Chicago gears up for Aluminum Week 2012 to be held from October 15 to October 18

The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), the Aluminum Association, and the Aluminum Anodizers Council (AAC) have released the program details for Aluminum Week 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. This event marks the third year of cooperation between the organizations to offer a program featuring comprehensive education and networking opportunities for aluminum industry professionals.

Aluminum Week will be hosted at the Renaissance Downtown Chicago from Monday, October 15 to Thursday, October 18, 2012. The co-located event features The Aluminum Association’s Annual Meeting, the Aluminum Extruders Council’s Management Conference and the Aluminum Anodizers Council’s 21st Annual International Anodizing Conference. The week-long event is composed of programming focused on “The Road Ahead”, addressing issues including: Automotive, Building & Construction Markets, Sustainability, Market opportunities and policy, Economy and the State of American manufacturing.

Speakers for Aluminum Week include:

• Jack Hockema, President, CEO and Chairman of Kaiser Aluminum
• Bernadette Budde, Senior Vice President of the Business & Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC)
• Michael Robinet, Managing Director of IHS Automotive Consulting
• Richard Schultz, Managing Director for Automotive Materials Practice for Ducker Worldwide
• Mitch Bainwol, President & CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
• Chad Moutray, Chief Economist, National Association of Manufacturers
• Ujjval Vayas, JD PhD, Principal at Alberti Group LLC
• Michael Stumo, CEO of the Coalition for a Prosperous America
• Timothy Hayes, Metals Equity Analyst, Davenport & Co.

"Hosting these events together allows for a dynamic program covering many areas of the industry," said Heidi Brock, President of The Aluminum Association. "Aluminum Week 2012's program will give participants insights into the future for market growth, policy and manufacturing."

"There is a great deal of synergy between our three organizations, and Aluminum Week provides the information and tools our members need to make smart and informed business decisions," said Rand Baldwin, CAE, President of the Aluminum Extruders Council.

"Aluminum Week 2012 presents an exceptional opportunity for members of three important aluminum trade groups to gather together and make connections that will support their own success while strengthening the industry overall," commented Greg Rajsky, CAE, President of the Aluminum Anodizers Council. Aluminum Week includes sessions and events open to aluminum industry professionals, including members of The Aluminum Association, AEC, and AAC and members of the press. Aluminum Week also will include networking events throughout the week and optional educational classes from AAC's School for Anodizers program.