PROGRAM
Are you ready to amplify your industry knowledge and connect with fellow wire producers and rod suppliers?
Join us for a dynamic, informative, and exciting event. Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect from this year's gathering.
Check back often as we update and add more program and speaker information!
General Sessions
Keynote: Unlock Opportunities by Rethinking Constraints
In this keynote session, we’ll explore how rethinking constraints can unlock new opportunities, challenging the notion of the "impossible." Through a mix of reframing impossible ideas, recognizing flexible constraints, and understanding the power of trust, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective on identifying opportunities and a toolkit to apply in both your work and life.
Analyzing the Trump Administration's Second Term: Policy Priorities and Looming Political Headwinds
Political Analyst Jim Ellis will analyze the early days of President Trump’s second term, legislative priorities, and efforts to revive the economy and secure the border. He’ll also review the next election cycle, where Senate and House dynamics could determine control of Congress in 2026.
Wire Drawing in Real Time: Embracing Industry 4.0 in the Wire Industry
The wire industry is poised for a technological leap with the adoption of Industry 4.0 innovations. This session will explore two key advancements: Paramount’s Smart Die System (SDS) and Mario Frigerio’s MFLX cloud-based remote monitoring system. Join us to learn how combining SDS and MFLX can drive the wire industry into the future with smarter, more connected manufacturing solutions.
Tariff & Trade Update
Join us for an in-depth session on President-elect Trump’s trade agenda for his second term. Learn about early priorities, potential tariff actions, upcoming trade negotiations, and key policies impacting the wire and wire products sector. Gain insights into the “America First” approach and its implications for global trade relations.
Rod Supply Panel
Our program will include the popular panel of your colleagues who are industry experts addressing Global Rod Supply. Executives from a wire company, US carbon and stainless rod mills, and an international trading company will provide insight from their perspectives on the current rod market and the supply and demand issues that face the wire industry.
Schedule
All times Arizona time (PDF schedule of events)
| Sunday, February 23 | ||
| 9:00am–5:00pm | Strategic Planning Meeting Board members only |
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| Monday, February 24 | ||
| 8:30am–10:00am | Government Relations Advisory Committee Meeting Committee members only |
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| 10:30am–1:30pm | Board of Directors Meeting & Lunch Board members only |
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| 12:00pm–5:00pm | Registration | |
| 2:00pm–3:30pm | Stainless Committee Meeting Open to all attendees |
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| 3:30pm–5:00pm | Membership Committee Meeting Open to all attendees |
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| 5:30pm–7:00pm | Opening Reception Sponsored by the Suppliers |
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| Dinner on your own | ||
| Tuesday, February 25 | ||
| 7:30am–9:00am | Continental Breakfast | |
| 8:00am–11:00am | General Session | |
| 9:00am–11:00am | Companion Brunch Meet & Greet Open to registered companions |
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| 12:30pm–5:00pm | Golf Tournament Optional, additional fee, includes lunch |
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| 1:00pm–4:00pm | Scenic Jeep Tour Optional, additional fee |
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| 1:30pm–4:00pm | Pickleball Tournament Optional, additional fee |
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| 5:30pm–7:00pm | Cacti & Cocktails | |
| Dinner on your own | ||
| Wednesday, February 26 | ||
| 8:00am–9:30am | Continental Breakfast | |
| 8:30am–9:30am | Active Member Business Meeting | |
| 8:30am–9:30am | Associate Member Business Meeting | |
| 9:00am–11:00am | Companion Activity Open to registered companions |
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| 9:30am–12:00pm | General Session & Concluding Remarks | |
Meetings
Committee Meetings
Committee meetings will be held Monday morning. Committee meetings are the forum where activities and programs are planned, and issues of concern are discussed. All members and potential members are welcome and encouraged to attend the Membership and Stainless Committee meetings. Attendance at the Executive Committee, Government Relations Advisory Committee, and Board of Directors meetings are limited to the designated committee members.
Business Meetings
Active and Associate Member Business Meetings, an important component of the Annual Meeting, are the venue of the official business of the Association. These meetings will take place Wednesday morning. The Active Member Business Meeting will include the election of officers and directors, a financial report, and the discussion of any business or policy issues that require attention. What position will AWPA take related to international trade policies and tariff programs? Your company has a stake in what AWPA decides to do.
Please make time to attend these important meetings. AWPA Suppliers and Active members are reminded it is the policy of the AWPA that commercial meetings and private social events may not be scheduled during the general sessions and receptions on the Annual Meeting Schedule of Events.
Evening Networking Events—included with all registrations!
The AWPA hosts evening receptions to facilitate networking, and we encourage everyone to connect during this time. Leaving dinner open for business discussions allows for more flexible arrangements.
Opening Reception—Sponsored by the Supplier Members
The first official gathering of all the members is the opening cocktail reception on Monday evening. This is your opportunity to seek out information about what your colleagues and suppliers are doing. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, before you head off to dinner. The reception will take place inside—dress is resort casual.
Cacti & Cocktails
After a day of golf and pickleball we will gather at the golf clubhouse for small bites, cocktails and music. Weather permitting, we plan to be outside so dress accordingly. We will tell tales about the day and even give some prizes.
We are now accepting nominations for the Max Moore Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. If you would like to nominate someone for this coveted award, submit your nomination and consider a $50 donation to the Max Moore Award fund when registering for the meeting.