METALCON marks 35 years as industry associations unite to advance metal construction

As the metal construction industry navigates shifting market conditions, evolving building codes, workforce challenges and increasing performance demands, METALCON 2026 will bring together the associations helping shape its future through education, technical expertise and collaboration.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the event will feature its broadest association participation to date, with organizations representing the entire metal construction ecosystem.

“For 35 years, METALCON has brought together every corner of the metal construction industry to conduct business, discover solutions and build lasting relationships,” said Judy Geller, vice president of tradeshows at METALCON. “Our association partners are a big reason professionals come to METALCON. They bring technical knowledge and practical insights that help attendees stay current, solve problems and make better business decisions.”

Attendees will have direct access to organizations focused on the issues that matter most to metal construction. Participating associations represent every sector of the industry, including roofing, metal buildings, air barriers, rainscreens, extrusions, manufacturing, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, education and training.

Jeff Henry of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) said, “METALCON gives MCA members a powerful platform to showcase their products, reach new audiences and demonstrate metal’s unmatched design and performance attributes. By bringing manufacturers, contractors, architects, engineers and associations together in one place, METALCON creates opportunities to share knowledge, discuss common challenges and accelerate innovation in ways that benefit the entire industry.”

Association-led education

Participating associations will lead sessions on the issues driving change in metal construction today. Highlights include:

• Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates - What’s Changed and What It Means
  • Metal Construction Association
• Industry Outlook: 2027 - The Future of Metal Construction
  • Metal Construction Association, Metal Building Manufacturers Association and American Institute of Architects
• Reflective Insulation & Radiant Barriers in Metal Building Design: Solving Real-World Thermal, Moisture and Energy Challenges
  • Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association-International
• Designing Walls for Reality, Not Perfection
  • Rainscreen Association in North America
• MCM in Practice: Installation, Inspection and Fixes
  • MCM Alliance
• Facilitating Product Acceptance with ICC-ES Certification
  • International Code Council
• Residential Metal Roofing - The Sustainable Choice
  • Metal Roofing Alliance
• Noncombustible Steel Framing Construction in High-Wind Regions
  • Steel Framing Industry Association
• Why Would Anyone Choose Cold-Formed Steel?
  • Cold Formed Steel Association
• From Vision to Profits: How to Build a Successful Business Plan in the Metal Industry
  • Latinos en Roofing
• The Hidden Carbon in Metal Buildings
  • Metal Building Manufacturers Association
• FORGE: Where Women in Metal Shape What’s Next
  • National Women in Roofing

Many of these organizations and others — including the Association of Women in Metal Industries, the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, the National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofers in Recovery — will have a presence on the show floor, where attendees can connect directly with subject-matter experts and industry resources.

“Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing segments in construction, and the professionals driving that growth need access to strong training, product knowledge and peer insight,” said Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance. “METALCON brings those resources together in one place, which is why the Metal Roofing Alliance continues to support the event.”

“The value of METALCON is what happens when associations, experts and decision-makers are part of the same conversation,” Geller said. “As the industry continues to evolve, that shared environment helps professionals build connections, exchange ideas and identify solutions they can apply to their businesses.”

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit—where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com