SPEAKERS

Alex Alcantara

Director of Industrial Metals & Commodity Index Products, CME Group

The Red Metal Revolution – Navigating Global Copper Dynamics and the CME Ecosystem

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

As copper cements its status as a critical strategic asset in 2026, understanding its market mechanics is more essential than ever. We begin with a look at CME Group’s historical evolution before analyzing the pivotal macroeconomic shifts of the current decade. This deck breaks down the technical nuances of COMEX copper, explains the mechanics of cross-regional arbitrage and price spreads, and provides a real time snapshot of the current market state. We conclude with a tactical look at how CME Group’s diverse offerings allow for precise exposure and risk mitigation.

About Alex Alcantara

Alex Alcantara is director of industrial metals and commodity index products at CME Group, where he manages the industrial metals products business across the Americas. Based in Chicago, he has been with CME Group for more than five years.

CME Group is the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, enabling clients to trade futures, options, cash and over-the-counter markets. Its exchanges offer a broad range of global benchmark products across major asset classes, including interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products and metals.

David Behen

Chief Strategy Officer/Co-Founder, SensCy

Cybersecurity 101: Protecting Your Business and Your Family

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Cyber threats are no longer abstract risks; they are daily realities impacting all organizations, including the copper and brass supply chain. This includes a growing wave of business email compromise (BEC) attacks that can lead to costly delivery theft and operational disruption. In this engaging and plain-language Cyber 101 session, SensCy Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer David Behen breaks down who today’s threat actors are, why they target companies like yours, and the most common tactics used to exploit businesses and their employees. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the evolving threat landscape — both at work and at home — along with practical, common-sense steps to reduce risk, strengthen defenses and better protect their organization, employees and even their families. Designed to make cybersecurity approachable and actionable, this session will leave you informed, empowered and better prepared to navigate today’s increasingly complex cyber environment.

About David Behen

David Behen is co-founder and chief strategy officer of SensCy, an Ann Arbor-based cybersecurity startup focused on small- and medium-sized organizations.

He has held executive leadership roles in the private and public sectors for more than 20 years, leading award-winning information technology functions and aligning technology strategy with business objectives. Behen has been named to the CIO 100 five times across both sectors.

Behen spent five years as vice president and CIO at La-Z-Boy, where he led a global IT reinvention and developed the company’s cybersecurity program. Prior to that, he served more than six years as a cabinet member under former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, acting as Director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget and chief information officer for the state. He led a department of 2,800 employees with a $1.4 billion annual operating budget. During his tenure, Michigan emerged as a national leader in IT and cybersecurity.

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Adam Estelle

President & CEO, Copper Development Association (CDA)

Navigating Uncharted Waters in Copper Age 2.0

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

About Adam Estelle

Adam Estelle is the driving force behind the Copper Development Association (CDA) as its president and CEO. With a sharp focus on the needs of global copper producers and their downstream copper-alloy fabricator partners, he leads strategic initiatives to enhance the value of copper in society. His passion lies in unraveling complex challenges, a trait he’s showcased through pioneering initiatives like establishing an ASTM standards subcommittee on copper scrap and recycling, and in demonstrating the safety and efficacy of lead-free brass rod alloys for drinking water products. Adam oversees a high-caliber team of subject matter experts that work up and down the value chain to drive lasting changes in the market while promoting, protecting and defending the use of copper.

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Michael Feuz

Economist & Senior Consulting Speaker, ITR Economics

The Advantages of Anticipating Changes in Business Direction

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • 8:15 – 9:45 a.m.

As decision-makers navigate market complexities, anticipating changes in direction can provide a meaningful advantage. From the latter half of 2026 through the end of 2027, leaders should be prepared for about two key shifts in business trajectory.

Proactive strategy development: Anticipating economic shifts allows leaders to address challenges early and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Risk mitigation: Preparation helps reduce disruption and maintain operational stability.
Resource allocation: Planning ahead supports smarter investment and more efficient use of resources.
Competitive edge: Organizations that adapt quickly gain an advantage in attracting customers and growing market share.
Enhanced decision-making: Foresight leads to more informed, effective business decisions.
Confidence and morale: Preparation builds confidence across teams and supports a stronger work environment.

ITR Economics has a strong track record of helping business leaders anticipate market shifts. Its forecasting expertise equips decision-makers with the insight needed to navigate change with confidence.

By leveraging these insights, organizations can remain resilient and well-positioned to succeed in a shifting market landscape.

About Michael Feuz

Michael Feuz is a member of ITR Economics’ team of economists and consultants, supporting forecast development, economic research and client-facing analysis for industries across the manufacturing supply chain. His work focuses on translating economic data into actionable insights for business leaders navigating changing market conditions.

With a background in technology consulting and more than a decade of experience working with manufacturers, construction firms and industrial organizations, Feuz has partnered with executive teams to improve operational efficiency, sales performance and profitability. His experience includes advising companies on strategic planning, data analysis and communication in complex, highly cyclical markets such as the copper and brass supply chain.

Feuz holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a master’s degree in economics from George Mason University.

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Sam Richter

Founder & CEO, SBR Worldwide, LLC

Session 1: An AI Mindset SHIFT

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Session 2: CBSCA GPT: Your AI-Powered Resource for the Right Information, Leads and Messaging

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Generative AI is reshaping our world at a pace never before seen in history. For the first time, everyone has unprecedented access to harness and shape data, redefining how we live, work, compete and connect. In this dynamic, high-impact presentation, you'll discover...

How fenerative AI creates a Mindset SHIFT by streamlining work, harnessing your expertise and freeing you to focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and authentic human connections.

Practical AI tools you can start using immediately, demonstrated through real examples across all areas of business, to unlock new levels of performance and deliver measurable outcomes.

A view into our generative AI future, the ethical considerations, personal moral dilemmas and leadership decisions that will shape tomorrow’s business landscape.
An introduction to CBSCA GPT: Discover some of the power features of the new CBSCA GPT system, available to all members.

This is an updated program from Richter’s 2024 keynote, where he’ll share how AI has changed in the past 18 months and introduce new resources, strategies and techniques to help you grow your business.

About Sam Richter

Sam Richter is a nationally recognized Hall of Fame speaker and founder and CEO of SBR Worldwide, known for helping organizations turn digital intelligence, AI and data into immediate business advantage. A longtime favorite of CBSCA audiences, Richter is consistently one of the most requested speakers for his high-energy, high-content presentations that deliver practical takeaways attendees can use right away.

With decades of experience working with manufacturers, distributors and industrial organizations, Richter specializes in showing companies how to find, organize and apply information to improve sales, customer relationships and strategic decision-making. During the CBSCA Annual Convention, Richter will introduce CBSCA GPT, a custom AI resource designed specifically to support members across the copper and brass supply chain.

Richter is a member of the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation, awarded to the top 10 percent of speakers worldwide. He is also the bestselling author of Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling and has worked with leading global brands to develop AI-powered intelligence tools used by organizations around the world.