2024 COC Agenda

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Networking, Dinner and Golf at Topgolf, Schaumburg, IL

Join other chapter officers and AFS Staff for a dinner and several interactive pub style games as well as the state-of-the-art Topgolf challenge, which is a fun experience for all skill levels.

*Event, dinner, and drinks are included with your registration.

8:30 – 9 a.m.

Continental Breakfast & Networking

(Included with your registration)

9 – 9:30 a.m.

Welcome & State of the Industry

Doug Kurkul
CEO, AFS

9:30 – 10 a.m.

Chapter Officer Positions, Bylaws, and Legal Considerations

A discussion about roles, responsibilities, and organizing your chapter documents.

Ben Yates
VP of Business Development, AFS

10 - 10:30 a.m.

Membership Success & Sustainability

Learn more about all the AFS resources available to chapters and your members.

Kim Farrugia
Business Development Manager, AFS

10:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Break

10:45 - 11:15 a.m.

Foundry-in-a-Box

Learn how to use the most effective PR tool in our industry.

Presented by AFS Saginaw Valley

11:15 a.m. - Noon

Spotlight - Chapter Officers Panel

Hear from peers on strategies and ideas that have led to successful meetings and events at other AFS chapters around the country.

Doug Schwall
(Northern Indiana)

Jesse Barron
(Stateline)

Robert Burdette
(Birmingham)

Noon - 1 p.m.

Lunch Break

Group Photo, Foundry-in-a-Box, AFS Bookstore open

(included with your registration)

1 - 2 p.m.

Discussion - 10 Great Ideas for Meetings

A review of ten chapter ideas for success in engagement, fundraising, or networking.

Ben Yates
VP of Business Development, AFS

2 - 2:15 p.m.

Workforce Development

Hear the latest on professional development for existing employees and engaging the next generation of metalcasters, including chapter sponsored courses.

Jen Christian
Director of Training Solutions, AFS

2:15 - 2:30 p.m.

Committee Structure

Learn about the AFS volunteer network of over 1,000 metalcasters, what they do, and how your chapter members can get involved.

Bo Wallace
Senior Technical Associate, AFS

2:30 - 2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45 - 3 p.m.

Industry Stewardship

Engage elected officials, community leaders, educators and potential employees.

Ben Yates
VP of Business Development, AFS

3 - 3:30 p.m.

FEF and Student Engagement

Learn how your chapter can work with students to keep them engaged in metalcasting and working towards careers in our industry.

Brian Lewis
President, FEF

3:30 - 4 p.m.

Casting Dreams Competition

Learn about the new high school casting contest that will be held at CastExpo 2025 and how your chapter can participate.

Jerry Thiel
Director, University of Northern Iowa

4 p.m.

Closing Comments and Adjourn