NEW Wire Rod and Wire Products Conference

Registration and Exhibits Open

Welcome Cocktail Reception

Registration and Exhibits

Continental Breakfast

Opening Remarks

Keynote Presentation

Highlight Speaker

Turbulence in the Forecast.

In light of the downturn in the U.S. economy and the pressures it places on the manufacturing sector, the key end markets face unparalleled challenges.

• How will the automotive market survive?

• Can we expect growth from the construction markets?

• Will energy costs continue to soar placing a higher demand on an aging infrastructure?

Stuart Hoffman will discuss the undercurrents in the downstream markets and the trends to successfully meet them head on.

Coffee Break

Session I: Wire and Wire Products Consumption Outlook

This session will examine existing market conditions and discuss implementing a strategic plan to stay competitive.

• How will rising costs and shrinking supply for wire rod affect production costs?

• Will increased foreign imports for end products stall an already sluggish market?

• What steps will need to be taken to keep the customer base from seeking other suppliers?

• As energy and transportation costs continue to rise at alarming rates, profit margins are being squeezed.

• Can US energy capacity increase while reducing dependence on imported oil?

Luncheon

Session II: Wire Rod In-Depth

The robust construction growth in the Middle East, the CIS and China has shifted market focus for wire rod, but is this growth sustainable with current output.

• If the lack of raw materials and weakened US economy continues, will wire rod supply sources dry up as exports become a more attractive alternative?

• If the export market is expanding, should capacity follow suit?

Manufacturers face these tough issues everyday, but keeping pace in a global marketplace while staying competitive has never been so out of sync. This panel will explore strategic measures to serve these untapped markets without compromising existing enterprises.

Coffee Break

Session III: Wire Rod Purchasing Strategies

The discussion continues with a focus on the ever-increasing importance of having a strategic approach to tackle the challenges of procuring wire rod in a volatile steel market. Since there has never been a cycle like this, successful business leaders cannot react on historical data. So, the compelling question remains, what is the best way to manage the risk?

• Are longer-term contacts the best way to protect against volatility?

• Is hedging likely to be an option in the near future?

• Are steel billet futures a viable option?

Cocktail Reception

Continental Breakfast and Exhibits

Highlight Speaker

Session IV: International Implications in the North American Marketplace

The market growth for wire rod has decidedly shifted to China, the CIS, and the Middle East. Manufacturing facilities have spread across these regions to meet the rising demand, but at what cost. Has quality suffered? Have domestic jobs been lost?

• What are the implications for imports to the United States?

• What is the outlook for the Canadian and Mexican markets?

Our panel brings their perspective to these escalating issues during uncertain times.

Coffee Break

Session V: Protecting the end markets. Is enough being done to protect the U.S. manufacturing base?

Overcast conditions predicted

The conference will end with a discussion of the business initiatives for the new direction in the market.

• Does the US political climate play into these changes and which Presidential candidate is best equipped to stem the advancing tide of jobs lost to foreign competition?

• Are the advances in technology and integrating manufacturing process sufficient to provide domestic growth?

• Is enough being done to curtail soaring energy costs?

• Can we expect increased demand from aerospace, power generation and energy?

Luncheon and Conference Close