Future of Innovation Showcased at ALUMINUM USA 2017 In Nashville
ALUMINUM USA 2017, the event dedicated to the aluminum industry, and presented in partnership with the Aluminum Association, reported a 13 percent increase in attendance and a 23 percent increase in exhibiting companies over 2015 with significant increase in representation in the sectors of Aircraft and Aerospace; Automotive; Building and Construction and Engineering.
The industry’s Event for All Things Aluminum featured two action-packed days with leading exhibits, demonstrations and a no-cost conference focused on raw materials, semi-finished and finished products, surface treatment and producers of machinery, plant and equipment for aluminum processing and manufacturing.
"We are delighted with the level of industry participation,” said Melissa Ashley, senior vice president, ALU USA. “This year's ALU USA brought together over 1,500 key industry professionals looking to share expertise, find solutions and explore innovation in an effort to reduce cost, increase productivity and maximize efficiency. Our collaboration with The Aluminum Association underscores our shared commitment to advance knowledge and innovation along the entire aluminum value chain. We believe ALU USA represents the future of development and is the industry resource for the aluminum industry."
“With more than 200 exhibitors and a conference program highlighting critical market issues, we enjoyed higher attendance, an expanded trade show floor, and greater participation throughout the value chain at this year’s trade show,” said Heidi Brock, president and chief executive officer of The Aluminum Association. “Tennessee and its neighboring states represent more aluminum jobs per capita than any other region of the country, so we look forward to hosting — and growing — the 2019 ALUMINUM USA trade show back in Nashville.”
2017 ALU USA highlights include:
Wagstaff showcased the equipment and expertise to cast alloys in thousands of shape and alloy combinations to aluminum plants all over the world.
“The contacts and excitement has increased significantly since the inaugural show in Detroit two years ago. The event seems to be gaining momentum as the aluminum destination in North America not only for US companies, but global companies as well.” Turina McClelland, marketing and publications manager, Wagstaff.
More than twenty-five education sessions were part of the new no cost conference covering a wide variety of topics. The program covered 3D automation optical surface inspections, aluminum powders in production and additive manufacturing, global third-party certification program, regenerative system controls, and other leading industry issues.
“ALU USA 2017 provided a superlative platform upon which to have meaningful discussions and share industry insights from Industry experts with regard to the growing and strategic use of aluminum. The presentations were engaging and practical, and the networking opportunities with all sectors of the Industry allowed the opportunity to build and enhance business relationships that are imperative to the future success of the aluminum industry.” Jim Dickson, director-global automotive strategy-commercial, Primary Metal, Rio Tinto
An added bonus was the introduction of Business Connection which brought attendees and exhibitors together, increasing interaction and engagement pre-show and on the show floor. Registered attendees were eligible to be “matched” with specific exhibitors who provided the products and services they needed.
The Featured Speaker Opening was presented by Bill Purcell, former mayor, city of Nashville and Adjunct Professor of Public Policy, Vanderbilt University. He led a well-attended session on “The Future Growth of American Cities,” presenting how Nashville’s recent explosion of business and tourism growth was not by accident.
The Aluminum Association presented the Casthouse Safety Workshop, a two-day workshop that offered the opportunity to improve the safety of operations.
