored by:

 


Every ton of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel starts with an electric arc — and every arc runs through a graphite electrode. There is no substitute, no workaround, and no EAF steelmaking without it. Yet the market behind this mission-critical consumable is under quiet strain: capacity has been shrinking outside China, new EAF projects keep adding demand, and the battery boom is now competing for the same raw material. In this session, we follow the journey from oil to arc and unpack what it means for supply security, pricing, and the future of low-carbon steel production. Whether you make steel, buy it, trade it, analyze it, or write about it — this is the session that explains what keeps the arc burning.

 

Lobby Stage
M
Mike Dillon
A
Alexey Simushkin
E
Ethan Bernard
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Break

Break
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM

Pre-Conference Workshop: Futures Panel

Main Session
S
Spencer Johnson
A
Alex Alcantara
E
Ed Karasek
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

CRU Price Case Study

In a market defined by pricing volatility, manufacturers and service centers need buying strategies that are both competitive and resilient. This panel will explore how steel pricing benchmarks can be used to help reduce risk, improve transparency, and support smarter procurement decisions. Our panel of experts will share approaches that help buyers stay aligned with market movements, ensure consistent supply, and protect margins when conditions shift. For anyone responsible for direct material costs, supply continuity or contract management, this panel will bring clarity on how pricing benchmarks can boost visibility and confidence in the steel procurement process.
Main Session
E
Estelle Tran
C
Chris Shipp
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Pre-Conference Workshop: Technology That Works: Real-World Digital Transformation in Metals

Sponsored by:




Join this candid panel discussion on the technologies delivering real operational and commercial value across the metals industry. We’ll explore the most pressing digital transformation questions facing the sector in 2026 and beyond. The panel will examine build versus buy decisions, identify the single technology having the greatest impact, and discuss how business use cases, not just technology alone, drives successful outcomes. The panel will also consider whether user adoption remains the biggest challenge, share lessons learned from deploying AI in industrial settings, and review insights from Crowe’s Technology in Metals Survey. This session offers practical perspectives, honest debate, and real-world lessons for organizations looking to turn digital ambition into measurable impact.
Main Session
T
Tony Barnes
D
David Schollaert
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

Lunch

Sponsored by:




Networking
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Aluminum Hedging 101

PART 1: Introductory Concepts -The “Why?” of Hedging -The Basic Practices -Facilities (trading venues) -Futures vs OTC Markets, Margins and Credit -Understanding your Risks

PART 2: The Unique World of the London Metal Exchange -a brief history -key features/unique aspects of the exchange -the LME trading day and terminology -connecting to the physical world

Part 3: Application of Concepts -case studies -forwards, averaging, options -Conclusions

Lobby Stage
L
Lucian Zebrowski
J
Jacob Blood
S
Spencer Johnson
Lobby Stage
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Opening of the Conference

Main Session
D
David Schollaert
M
Michael Cowden
1:15 PM - 2:20 PM

Keynote Presentation: How the Future of Automobiles Could Impact the Steel Industry

This presentation frames the future of automobiles based on maturing and emerging technology, and global competition. It then assesses how this future could impact the use of materials in vehicles with focus on steel and aluminum. It concludes with advice on how to position for the future.
Main Session
D
David Schollaert
L
Lawrence D. Burns
1:15 PM - 2:20 PM

Keynote Presentation: How the Future of Automobiles Could Impact the Steel Industry

This presentation frames the future of automobiles based on maturing and emerging technology, and global competition.  It then assesses how this future could impact the use of materials in vehicles with focus on steel and aluminum. It concludes with advice on how to position for the future.

SMU Main Session
L
Lawrence D. Burns
SMU Auditorium
2:20 PM - 2:40 PM

Break


Sponsored by:




Networking
2:20 PM - 2:40 PM

Break

Break
2:40 PM - 3:45 PM

The Outlook for Steel into 2027 and Beyond

Join Josh, Timna, and John, for a timely discussion on the outlook for U.S. steel markets as prices continue to rise amid falling imports and tightening supply. With hot-rolled coil now above $1,000 per ton, the session will examine how last year’s low pricing suppressed imports, how weekly increases from producers are shaping market behavior, and whether the current shortage will persist or deepen. We will also look at cost curves, the likely sources of future imports, and how supply, demand, and pricing are expected to rebalance in 2027 as more domestic and North American capacity comes online. The discussion will explore the implications of USMCA, 232 tariffs, and the push toward a more “fortress North America” supply model, while also outlining the best commercial strategies for balancing contract and spot purchasing and building inventory in a volatile market.
Main Session
T
Timna Tanners
M
Michael Cowden
J
Josh Spoores
J
John Anton
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Fireside Chat with Barry Schneider

Join Barry Schneider for a candid discussion on the state of the US flat-rolled steel market, including demand trends, capital investment, and how Steel Dynamics is positioning itself in a market shaped by tariffs, changing end-use demand, and ongoing shifts in domestic supply. As one of the industry’s most influential operators, his perspective will offer valuable insight into mill strategy, operating discipline and the outlook for North American steel.
Main Session
B
Barry Schneider
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Fireside Chat

SMU Main Session
B
Barry Schneider
SMU Auditorium
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Fireside Chat with Worthington Steel

In this discussion, Geoff Gilmore will share an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing a major steel processor and solutions provider in today’s market. The conversation will explore demand across key end markets, the role of service centers and processors in managing volatility, and how Worthington Steel is navigating pricing, inventory and customer expectations in a more complex steel environment. And what else might be in store after the historic acquisition of Kloeckner.
Main Session
G
Geoff Gilmore
4:45 PM - 6:00 PM

Networking Reception


Sponsored by:




Tuesday, Aug 25
Wednesday, Aug 26

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SMU Steel Summit 2026

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