Brussels, June 19, 2006 – The fortieth Annual Conference of the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI) will take place from 1 to 3 October 2006 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The conference will bring together more than 300 of the top executives of the world’s steel leading companies as well as representatives of the world’s business and trade media. The programme, outlined below, will focus on “Steel – the Material” and how the product is providing safe, affordable and environmentally responsible products for the 21st Century.

The Conference Opening Session on Monday 2 October 2006, will include a Welcoming Address by Mr Paulo Rocca, President, Techint Organisation, followed by an Address by the Chairman of IISI, Mr Guy Dollé, Chief Executive Officer, Arcelor. IISI Secretary General, Mr Ian Christmas, will then present the Annual Report of the activities of the Institute. This will be followed by an overview of the Steel Industry in Latin America. Professor Markus A. Reuter of the University of Melbourne will focus on Steel and Sustainability completing the morning session.

Panel Discussion Programme:

Monday, 2 October 2006

Steel Solutions for the Construction Industry IISI’s Living Steel project is a five-year investment by the industry to increase the use of steel in the construction industry. This panel session will include presentations on progress and highlights from the programme. The panel will also feature the architects who have won the first Living Steel Competition to demonstrate the use of steel in housing construction.

Tuesday, 3 October 2006
Morning Session – Steel Fights Back: Learning From Experience

The use of steel in the automotive sector has been under threat from competitive materials for many years. IISI’s AutoCo programme has been the driving force behind a focused steel industry response to this threat and has delivered new and innovative products to meet the needs of manufacturers and customers. The panel session will look at what lessons can be learnt and how the solutions can be implemented by steel producers in other sectors.

Tuesday, 3 October 2006
Afternoon Session – Steel Fights Back: Future Directions

How can steel continue to meet the demands for safe affordable and environmentally friendly products for the 21st Century? Following on from the morning panel, this session will focus on the future direction for steel.

The fortieth Annual Conference closes on 3 October 2006 and will be followed by several optional visits to steelmaking plants in Argentina.

An IISI Media Briefing will be held at the end of the morning session on Monday, 2 October 2006.
Notes to Editors:

IMPORTANT

The IISI Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity to find out more about the key issues affecting the international steel industry today, and for networking with leading decision makers in the sector.

Events exclusively for the Media include a Media Dinner on Saturday evening organised by the host country. The IISI Chairman, Vice Chairman and the Secretary General will attend the Media Conference on Monday 2 October and will present an overview of the conference programme. They will also be available to answer questions.

Please note that participation in the Annual Conference is restricted to IISI Members and invited Media only. Members of the Media are exempt from the conference fee, but not from fees for other events and tours.