SMU Steel 101 Workshop – Adjusts to the Needs of the Industry

This will be our 30th Steel 101 Workshop since inception.

The Steel Market Update Steel 101: Introduction to Steel Making & Market Fundamentals Workshop has trained close to 1,000 people since it began. Over the years we have adjusted the program to better suit the needs of our attendees, and to capitalize on the strengths of our experienced instructors.

The additions of Roger Walburn, metallurgist and commercial specialist with NLMK USA, and Sandy Simon, commercial specialist and consultant, along with purchasing specialist Mario Briccetti, metallurgist Chuck McDaniel and SMU President & CEO John Packard (who also happens to have 31 years of active steel sales and purchasing experience) have given us a talented team with whom you can interact and learn. Combined, these industry veterans have more than 100 years of steel experience.

“The most informative Steel Workshop I’ve ever been to! Presented by a superb and diverse group of speakers.” Chuck Permar, Heidtman Steel Products, Inc.

The purpose of our Steel 101 workshop is to expose those new to the industry (or executives who are looking for a deeper base of knowledge) on how steel is produced both from an integrated mill perspective as well as the “minimill” or electric arc furnace (EAF) vantage point. We discuss the commodities that make up steel. We go into detail about how various qualities of steel are made and what affects the strength or formability of various grades of steel. We walk our attendees through how steel is bought and sold, and some of the key factors that impact supply, demand and ultimately the selling prices of steel.

“It was very well done. I liked the interactive aspect of it. The presenters gave us real-world information with examples. It was just technical enough without being too difficult to understand.” Jonathan Lucas, NCI Group

One of the keys to the success of our Steel 101 workshop is the ability for attendees to tour a working steel mill to see first-hand what we discussed with them earlier in the day. The January workshop will feature California Steel Industries. This will be the third time we tour the CSI flat rolled steel facilities, which also include pipe rolling operations.

There are other areas of our workshop that are also “hands on” as we want those attending to get as close to the subject matter as possible. It is this “hands on” approach that makes our workshop unique and an enjoyable learning experience for those who are lucky enough to secure a seat.

Right now we have plenty of space available for those who would like to attend our Jan. 8-9, 2020, workshop in California. You can learn more details about the workshop, costs to attend and how to register on our website: www.SteelMarketUpdate.com/events/steel101 or you can contact Brett Linton at 770-299-9897. You are also welcome to contact SMU President & CEO John Packard at John@SteelMarketUpdate.com and he will gladly answer any queries you might have.

“I thought the class was amazing and very helpful for someone like me who was new to the market. I appreciated the time each instructor took to ensure every question was answered. I’d love to go to another one next year even if it comes out of my own pocket. A+” Chris Burkepile, Kloeckner Metals