Proudly led by Aluminium Valley Society (AVS), Horizon Aluminium 2026 officially wrapped up its inaugural edition on May 15, 2026.
At a time when the aluminum industry is evolving rapidly, driven by market diversification, artificial intelligence, and the circular economy, Horizon Aluminium has confirmed its place as a must-attend event for the industry.
Here are the highlights.
Stronger-than-expected Participation
Horizon Aluminium’s inaugural edition proved to be a resounding success. The business community’s enthusiasm was evident from the moment the exhibition hall opened and continued right through to the closing cocktail reception, an achievement the organizing committee is especially proud of.
A total of 408 attendees walked the show floor to discover the expertise and innovations showcased by showcased by more than 50 exhibitors.
Visitors also had the opportunity to take part in a program featuring 17 conferences and expert panels, including a keynote presentation by Senator Danièle Henkel. Through a dynamic format combining presentation, interview, and audience interaction, she shared her perspective on leadership, resilience, and organizational agility in times of change with 80 participants.
Reflecting on her own panel, Strategic Projects Director at AVS, Nancy Lalancette noted: “What stood out most to me during and after our panel was the participants’ interest and the quality of the conversations. Horizon Aluminium succeeded in creating a space for constructive, inspiring discussions that were clearly focused on the future.”
Local Mastery Making its Mark on the Global Stage
Québec’s expertise in aluminum and specialized equipment manufacturing continues to stand out internationally. Horizon Aluminium was proud to welcome visitors from Germany, Finland, France, the United States, Spain, and Iceland.
Through dedicated meeting spaces and B2B networking opportunities, local companies connected directly with international partners, creating valuable business relationships and opening the door to future collaborations.
Beyond the conferences and business meetings, Horizon Aluminium helped shine a spotlight on local expertise while strengthening Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean’s position as a strategic player in the global aluminum industry.
Awards Gala: Celebrating Regional Excellence
The event also stood out with its Québec Issime Awards Gala presented by Rio Tinto, a highlight of the program that brought together key industry players to celebrate regional excellence. The evening provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding achievements, showcase local talent, and strengthen connections across the industry.
We would like to warmly congratulate this year’s award recipients:
Looking Ahead to the Next Edition
The inaugural edition of Horizon Aluminium highlighted our industry’s ability to innovate, build lasting partnerships, and showcase its expertise on the international stage.
The success of an event of this scale is driven first and foremost by the dedication and hard work of a passionate team, along with the invaluable support of committed partners.
The AVS team is proud to have exceeded the objectives set for the 2026 edition.
Browse our photo gallery to see the highlights again.
“We are extremely proud of the success of this first edition of Horizon Aluminium. Seeing so many colleagues, partners, and industry stakeholders gathered under one roof to exchange ideas and celebrate the future of our sector is truly inspiring.”
– Lilianne Savard, Executive Director of the AVS