Metal Matters 2009 to include keynote by global economist

January 13, 2009

A keynote address from a leading industry economist, as well as peer- and consultant-facilitated roundtables, will highlight Metal Matters 2009, the fourth annual conference that explores best practices and technology advancements in metal fabricating and tube and pipe producing.

The three-day conference, sponsored by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International® (FMA) and the Tube & Pipe Association International® (TPA), Rockford, Ill., will begin March 25 at Carefree Resort & Villas near Phoenix.

The event will feature business management roundtable sessions, tabletop exhibits showcasing industry trends, and networking events in which peers will discuss everyday manufacturing processes.

Dr. Chris Kuehl, FMA's economist and managing director of Armada Corporate Intelligence, will deliver the keynote presentation, "Translating Economic Indicators Into Language That Fabricators Can Act On," which will interpret current economic conditions and data impacting the industry.