Conferences

Issues on Capitol Hill have millions of dollars of implications for your company, including taxation, Buy America, trade enforcement, workforce policies, EPA rulemaking, and OSHA regulations. Each year, AFS members from across the entire supply chain gather to advocate for the metalcasting industry, grow the metalcasting economy, and get an inside look at policies that affect the industry.

This year, AFS and its members head to Washington to focus on these five issues:

Talent development and retention is crucial to the success of foundries. In fact, AFS Quarterly Surveys document that overcoming the talent shortage is the greatest challenge facing our industry. 

Now is the time for your company and our industry to come together for solutions! 

Join other metalcasting HR directors, front-line managers, and expert presenters for the AFS Talent Development & Retention Summit on June 20, 2024, in Schaumburg, IL. 

Save the date and assemble a delegation to represent your AFS chapter at the Chapter Officers Conference at AFS headquarters in Schaumburg, IL. In addition to a fun social event at Topgolf the evening of July 23, chapter leaders from all AFS chapters will convene on July 24 to discuss best practices in meeting planning, communications, recruitment, student engagement, and more. There will be a comprehensive overview of AFS membership benefits as well as the resources available to you as chapter leaders.

Industry 4.0 is here. Forward-thinking metalcasters are leveraging innovation and technology to boost productivity, profits, and worker safety right now. Attend our upcoming conference to discover practical strategies to implement Industry 4.0 in your foundry or die casting facility. Learn how data-driven manufacturing, automation, and workforce training can future-proof your operations for sustained success. Network with industry experts and walk away with an action plan tailored to your unique goals.

Explore the fundamentals of foundry cupola operation at the 2024 Practical Cupola Workshop, presented by the AFS Cupola Committee. Topics reflect the expertise and experience of the conference’s industry-leading presenters, who are cupola operators and suppliers.

This workshop covers cupola basics, technical information, operational practices and new developments. It is ideal for new operators, engineers, and operation supervisors.

Mark your calendars for the premier metalcasting industry Leadership Summit. Enjoy networking with a friendly group of nearly 150 leaders from across the metalcasting supply chain and hear from world-class speakers discussing leadership, economic, workforce, technical and political issues that go to the heart of leading your business.

All this at one of the nation’s premier, 5-star resorts! Registration will open in Spring 2024.

The AFS Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Conference returns for its 36th year as the premier event for foundry industry EHS professionals. Taking place October 1-3, 2024, at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the conference brings together leading experts and peers to discuss the latest developments, innovations, and best practices in foundry EHS. From foundry case studies to updates from Washington D.C. to networking with other professionals, this event has what you need to enhance your knowledge, EHS programs, and performance.

Expand your knowledge of the aluminum metalcasting industry at the 2024 AFS Aluminum Specialty Conference. This conference will feature experts in molding, melt prep, casting process controls, and post-casting processes with the newest knowledge broken down to target engineering, operators, and plant managers making this a must-attend for all foundry personnel and casting users.

The Annual meeting of the AFS Young Professionals promotes career development and networking among metalcasting professionals. Rising metalcasting professionals are invited to Charlotte Pipe and Foundry in Charlotte, North Carolina, to experience an immersive event from the AFS Young Professionals.

The Melting Methods & Materials Division is hosting a Melting Conference in 2024.   Industry experts in melting applications from across the metal casting industry will lead technical sessions covering a broad range of topics including cupola and electric melting practices, holding applications, melt efficiency, melt deck & furnace safety, refractory applications and best practices, labor retention, supply chain challenges, energy, along with many other relevant and topical areas of interest.