PacRim Stainless 2024 Conference Highlights

PacRim Stainless 2024 delivered two dynamic days of learning, networking, and celebration, showcasing the industry's commitment to innovation and collaboration.

Day 1 Conference Highlights
Chaired by Richard Matheson (Nickel Institute), Day 1 set the tone with thought-provoking presentations exploring key industry topics - from sustaining the momentum in stainless steel innovation to economic forecasts and the ripple effects of global geopolitics on both our local and international markets. Sustainability took centre stage, particularly as we examined the upcoming ESG reporting requirements and the Australian Steel Association's stance on the carbon leakage review.

Thank you to our Day 1 speakers for sharing their expertise: Adam Williams (The Attention Seekers), Markus Moll (SMR Group), Peter Munckton (BOQ), Remy Crick (KPMG Australia) and David Buchanan (Australian Steel Association).

Day 2 Conference Highlights
Day 2, chaired by Josh Sheedy (Arcus Wire Group), continued the momentum with engaging discussions on renewable energy's role in driving a greener economy and its alignment with stainless steel, innovations in AI and drone technology revolutionising project management and asset optimisation, stainless steel's sustainability and versatility in urban design, and succession planning, highlighted by a panel from the ASSDA Young Professionals Network.

Special thanks to our Day 2 speakers: Geoff Crittenden (Weld Australia), Paul Plater (Plater International Consulting), Ian Dryden (Industrial Designer), Jason Fichera (National Drones), and the Young Professionals Panel: Peter Ford (Austral Wright Metals), Jessica Wehbe (Steel Renew), Lachlan Mathers (AWMA Water Control Solutions), and Lissel Pilcher (ASSDA).

Celebrating Excellence
At the Gala Dinner held at Blackbird Brisbane, we honoured the winners of the 2024 Australian Industry Stainless Steel Fabricator Awards. Congratulations again to Bespoke Wire and Rope, Ronstan International, Pure Piping, and Total Piping and Mechanical for their award-winning projects.

In honour of his remarkable 36-year journey in the Australian stainless steel industry, Allan Morris (formerly of Austral Wright Metals) was posthumously awarded the Peter Matheson Industry Service Award. The Award also recognised Dr Graham Sussex for his outstanding expertise and contributions to the stainless steel industry. Additionally, Dan Counihan was acknowledged for his dedicated service to the Association.

Networking and Tradition
Delegates enjoyed opportunities to connect through unique experiences, including the annual 2-ball Golf Ambrose and Minnippi Golf & Range, where Nathan Bridge (Bridco) and Luke Seaborn (Ronstan International) claimed the Barry Durrant Memorial Trophy. For the first time, delegates also enjoyed a Brisbane River cruise and brewery tour, and we celebrated the close of the conference with a farewell dinner at Iris Rooftop.