PacRim Stainless 2025 Conference Highlights

PacRim Stainless 2025 delivered two dynamic days of learning, networking, and celebration – a showcase of the Australian stainless steel industry’s strength, innovation, and collaboration.

Held on 15-16 October 2025 at The Island Gold Coast, ASSDA’s 30th National Conference brought together industry professionals from across Australia and abroad to exchange ideas, spark connections, and help shape our future.

Day 1 Conference Highlights
Chaired by Josh Sheedy (Arcus Wire Group), Day 1 set the tone for an engaging and thought-provoking program that explored the people, markets, and forces shaping our industry’s future.

Discussions focused on:

Succession planning as a strategic imperative in the face of generational change, and the difference between management and leadership.

The economic and financial market landscape, providing valuable insights into the current and future business environment.

Global stainless steel markets, with analyses on production, demand, and how geopolitics are reshaping the industry worldwide.

Thank you to our Day 1 speakers for sharing their expertise and perspectives: Bernard Desmidt (Executive and Leadership Coach), Peter Munckton (BOQ), and Dr Gerhard Pariser (SMR – Steel & Metals Market Research)

The ASSDA Young Professionals Network Panel also took the stage, exploring leadership development and generational change in the workplace, featuring Bernard Desmidt, Cameron Clough (Midway Metals), Amanda Greer (Stainless Steel Wire & Mesh), and Jackson Treverrow (Atlas Steels).

Day 2 Conference Highlights
Chaired by Richard Matheson (ASSDA), Day 2 turned the spotlight to technology, sustainability, and the evolving business environment.

Key themes included:

Robotic welding and automation, and how robotics and AI can help address the projected shortage of 70,000 welders by 2030 – improving efficiency, safety, and productivity.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace, exploring how AI can optimise organisational capability and performance. The session also unveiled a prototype ASSDA Chatbot, demonstrating how the Association is leveraging its knowledge base to deliver, credible, technical stainless steel information to Members and the wider industry.

Advanced material solutions for a sustainable future, highlighting the role of stainless steel in reducing carbon footprints through life-cycle analysis and innovative applications.

Climate reporting and regulatory readiness, unpacking Australia’s evolving disclosure requirements and the implications and opportunities for the entire supply chain.

A big thank you to our Day 2 speakers: Nathan Larkin (Verbotics), Warren Beard (Pantheon IQ), Glenn Darley (Alleima), and Joanna Mosur (KPMG Australia) for delivering their insightful presentations.

Celebrating Excellence
At the Gala Dinner, we recognised outstanding achievements in stainless steel fabrication with the 2025 Australian Industry Stainless Steel Fabricator Awards. With 190 guests in attendance, it was a night of celebration and pride for the industry.

Congratulations to Aflex, Pipe-Weld, Total Piping & Mechanical, and Arcus Wire Group for their award-winning projects.

Networking and Tradition
Beyond the conference sessions, delegates connected through social events and traditions that make PacRim Stainless a standout on the industry calendar.

The annual 2-ball Golf Ambrose at Parkwood Golf Course saw David Anderson (Atlas Steels) and Peter Ford (Austral Wright Metals) take home the Barry Durrant Memorial Trophy. Delegates also enjoyed a private YOT Blue charter, cruising through the Gold Coast Broadwater offering a perfect mix of networking and leisure.

The conference concluded in style with a Pool Deck cocktail event at The Island, where delegates relaxed, reflected, and celebrated another successful year for the stainless steel community.

A Conference to Remember
From thought leadership and innovation to collaboration and camaraderie, PacRim Stainless 2025 reinforced why this annual event remains the premier gathering of Australia’s stainless steel industry.

ASSDA extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, sponsors, and delegates for making this year’s conference an incredible success.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026 for another unforgettable PacRim Stainless experience.