A sneak peak of the MCA Winter Meeting 2026

By Jenny Yu.  

This year’s gathering will provide members with opportunities to learn, engage and explore. 

In a recent episode of MetalCast™, Karen Edwards spoke with Jeff Henry, executive director of the Metal Construction Association (MCA), about MCA’s upcoming Winter Meeting taking place on January 13-15, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.  

With speakers and networking opportunities lined up, the Winter Meeting is gearing up to be the must-attend event for starting the year on a strong note. One keynote speaker will be economist Alex Chausovsky. “He’ll be talking about the state of the industry, the economy, where construction is headed, what will be happening in the arena for metal and the entire geopolitical environment as well,” Jeff shared. “He’ll give some insights about how to do business in an age of uncertainty, which is a timeframe that we exist in at the moment.”  

Another voice that will be sure to spark ideas and conversation is Denver Riggleman, former Air Force intelligence officer and former congressman. Denver is also the CEO and founder of Riggleman Information & Intelligence Group (RIIG) — HOOTL (Humans Out of the Loop), a company focused on developing AI-driven tools for healthcare and insurance automation.  

“Technology is changing, especially with AI. It's changing so fast that we barely have time to plan for how we're going to incorporate it and use it,” Jeff stated. “Denver has some really interesting takes about the use of AI and its implications, and how to develop strategies for informed adoption of AI. He’ll provide some interesting insights and considerations for members to reflect upon as they approach their internal policies and applications of that technology.” 

Along with these esteemed speakers, the Winter Meeting will shed light on MCA’s developing programs for its members, like their contractor and installer training program. "We're in the midst of developing an online interactive curriculum,” Jeff said. “We hope to roll out phase 1 in late 2026, and that'll address standing seam, through-fastened panels, metal shingles — both painted and stone-coated. It will be robust.” 

Providing such educational support reflects MCA’s priorities for the new year and beyond. “We want to be the resource for understanding and providing best practice guidelines for the installation of the products that our members sell,” Jeff stated. “We're excited about that opportunity.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about what the MCA Winter Meeting 2026 will hold!