- Early Bird Deadline
- TBD
- Conference Dates
- Aug 12–13, 2027
- Registration Closes
- TBD
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About the Conference
Further to the formation of the Steelpan Manufacturers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SMATT) in April 2025 and its official launch on 28th October 2025, the mandate for development of this industry required that the key component of Technology be visited and addressed at all levels identified which will enable definition, specification, standards and methodologies, required to drive and expand the knowledge, R&D and involvement/partnership of academia and enterprise which will contribute to the growth and development of the high potential industrial diversification opportunity presented by our National Instrument.
The Annual International Steelpan Manufacturing Technology Conference is the vehicle positioned to bring all involved worldwide to contribute to the mission of collaboration, partnership and the establishment of Trinidad and Tobago as the meeting point of all scholarship, science and technology of steelpan manufacturing.
The SMATT has therefore partnered with the UWI and the UTT to host this inaugural conference to be held for the first time in August 2027, which proposes to draw all interested to share and together set the direction of the technology of the steelpan.
History
There have been several conferences on the steelpan in Trinidad and Tobago and elsewhere. In Trinidad and Tobago there was the International Conference on the Science and Technology of the Steelpan, October 16–18, 2000; the International Steelpan Symposium and Exhibition, October 15–16, 2002; the International Conference and Panorama (ICP), August 4–9, 2015; and the inaugural World Steelpan Conference on August 9, 2024, to mark the first anniversary of World Steelpan Day.
An International Carnival Conference was held in London, UK, in 2006 through the efforts of Trinidad-born Professor Haroun N. Shah of Nostalgia Steelband, the first in a series. The 11th conference was held on March 6–8, 2025 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), The University of Trinidad and Tobago. This conference provided a platform for both academics and practitioners to explore the rich history, research, and contemporary impact of the steelpan, calypso, and mas.
The above conferences dealt with all aspects of the steelpan industry. This conference will deal specifically with the technology of manufacturing of the instrument itself as well as accessories.
Topics & Focus Areas
Various subjects in the manufacturing chain will be explored, including:
- Tuning Aids
- Tools
- Methods and practices
- Specifications and standards
- Finishing processes
- Raw materials
- Impact of AI on steelpan manufacturing
- GI and measurement criteria
- Electronic models
- Inventions and other related products
- Ongoing R&D, programs and education curricula
A Statement of Collaboration
We agree to collaborate in joint initiatives in steelpan manufacturing and associated activities, to support its development through research, professional development programmes, training and public education, and other areas of mutual interest to the parties in pursuance of mutual objectives and goals for the benefit of Trinidad and Tobago.
The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus
The University of Trinidad and Tobago
Steelpan Manufacturers Association of Trinidad and Tobago
Conference Committee
| Committee | Terms of Reference | Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Organising/Logistics | The Conference Organising and Logistics Committee is established to plan, coordinate, manage, and oversee all operational, administrative, and logistical arrangements within budget for the successful delivery of the conference/event. | Chair – Bheshem Ramlal; Michael Cooper; Seion Gomez; Akua Leith |
| Financing/Budget/Funding Committee | The Financing, Budget and Funding Committee is established to oversee the funding, financial planning, budgeting, resource mobilization, sponsorship, and financial accountability processes for the conference. | Chair – Jennifer Moore; Robert Hernandez |
| Marketing/Website/Social Media Committee | The Marketing, Website and Social Media Committee is established to develop, coordinate, and implement the conference's marketing, branding, print, TV and digital communications, website management, media relations, and social media engagement strategies. | Chair – Bertel Gittens; Rodney Stowe; Mark Hosten; Dike Samai |
| Registration/Participant Committee | The Registration and Participant Management Committee is established to oversee all participant registration, attendee coordination, reception, and participant support services for the conference. | Chair – Mia Gormandy-Benjamin; Bryon Serrette; Kelly Ramlal |
| Programme Committee – Review and Proceedings | The Programme Committee shall manage the abstract and paper review process, develop the technical programme, and ensure that conference proceedings meet established scholarly, professional, and ethical standards. | Chair – Clement Imbert; Ed Peters; Kurt Sargeant; Brian Copeland |
| Conference Secretariat | The Secretariat is established as the central administrative and coordination hub for the planning, coordination, administration, and execution of the Conference. | Conference Secretary – Adrian Jaikaran; Assistant Conference Secretary – Mazzini Gill |