The SME Arizona Conference is the leading regional conference that provides technical updates from projects in the Southwest U.S. and Mexico. Attend the Southwest-focused technical sessions, speakers and conference activities.
The conference has traditionally been scheduled in early December so that members and their families could take advantage of a trip from the conference site to Tucson to do some holiday shopping. In addition, the conference originally was quite a social event for couples with a dinner/dance evening as part of the festivities.
The earlier conference boards of directors included all of the mine managers from local mines as honorary members. The location of the conference has moved multiple times: Doubletree, El Conquistador and most recently the JW Marriott Starr Pass. The SME event has joined with the Mining Foundation of the Southwest and the SME Student Section at the University of Arizona to have each group's events scheduled simultaneously at the same location in order to emphasize the strength of the mining industry in Arizona.
The Annual Diggers and Duffers Golf Tournament is a fundraiser that is a tradition in the U of A SME Student Chapter. The proceeds from this tournament go directly to students who would like to attend the SME Annual Conference & Expo and the Intercollegiate Mining Competition. These events are an exceptional opportunity for students to learn about different aspects of our international industry as well as introduce us with some of its leaders. Learn More...
Sponsoring the Annual Diggers and Duffers Golf Tournament is a prime opportunity to showcase your support of the regional and national mining industry, and to also encourage the growth and development of future mining professionals through the SME Annual Conference & Expo attendance award. For more information about sponsoring the golf tournament, please contact the University of Arizona SME Student Chapter at uofasme@smenet.org.
A focus on projects and developments specific to the Southwestern U.S.
Learn more about the solutions used to solve some of the regional industry's biggest problems.
Get out of the day-to-day rut and experience a totally new way to engage and interact with industry peers.
Break away from the office and gain a new perspective with fresh ideas and new approaches.
Meet the individuals who are changing the face of the industry every day.
Stay connected with SME during the Arizona Conference on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to get the lastest in conference news and updates! #SMEArizona
"SME is proud to be hosting the Annual Meeting of the SME Arizona Conference. As a leading conference for the Southwestern mining industry, the 2019 Annual Meeting of the SME Arizona Conference is a prime conference to network, engage with industry thought leaders, and to grow your knowledge. We look forward to seeing you in Tucson, AZ, in December."
"The SME Arizona conference is a great opportunity to hear about new processes and projects being implemented at other mining companies. Networking with peers in the mining industry is always a highlight of the conference. The conference offers a great opportunity to learn about new technologies and equipment from consultants and vendors that will improve the way our mine does business."
"Being surrounded by your colleagues and friends makes for a very enjoyable day to connect and "sharpen the saw". Every year the conference buzzes with the energy of great talks, encounters with friends, and opportunities to see your clients and vendors. And it's a one-day conference! What a deal! Not much money or time, so it's a no-brainer. Definitely on my calendar."
"From my 40 years of experience, the Arizona Conference does an outstanding job incorporating the numerous aspects of minerals, metals and materials while focusing on mining, extraction, processing, manufacturing, recycling and waste treatment with emphasis on environmental, social and sustainability issues."
..and growing. Our conference will never stop exceeding expectations. Expect more.
Dedicated to bringing the top professional, regional conference in the mining industry.
Our sponsors help make the annual Arizona Conference a success year-after-year.