In a scenario of deep global transformations, the mining, metals, and materials industry bets on technological innovation, research, and sustainable practices to add value to its products and become more competitive. The 5th edition of ABM WEEK highlights this move. Taking place in São Paulo from October 1 to 3, it will address current topics such as robotization, artificial intelligence, polluting emissions, and waste disposal.
Promoted by the Brazilian Metallurgy, Materials and Mining Association (ABM), the event is expected to bring together more than 1,500 people representing major industry players from both Brazil and abroad, universities, research centers, and technology institutes.“ABM WEEK’s core focus is brainstorming innovative ideas to keep companies competitive in the marketplace,” summarizes Frederico Ayres Lima, Aperam CEO and general coordinator of ABM WEEK. “It’s a unique opportunity for participants to expand networking, know companies, talk to experts, and present their research work and innovations,” the executive adds.

Technical and business event
ABM Week balances two important roles enhanced by ABM over previous editions. First, being a relevant forum to discuss technical matters and the industry’s state of the art. In this respect, the record number of works submitted for ABM WEEK 2019, 929 in total, is evidence of how important this event is. “Compared to other major international events, this number shows the maturity of our industry and the academic community, which have been working vigorously on research and development even in these difficult times the country is going through,” says André Luiz Vasconcellos da Costa e Silva, a professor at Fluminense Federal University (UFF) and technical coordinator of ABM WEEK 2019. “The mining, metals, and materials community is betting on the best possible way out: solving problems and advancing on the basis of knowledge, research and development, and intellectual interaction,” the Professor adds. 

Second, ABM WEEK also is an important player in business generation. In this sense, the event will comprise Technology Arenas and Business Rounds, in addition to featuring an exhibition area. Arenas are informal spaces where companies may present and disclose their technologies to a highly qualified audience. Business Rounds, in turn, are pre-scheduled meetings aimed at bringing buyers and suppliers face to face.

Emerging and sensitive subjects
With a broad, diverse program, ABM WEEK includes technical debates, panels, plenary sessions, and round tables, as well as HR rounds, cocktails, and exhibition area.

This year's edition will host the 11th International Rolling Conference, the world's leading event in the area of rolling technology. “Hosting a conference this big enriches ABM WEEK’s technical debates and means important participation by foreign professionals,” says Horacidio Barbosa Leal Filho, CEO of ABM. 
Also new to this year’s program is the Executive Forum, which will be attended by CEOs of leading companies in the industry. Those of Vale, Usiminas, Novelis, and Mercedes-Benz have already confirmed their presence at the meeting to discuss topics such as innovation, human capital, and barriers to competitiveness.
Moreover, ABM Week will provide a number of opportunities to debate and maximize startups' role as drivers of innovation in the industry. Real partnership success cases will be presented, including the Mining Hub and the Steel Lab programs.
 
About ABM WEEK
On top of being a preferred forum to discuss current issues, ABM WEEK is also relevant for its size and comprehensiveness. The event brings together 11 simultaneous events that represent ABM’s long-lasting tradition: ABM’s 74th Annual Congress, 56th Rolling Seminar, 50th Steelmaking, Casting and Non-Ferrous Metallurgy Seminar, 49th Ironmaking Seminar, 20th Mining Symposium, 7th Ore Agglomeration Symposium, 38th Logistics Seminar, 40th Seminar on Utilities and Global Energy Balances, 34th Meeting of Industrial Gas Producers and Consumers, 23rd Automation and IT Seminar, and 19th Enemet – National Meeting of Metallurgical, Materials and Mining Engineering Students. In addition, this year's edition will host the 11th International Rolling Conference (IRC 2019).
ABM WEEK relies on sponsorship by the following companies (updated in August 2019): Açokorte, Aperam, ArcelorMittal, Atomat, Beda, BRC, Cargo X, CBMM, Clariant, Condat, Danieli, Dassaut Systemès, DDMX, DME Engenharia, DSI Montagens Refratárias , ESW, Fosbel, Gerdau, Harsco, Hatch Cisdi, Ibar, Imerys, IMS Messsysteme, Ingersoll Rand, John Cockerill, Kelk/PLM, Kuttner, Lechler, Login Logística, Maina, Metso, Nalco, Nokia, Paradiso Giovanella, Paul Wurth, Polytec, Primetals, PSI Metals, Pyrotek, Reframax, RHI Magnesita, RIP, Saint-Gobain, SMS Group, Spraying Systems, Suez Water, Suncoke, Tecnosulfur, Ternium, Timken, Tora, Unifrax, Usiminas, Vale, Vamtec, Vesuvius, Villares Metals, White Martins. Moreover, the event is supported by the following organizations: Abendi, AIST, Capes, CNPq, Instituto Aço Brasil, Instituto Brasileiro de Mineração - Ibram and SAE Brasil.

Details
ABM WEEK 2019
Promoted by: Brazilian Metallurgy, Materials and Mining Association – ABM
Date: October 1 to 3, 2019
Place: Pro Magno Center of Events (Avenida Professora Ida Kolb, 513 - Jardim das Laranjeiras - São Paulo / SP)
Information and registration: www.abmbrasil.com.br/eventos