February 2026 Volume 8

INDUSTRY NEWS

FIA ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS “Forging Wonder: Metal, Magic and Momentum”

Keynote Sessions The keynote lineup leans into the “metal, magic and momentum” theme, pairing stories and ideas that inspire with takeaways leaders can put to work on Monday. These sessions are relevant to everyone, including spouses and family in attendance. We encourage executives to bring along their guests to take part in the experience. Opening Keynote (April 30): Fredi Lajvardi

Fredi Lajvardi—widely recognized as the real life inspiration for the film “Spare Parts”— will share how hands on learning, inclusive leadership and high expectations can transform ordinary teams into high performers. His message reinforces that strong teams do not appear by accident; they are built intentionally and become a powerful competitive edge in a fast changing environment. Taylor St. Germain of ITR Economics will deliver the kind of economic update and outlook many members keep close at hand for capital planning, staffing moves and customer strategy. The goal is to help leaders stop guessing, start planning and navigate what is ahead with more confidence instead of reacting to every headline. Jon Petz, billed as the world’s only “Amazement Artist,” is also an author and leadership expert who will present “#Hashtag Worthy Leadership,” focused on purpose driven engagement and authentic influence. The closing session is designed to send attendees home energized, with a fresh lens on leadership they can apply on the shop floor, in the office and anywhere their culture shows up.

Economic Keynote (May 1): Taylor St. Germain

Closing Keynote (May 1): Jon Petz

T he Forging Industry Association’s Annual Meeting of the moment: “Forging Wonder: Metal, Magic and Momentum.” The program is built to give senior leaders, suppliers and rising professionals real insight, real connections and a refreshing change of scenery from day to day operational demands. Event Overview The meeting kicks off on Wednesday evening, April 29, and wraps up on Friday morning, May 1, with an optional plant tour to finish on a high note. The Boulders Resort & Spa, set against the Arizona desert, offers the kind of backdrop that makes it easier to step back, look up and think bigger than the next hot order or maintenance outage. The agenda blends FIA’s core strengths—policy, economics, business trends and industry dialogue—with networking and recognition moments that make the event feel more like the forging community’s annual reunion than a standard conference. Attendees can look forward to executive level sessions, dedicated Next Gen programming, first timer connection opportunities, receptions, awards and plenty of unstructured time to catch up with peers and partners from across the forging supply chain. Members returns April 29–May 1 at the Boulders Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, this year with a theme that fits

Business Program and Industry Content The business agenda is focused on what leaders say they need most: clear information and candid insight to support better decisions on policy, planning and investment. Washington Update (April 30): A full hour is devoted to a federal policy briefing from Omar

Nashashibi, reflecting the fact that policy now directly shapes energy costs, supply chains, labor markets, trade conditions and customer expectations. This session will help attendees understand what is happening in Washington, what may be coming next and what forging leaders should keep on their radar.

FIA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2026 48