Increase in global steel prices reflected in SteelOrbis & IREPAS turnout

The first meeting of SteelOrbis & IREPAS in 2008, held in Istanbul, was a huge success, with over 500 participants in attendance.

The success of the event once again proved that SteelOrbis' and IREPAS'   bi-annual conferences are the most prestigious events in the global long products market. The wide range of attendee profiles included company owners and executives from the world’s well-known producers, traders, raw material suppliers and steel associations. In addition to all of these steel professionals, executives from finance, steel hedging and shipping companies provided a valuable networking platform for making contacts and doing quality business.

The attendees also found the chance to spend memorable nights in magnificent Istanbul at the Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner.

Special exhibition mixed steel and art in the same pot

The Welcome Cocktail was hosted by the Steel Sculpture Exhibition, which presented artwork by fourteen artists from across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. The exhibition, with the leading efforts of Villacero Foundation, was brought to Istanbul exclusively for the SteelOrbis & IREPAS Conference.

The official opening of the Welcome Cocktail and Sculpture Exhibition was markedmarked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Mr. Julio C. Villarreal Guajardo (The chairman and CEO of Grupo Villacero), Mr. Andre Johannpeter (the CEO of GERDAU), Mr. Ugur Dalbeler (the chairman of IREPAS & CEO of Colakoglu) and Mr. Haydar N. Colakoglu.

Attendees enjoyed a spectacular venue for the Gala Dinner & LME’s global launch party

Apart from the cocktail held on Sunday, the Gala Dinner in the Binbirdirek Cistern, a massive reservoir surrounded by a thick wall was one of the conference's social highlights It was the perfect venue to maintain the atmosphere of good cheer initiated during the conference. The appearance of  belly dancers, one of Turkey's traditional forms of entertainment, was a memorable surprise for all of the attendees.

Another surprise was the commemoration of IREPAS' many years of hard-spent time and energy to make these conferences the successful events that they are today. IREPAS was recognized with a plaque of appreciation honoring 19 members, including, most importantly, IREPAS founder Ricardo Hugas.

Respected and prestigious faces graced head table at opening session

After the committee meetings which were held in closed session format, the inauguration of the SteelOrbis Spring '08 Conference & 58^th IREPAS Meeting was made by respected and prestigious individuals at the head table.

Mr. Murat Eryilmaz (the CEO of SteelOrbis) welcomed Mr. Ugur Dalbeler (the chairman of IREPAS & CEO of Colakoglu), who made the opening announcement of the conference, Mr. Julio C. Villarreal Guajardo (the chairman and CEO of Grupo Villacero), Mr. Andre Johannpeter (the CEO of GERDAU,) Dr. Hilal Al-Tuwairqi (Chairman of Al-Tuwairqi Group of Companies), Mr. Ricardo Hugas (Group Commercial Director of the Grupo CELSA), Mr. Jose Angel Rey (CELSA Spain Commercial Director) and Mr. Tony Trickett (General Manager, Raw Materials, IISI).

 Sponsor booths attracted much interest

Another outstanding feature of the Istanbul conference was the great number of sponsors and their booths which were set up in the foyer hall. Indeed, the foyer resembled a mini-fairground, with the colorful stands, the mingling of visitors, and the attractive promotional materials being handed out by the sponsors.