3rd Annual Moving Metals Conference

Registration and Exhibits open

Welcome Cocktail Reception

Registration, Breakfast and Exhibits opens

Opening remarks

Session I - Logistic Overview

This session will kick off with an overview and outlook of all modes of transport and their impact on the metals business. Speakers will examine how metal the needs of metal buyers and sellers are changing the face of a new transport market.

Topics Include:

-Forecast on fuel costs for gas, oil, and coal

-Outlook on metals prices impacting logistics

-Trends and challenges ahead for metal companies

coffee break

Session II - Rail Outlook

With metal companies looking to increase their use of the railways, this session will look at the rail versus truck issue and also how some experts see the railways as offering a new growth opportunity for manufacturers.

Topic Include:

-Surging oil prices leaving a growth opportunity for rail

-Metal companies working to upgrade railways to move metal and avoid truck costs

-Infrastructure impact and outlook for railways

Lunch

Session III - Truck Outlook

At the forefront of many company’s costs is the trucking business. Many trucking companies have come under increased pressure and are being forced to close their doors. More than 2,000 trucking company bankruptcies were recorded last year in fleets operating five or more trucks, according to a report by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. In the first quarter of this year, another 935 trucking companies filed for protection from creditors, suggesting that 2008 could turn out to be a record year for bankruptcies. Speakers will talk about what is expected for this sector of transportation.

Topics Include:

-Impact and outlook from tightening credit markets and high fuel costs

-The impact and outlook of the closure of smaller trucking companies

- The changing face of the trucking industry and what lies ahead for metals companies

coffee break

Session IV - Barge Outlook

Increased demand and the efficiency of inland barge transport is making waves in the market. While carriers maybe faced with rising demand, infrastructure issues also plague the market. Port congestion and rising fuel costs are also added features of today's market. Metals companies are also dealing with the same issues and in this session will give a synopsis of the impact on their businesses while carriers will give outlooks on the future of inland transportation.

Key points include:

-Infrastructure challenges.

-Fuel surcharges—how far will it go?

-Alleviating inland congestion

Session V - Ocean Outlook

The final session of the event will examine ocean carriers and what lies ahead for this sector. Delegates will hear presentations from a Port, ocean carrier and a metal company.

Topics Include:

-Update and outlook on ocean freight rates

-Impact of steel product exports on ocean carriers and prices

-Weak U.S. dollar impact for metal companies and ocean carriers

Conference Close