ESTEP annual event 2026

Paving the Future of EU Steel: Clean Technologies, Smart Steel Products and Applications

Scope

The ESTEP Annual Event 2026 will present Europe’s latest progress in steel research and innovation. Next to decarbonisation, circularity, and digitisation, the event emphasises the sector’s pivotal role in enabling a climate-neutral and resource-efficient energy system. The programme will feature state-of-the-art developments in advanced steel grades, innovative process technologies, enhanced performance and durability, predictive modelling, and harmonised testing methodologies.

Participants will also explore cutting-edge applications in hydrogen and renewable energy systems, high-integrity forming and joining technologies, and engineering solutions designed for demanding operational environments. The event highlights steel’s essential contribution to building safe, reliable, and high-performance energy infrastructures for the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries.

The event will take place on 20-22 October 2026 in Ghent (Belgium) at RodeBol events - CommunicationCampus. The event also includes an optional visit to the ArcelorMittal Ghent plant on the morning of 20 October 2026.

Programme

Indicative timing of programme for the event:
20 October morning: Visit of ArcelorMittal's facilities (morning 8.30-13.00) + lunch

20 October afternoon: Welcome & start technical conference (14.30 – 18.30) + networking walking dinner (18.30 – 22.00)
21 October: Technical conference (08.30 - 18.00) + conference dinner
22 October: Technical conference (08.30 - 16.00)

The detailed conference programme will be available soon.