Tampa Steel Conference Registration Update, Hotel Status, COVID Protocols

The following companies recently registered for the conference (those with an * means more than one attendee from that company): AFC Transport, American Heavy Plates, AMS Specialty Steel*, Andritz Metals USA, Array Technology Inc., Behlen Mfg Co., Berg Pipe, BMG Latin America, Inc., Carboox-Intocast, Central Steel & Wire, Coastal Cargo, COGI Logistics LLC, Duferco*, Exltube*, Fagor Arrasate, Flack Global Metals, George’s Welding, Goldman Sachs, Kingspan Insulated Panels, Lapham-Hickey Steel, Leeco Steel LLC, Mid-Ship Logistics*, Millard Maritime, Nippon Steel Trading Americas, Inc.*, North Star BlueScope Steel, Optima Steel International, LLC*, OWC, Phillips Manufacturing, Port LOLA*, QSL-Americas, Rukert Terminals Corp., Ryerson, Sherwin-Williams, South Jersey Port Corp.*, SSAB*, Steel Dynamics*, Sunbelt Group LP, Transporeon Group Americas, Inc., United States Steel Corp., Voestalpine USA LLC, Wheeling-Nippon Steel, Inc., XL Specialized Trailers, and Zito Midstream. You can register and join these and many other companies by clicking here.

We have a few special programs for this conference. There is an Introduction to Steel Hedging (used to be called Hedging 101) workshop, which will run on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Information about the agenda, our instructors, and costs to attend can be found here.

On Monday afternoon, there will be a free boat tour of the port. Information about registering for the boat tour will be found at the registration desk when you check in. There will be a second boat tour on Tuesday morning.

On Monday, there will be a networking cocktail party for those arriving early. Information about the location of this event can be found at the registration desk when you arrive.

On Tuesday morning, there will be a golf outing for those interested in playing. Lunch is included in the separate fee ($150 per golfer). Currently there are spots open to add more golfers. Golfers will need to provide their own transportation to the golf course. You can register for golf at the same time you register for the conference. If you would like more information, please contact conferences@crugroup.com

Hotel Room Block is Sold Out – Here are Some Options

Our hotel block at the Marriott Water Street Hotel is sold out. The hotel has advised it is close to being totally sold out during our conference dates (Feb. 14-16). There are a couple of hotels located close to the conference hotel. Across the street is the Embassy Suites by Hilton and the JSW Marriott Tampa Water Street Hotel (new and 5-star rating). The Marriott Water Street Hotel is located on the trolley line, so there are many other more cost-effective options available in the greater Tampa area.

COVID Update & Protocols

The SMU/CRU official policy is to adhere to the recommendations provided by the CDC, the State of Florida, and the Marriott Water Street Hotel where the conference will be held. Currently, masks are recommended but not required. We will provide colored wrist bands to all attendees as we did at the SMU Steel Summit Conference. The wrist band identifies your level of comfort in being in close contact with other attendees. We will also have masks available for our attendees.

There have been some encouraging signs regarding the Omicron variant of the COVID virus. In this morning’s New York Times (and elsewhere), there are reports the virus may be peaking, and the expectation is for a rapid decline in cases as we move into February. The best way to travel and attend conferences like the Tampa Steel Conference is to be fully vaccinated (including booster) and to wear a mask. Recent reports are saying the use of an N95 or KN95 mask radically cuts transmission of the virus.

Steel Market Update is looking forward to hosting this event along with our partners at Port Tampa Bay.

You can find information about the conference, our agenda, costs to attend, etc. by going to: www.tampasteelconference.com