Nearly 800 professionals from more than 25 countries have participated in the different areas of the event

The challenges, advances and trends in the steel sector were the main protagonists of the second edition of STEEL TECH, Congress & Expo, an event created by and for the steel sector, which was held from 25 to 27 October at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre. The meeting, positioned as a leading cutting-edge event and international benchmark in southern Europe for the steel sector, was attended by 791 professionals from over 25 countries who took part in the different interconnected spaces.

During the three days of the event, the importance of positioning the steel industry as a catalyst for innovation, technology and competitiveness became clear. Also of leadership in a highly dynamic and challenging global market in which the steel industry is ready to lead towards a more sustainable and efficient future.

In addition to sustainability, the event focused on strategic issues for the industry such as collaborative platforms, resilience and human capital, the importance of which was repeatedly described as “crucial”. To address these and other issues in depth, STEEL TECH 2023 included an exhibition, networking and congress. Nearly 40 renowned national and international experts shared their knowledge and experience in the conference space, providing new perspectives to drive progress in the industry.

In the exhibition area, more than 40 supplier companies from the different levels of the value chain of the iron and steel sector participated, presenting their products and services. Networking B2B meetings also were hold, with 140 arranged meetings between exhibitors, sponsors and international VIP guests. In this context, Siderex organised, within the framework of the sectoral plan, “Steel industry: products, machinery and engineering”, which has been through an agreement with ICEX Spain Export and Investment, a reverse mission of high-level buyers from countries such as Chile, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India, Peru, Mexico, Turkey and Kuwait.

In addition, with the aim of promoting collaboration and analysis of issues that are currently generating growing concern in the steel industry, the STEEL TABLE took place on the 25th. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Basque Government, SPRI Group, Aceros Inoxidables Olarra, Tubos Reunidos, Arcelormittal, Nevarcero, Sidenor, Layde Steel and Siredex, who addressed crucial aspects for the industry related to regulatory, energy and environmental issues.

Finally, STEEL TECH 2023 offered other parallel activities such as Innovation Workshops and a Technical Poster Zone, as well as other proposals and events of a social nature, including the gala dinner held on October 26^th. The award ceremony of the second edition of the STEEL TECH Awards took place there, where Isabel Gutiérrez, winner in the Women In Steel category, was awarded for her professional career. The Communication Forum also recognised the outstanding work of Antonius Schroeder for his contribution to the dissemination and promotion of the steel sector. In addition, a plaque was awarded to Juan José Laraudogoitia, R&D Director of Sidenor and President of the STEEL TECH 2021 and 2023 Congress, in recognition of his invaluable collaboration and excellent work in the creation and holding of the event.

Finally, during the morning of the 27th, the participants made a technical visit to the Vicinay plant in Sestao.

The event is already looking forward to its third edition, which will be held in October 2025.

STEEL TECH is recognised as a sustainable event with the Erronka Garbia seal of approval

The event has been certified as an Erronka Garbia event, a distinction awarded by the Basque Government’s Ihobe-Public Society for Environmental Management, to recognise its commitment to sustainability. To achieve this certification, an impact reduction plan has been designed that includes six main lines of action: mobility, energy, water, procurement, infrastructure and waste.

Examples of this include measures to adjust the intensity of light and temperature to the different time phases; to reduce the stands’ energy use; to minimise waste and its selective collection; the use of sustainable elements in signage and the development of awareness campaigns on these issues and others that have an impact on the environment, such as the use of public transport by attendees.

 STEEL TECH 2023 enjoys the Platinum sponsorship by IDOM, Gold sponsorship by Grupo Arania, and Silver sponsorship by the companies Aceros Inoxidables Olarra, SteelPhalt and Fundación Tecnalia Research. It has the collaboration of Alacero and Unesid, and the support of SPRI, the Basque Business Development Agency, and ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones as Institutional Partners. The event is organised by Siderex and Bilbao Exhibition Centre.