'Bama Bound—Regional METALFORM

Birmingham, AL, claims to be the only place in the world where the essential ingredients—coal, iron ore and limestone—for making steel are present, located naturally within a 10-mile radius. Come April, the city can claim to be the only place in the world to find all of the ingredients to become a successful metalformer: the latest products, technology and services, networking with peers, suppliers and your customer base, and opportunities to learn how technology and process improvements can boost your bottom line.

In a word, Birmingham has METALFORM.

From April 1 to 3, more than 300 companies will display their products and services in 94,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex during Regional METALFORM, produced by the Precision Metalforming Association. While stamping, fabricating, assembly and tool-and-die companies will be among those exhibiting, companies showcasing value-added technologies such as material handling and packaging also will display their products and services. To attend, complete the registration form on page 37.

Conference Features 15 Technology Tracks

Complementing the exposition is the METALFORM Conference. This convenient, cost-effective educational opportunity allows metalforming-company employees to expand their industry knowledge and skills while seeing and learning about the latest technology at the trade show. Well-respected industry speakers will be featured in 15 technical tracks comprising more than 40 separate presentations. Tracks include Transfer Stamping, Working with High-Strength Steel/Tool Steel, Automation/Assembly, Value Added for Stamping, Press Technologies and more.

In addition to the exhibits and educational presentations, several other events will take place during METALFORM:

• Women in Metalforming Coffee—New at this year’s show, PMA presents Women in Metalforming Coffee on Wednesday, April 2, 8-9 a.m. Open to METALFORM female attendees and exhibitors, the get-together allows participants to share perspectives, learn and network, and establish new business relationships that will have long-lasting mutual benefits. Join Gretchen Zierick, president of Zierick Manufacturing and PMA second vice chair, in a candid discussion about overcoming obstacles in the metalforming industry. 

To attend this event, RSVP to PMA’s Amy Primiano at 216/901-8800.

• Next Generation Leaders Day—The second-annual Next Generation Leaders Day will be held on Tuesday, April 1, allowing new and emerging industry leaders to network at the show and take part in judging exhibitors introducing new and innovative products.

The day’s schedule includes communications coach Deborah Pearce, Pearce Communications Group, LLC, on the topic, One Size Doesn’t Fit All—Navigating our Generational Differences. The presentation includes a speech and roundtable discussion, where solutions and strategies will be unveiled for effectively communicating in the workplace with differing personalities across generational lines.

Also, Next Generation Leaders will visit exhibitors launching new products at METALFORM, evaluate them on several categories relating to innovation, and vote for the best new products. Those evaluating new products will be entered to win one of several prizes.