Refractory Technology Committee Meeting

11–12 February 2026 • Residence Inn by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center • Las Vegas, NV, USA

►Agenda (PDF)
►Register or contact ldlugopolski@aist.org

Tour of Nucor Steel Kingman

Hotel Arrangements

Residence Inn by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center
3225 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Reserve by 16 January for AIST Room Rate of US$160
For reservations, book online  

AIST technology committee members are asked to print out the latest revised meeting agenda from our website one week prior to this meeting.

Wednesday 11 February

 Breakfast     <07:00 a.m.>

  1. Chair’s opening remarks – Angelo Cristante     <08:00 a.m.>
  2. Appoint minute-taker
  3. Antitrust guidelines
  4. Membership and attendance
  5. Review minutes of previous meeting – 23 October 2025 Cincinnati, OH
  6. AIST Staff Announcements
  7. AIST Steel Industry Fatalities
  8. Main agenda items
    • Finalize AISTech sessions – Ashraf Hanna
      • Papers due to AIST (17 February)
      • Author Registration deadline (5 March)
      • Presentation Draft Due in to AIST (17 March)
      • Re-emphasize the role of Session Chair and Papers Chair
        • Paper Chair Role—This position is a leadership role within a Technology Committee or Subcommittee tasked with the development of AISTech technical sessions and the management and oversight of the Technology Committee session chairs. The role of Papers Chair is to ensure authors are in compliance with AIST policies for paper and presentation submissions and to ensure that authors register.  Many of these tasks are delegated to the Session Chairs but the Papers Chair is ultimately responsible for the development and execution of the Technology Committee’s AISTech technical sessions. The Papers Chair may also be responsible in coordinating the selection of the Technology Committee’s Best Paper Award winner (if applicable).
        • The Paper Chair role also includes membership on the Board of Director’s Conference Planning Committee (CPC).  The CPC meets four times throughout the year to plan and review details related to the AISTech conference. Participation in the CPC meetings is highly recommended as it provides insight to the development and execution of the world’s largest annual iron and steel conference and exposition.  Participation can be in person or by video conference.
        • Session Chair Role— This position supports the Papers Chair of the respective technology committee by communicating to the authors on topic content as well as on missing or late submission of required information. The Session Chairs will review and evaluate the paper and presentation files for content as well as for publication and awards (an evaluation form will be provided). Your AIST staff engineer will provide staff support to ensure your success in fulfilling the duties of a Session Chair. Session chairs are also on site at the AISTech conference in their session room to facilitate the flow of the session including introducing speakers, moderating question and answer sessions, as well as handing out certificates.
  • Nominations for committee officers
  • Technology Training conference – Steelmaking Refractories – A Practical Training Seminar, October 2026 – Jimmy Barrett & Karen Uffalussy
  • Study Tour planning – Rakesh Dhaka
  • Update from liaisons — 
    • Digital Transformation Subcommittee – Karen Uffalussy
    • Decarbonization – Jamie Lash
    • Young Professionals – Tyler Richards

 Discussion items

 TBD

  1. Next meeting – AISTech–Pittsburgh, PA, TBD
  2. Lunch    <Noon>
  3. Presentations   <01:00 p.m.>
  4. Presentation by William Porter, PRCO America Inc.
  5. Presentation by Vince Pilotta, Alkegen
  6. Adjourn                                                     <04:30 p.m.> 

Thursday 12 February

  1. Leave for Nucor Steel Kingman (approx. 2 hour drive)   <07:30 a.m.>

Nucor Steel Kingman
3000 W. Old Hwy. 66, Kingman, AZ 86413

  1. Tour Nucor Steel Kingman  <09:30 a.m.>

Important PPE Requirements: Everyone must wear long pants that cover to the ankle, and long sleeve shirts that cover to the wrist without rips or tears.   Attendees MUST bring and wear closed toed shoes.  Attendees can bring PPE, but PPE is available on site.

  1. Drive back to hotel (approx. 2 hour drive)        <Noon>
  2. Chair conclusion – Angelo Cristante

Adjourn         <02:00 p.m.>