The IRE will hold its annual UK Conference and Training days in November 2026. This will also include a reception evening on November 17th and the annual dinner on the evening of the UK Conference day, November 18th 2026. The proposed IRE UK Conference schedule is below.
IRE UK Conference 2026 Schedule
- 08:30 – Arrival – Registration & Refreshments
- 09:00 – Conference Opening Address – Dominic Oates, IRE President
- 09:15 – A to Z of Refractory Raw Materials; 26 things you will want to include in your recipes, and why – Dave Bell, Consultant
- 10:00 – The Use of Modern Microscopy in Understanding Chemical Attack on Refractories – Tony Kinsella, Lucideon
- 10:45 – Networking Break
- 11:00 – Trade & Tariffs – Rachel Timmins, Ceramics UK
- 11:45 – Dispersing Additives for Silica Systems – Stefan Kuiper, Almatis
- 12:30 – Networking Lunch
- 13:30 – Young People in Refractories – Best Paper Competition Competition – Adjudicator – Dominic Oates, Panel – Dave Bell & Mike Lamkin
- 14:30 – Modelling Heat Transfer for Sintering of Ceramics – Dominic Wadkin-Snaith
- 15:15 – Best Paper Winner Announcement
- 15:20 – Networking Break
- 15:40 – Building the Foundation for Future of Refractory Engineering: Next-Generation Binders for High-Performance Castables – Chris Parr, Imerys
- 16:25 – Refractory Lining Monitoring on a 4 Tonne VIM Furnace – Saveway (Steven Reum-schüssel) & Ross & Catherall (Jordan Yates)
- 17:10 – Finish & Closing Remarks
- Date: Wednesday 18th November 2026 – 09:00 – 16:30
- Location: The Quays Hotel, Victoria Quays, Furnival Road, Sheffield, S4 7YB, United Kingdom
- Members: £135.00
- Non-members: £155.00
- Click here to book your place
The Institute of Refractories Engineers (IRE) provides events that bring together professionals with a shared interest in the continued development and advancement of the refractories sector. If you are interested in joining our Institute please email secretary@ireng.org or join via our website here at https://www.ireng.org/join/
For more than 50 years, the IRE has provided a forum for professionals working in refractories and related industries. Our global community includes members in more than 40 countries, with almost 40% of our membership based outside the UK.
Through technical meetings, training seminars, conferences and regular publications, the Institute helps members stay informed about developments in refractory engineering and technology while providing opportunities to build valuable professional connections. If you design, manufacture, sell, install or study refractories, we would be delighted to welcome you to our community.
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