ROCKFORD, Ill. - Registration remains open for Metal Matters 2007, an annual conference for the metal fabricating industry, and the TPJ Symposium®, which explores best practices and technology advancements in tube and pipe producing and fabricating. The three-day conference, sponsored by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA) and the Tube & Pipe Association International, is scheduled for March 15-17 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The show will feature workshop opportunities to help executives direct their company’s future, technology sessions to update them on the fast-changing manufacturing environment, tabletop exhibits to review the latest industry trends, and networking events to discuss everyday manufacturing processes with peers.

Economic futurist Jeff Thredgold will deliver a keynote address projecting a financial forecast for the industry. Clare Zempel of Zempel Strategic will present a second keynote on industry economics.

Management sessions will address high-performance leadership, business exit strategies, the importance of China and India, lean manufacturing, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and safety, health care issues, and conflict resolution.

FMA’s Precision Sheet Metal Technology Council and its Plate Processing and Fabricating Technology Council will offer sessions on advancements in their respective industries.

Optional post-conference workshops will be available on workforce development and leadership appraisal.

For more information or to register, visit www.fmanet.org.

Publication date: 02/26/2007