The most important players of the international steel market were in Barcelona

The SteelOrbis 2007 Spring Conference & 56^th IREPAS Meeting, the latest installment of the most recognized and prestigious steel industry forum for long products, was held in Barcelona at the end of March with a record number of participants.

This peerless conference, which was held on March 25-27, 2007 at Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel - one of the most luxurious hotels in Barcelona - provided a platform where more than 250 top executives from 150 different companies from almost 50 countries had the opportunity to broaden and strengthen their ties with the worldwide steel industry.

The world-renowned producers, global traders, raw material suppliers, international finance and transportation firms, and steel industry associations, who came together in the fascinating atmosphere of Barcelona, had the chance to evaluate the rising trends in the market and to discuss forecasts and expectations regarding the second and third quarters of 2007. The significant increase in the number of participants was remarked by all those present.

The conference started on Sunday with the Welcome Cocktail, where all participants were made at home and were able to chat and make connections in a genuinely warm environment. On Monday morning, producers, traders and raw material suppliers gathered together at their respective closed sessions for discussions of the market issues which most interested them. After lunch, the conference was officially opened by IREPAS chairman Mr Ugur Dalbeler. On Monday afternoon, the presentations made by specialists from the world’s major markets helped the attendees to update their knowledge on the general state of the market.

The surprise on Monday night was the Gala Dinner, which was infused by the brilliant local color of a traditional Spanish flamenco show. On Tuesday morning, after the session chairmen shared the issues discussed in the closed sessions with the attendees and following the presentations on the latest state of the raw material markets, the conference drew to a close towards noon and participants promised to meet up again at the autumn conference.