AIST 2025 Leadership Conference

18–20 November 2025 • The Scottsdale Resort and Spa • Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Tuesday, 18 November

11 a.m.–4 p.m.Off-Site Activities (Optional)
Prior to the start of the AIST Leadership Conference on Tuesday, 18 November, we are offering optional activities at the Seguaro Lake Ranch. Advance registration is required and is based on availability. 
Options include: Guided Salt River rafting, kayaking, scenic Arizona hiking, and horseback riding.
5:30–7 p.m.Welcome Reception and Registration

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Wednesday, 19 November

7:30–8:30 a.m.Breakfast and Registration
8:30–9:15 a.m.Welcome by AIST Executive Director, Agenda Review and Attendee Introductions
9:15–10:15 a.m.North American Steel Update
10:15–10:45 a.m.Break    
10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.Driving Progress: AIST Strategic Plan & Program Updates
This session will share progress on AIST’s Strategic Plan and key initiatives identified by our leadership to advance the association’s mission and strengthen member engagement. Attendees will hear updates on accomplishments to date, challenges addressed, and priorities moving forward.
12–1 p.m.Lunch
1–2:15 p.m.It’s November: Do You Know Where Your Economy Is?
Chris Kuehl, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Armada Corporate Intelligence 
This is rapidly shifting landscape and as J.K. Galbraith once pointed out – “there are two kinds of forecasters – those that don’t know and those that don’t know they don’t know”. The presentation will focus on the latest developments in the trade and tariff wars with special emphasis on what is happening in the metal markets.
2:15–2:45 p.m. Break
2:45–3:30 p.m.“Air-It-Out” Discussion — Questions, Comments, Concerns
3:30–5 p.m.Panel Discussion: Forging the Future: AI’s Impact on the Steel Industry – Realities, Trends, and Lessons Learned
Moderator: Edgardo LaBruna, Janus Automation
Panelists: 
  • Steffen Klawitter, Siemens Industry Inc.
  • Gianluca Maccani, POLYTEC USA Corp.
  • Paul Thurber, Everguard AI
  • Chenn Zhou, CIVS, Purdue University Northwest
This panel aims to bring together solution providers and end-users from across the steel industry to explore real-world applications of Artificial Intelligence in steelmaking. Through an open and focused conversation, we’ll examine success stories, emerging trends, implementation challenges, and the measurable benefits that AI has delivered across different parts of the value chain. The discussion will seek to increase understanding in how AI is transforming steel operations, what works, what are the challenges and opportunities, and how collaborations between solution providers and end-users achieve the next phase of digitally transforming steel manufacturing. 
5:30–6:30 p.m.Networking Reception

Thursday, 20 November

8–9 a.m.Breakfast
9–10 a.m.Leadership Perspectives
Wendell Carter, retired – Executive Vice President of Technology, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
10–10:15 a.m.Break
10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.Member Chapter Roundtable: Strengthening Local Leadership
This roundtable will bring together Member Chapter officers to review the newly established financial oversight policy, explore the proposed Memphis chapter framework, and address annual housekeeping items. Participants will also exchange best practices and discuss ways to strengthen engagement, supporting chapter leaders in their vital role of advancing AIST’s mission locally.

Technology Committee Roundtable: Synergy of Best Practices 
A roundtable discussion providing Technology Committee representatives the opportunity to learn from one another as to what other Technology Committees do in achieving their own Mission Statement as well as AIST’s.
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.“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. 
2:30–2:45 p.m.Conference Summary
3–5 p.m.AIST Board of Directors Meeting (private)  
 *All posted times are subject to change.