AIST 2026 Leadership Conference
11–13 November 2026 • The Broadmoor • Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Wednesday, 11 November | |
| 1 p.m.–4 p.m. | Off-Site Activities (Optional) |
| 5:30–7 p.m. | Welcome Reception and Registration |
PREMIER SPONSOR
EVENT SPONSORS
Thursday, 12 November | |
| 7–8 a.m. | Breakfast and Registration |
| 8–8:45 a.m. | Welcome by AIST Executive Director, Agenda Review and Attendee Introductions |
| 8:45–9:45 a.m. | North American Steel Update |
| 9:45–10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 a.m.–12 p.m. | Economic Perspectives Chris Kuehl, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Armada Corporate Intelligence |
| 12–1 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1–1:45 p.m. | AIST Strategic Plan & Program Updates |
| 1:45–2:30 p.m. | BreakRapid Fire “Air-It-Out” Discussion — Questions, Comments, Concerns |
| 2:30–3 p.m. | Break |
| 3–4:30 p.m. | Leading Through Uncertainty: Train Your Brain for What's Next Jamie Lewis Smith, PhD Steel industry leaders operate in a sector defined by rapid technological change, market volatility, and workforce evolution. Navigating these challenges requires more than technical expertise, it demands adaptability, resilience, and the ability to lead teams confidently through uncertainty. In this science-backed keynote, Dr. Jamie Lewis Smith blends neuroscience, psychology, and practical leadership strategies to help you understand how the brain responds to change and why even the most experienced leaders can become reactive or overwhelmed when the environment keeps shifting. Discover the hidden mental habits that shape your decisions and learn how to train your brain to become more adaptable, resilient, and effective, no matter what comes next. |
| 3–4:30 p.m. | “Steel Pursuit” Trivia A Leadership tradition, this interactive trivia activity challenges attendees to a friendly competition testing their knowledge in a variety of categories including conference content, industry, and all things AIST. |
| 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Reception |
Friday, 13 November | |
| 8–9 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9–10 a.m. | Leadership Perspectives |
| 10–10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | “The Furnace” |
| 10:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. | Executive Committee Meeting (private) |
| 12:15–1:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:30–2:30 p.m. | “The Furnace” (continued) |
| 2:30–2:45 p.m. | Conference Summary and Closing |
| 3–5 p.m. | AIST Board of Directors Meeting (private) |
| *All posted times are subject to change. | |