2019 Retrospect
The eleventh edition of the SSW conference & exhibition took place from 26th to 28th November in Maastricht, the Netherlands. This highly focussed event again proved a magnet for stainless steel professionals from all sides of the industry, from mills and processers to stockists and suppliers, and from end users and engineering companies to consultants and corrosion experts.
There’s no denying that the Stainless Steel World Conference & Exhibition has evolved tremendously since the very first event, held back in 1999. There are far more exhibiting companies, highly topical sessions at the conference, and large numbers of delegates and attendees. Nevertheless, it is the compact and accessible nature of the entire show that visitors continue to appreciate.
“This show covers the whole gamut of corrosion resistant alloys, making a visit a hugely efficient experience. With a minimum of fuss I can meet suppliers and experts who are very relevant to my business and also catch up with fellow materials professionals,” was how one visitor described his time in Maastricht.
During the 2019 conference dinner, SSW’s CEO Thijs Elshof (on right) paid tribute to the event sponsors: Chandan Steel, Kobelco Steel Tube, Nippon Steel Corporation, Sandvik, Stalatube, & Steamline Industries; and to Machining World sponsor Bahco. The Conference Chairman Lars Rose is standing left.
Held again in the exclusive La Butte Aux Bois in Belgium, the 2019 Conference Dinner is always a highlight of the SSW show. With due acknowledgement paid to the hard work and support of so many people who make the three-day happening possible, it is time for all guests to sit back and relax.
In India it is a custom to light a lamp before the start of an important event, with the burning oil symbolising positivity, knowledge and happiness. The Stainless Steel World India team therefore invited attendees to a lamp lighting ceremony held early during the first day of the 2019 exhibition.
Wednesday afternoon kicked off with a workshop on business opportunities in Oman, held on the 2019 exhibition floor.
Hospitality and networking are key features of all Stainless Steel World events, with many exhibitors taking the trouble to organise informal presentations, host splendid parties and arrange live enter-tainment. The photo shows an event at full swing at the Arcus stand.
People travel from far and wide to attend the SSW show, such as Gionatan Di Battista from Russian Group TMK who met up with Martin Tangl and Matthias Willingshofer from Buhlmann Tube Solutions in Austria.
