NFBA headed west for another successful expo!

By Dani Sheehan. 

A growing community gathered in Oklahoma City this year to celebrate craftsmanship and strengthen the post-frame industry. 

Members of the National Frame Building Association (NFBA) gathered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for the 2026 NFBA 58th Annual Conference and Expo, bringing together builders, suppliers and industry leaders to share ideas and celebrate the post-frame community. 

Held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, this was the first time NFBA has hosted its annual expo this far west. The new location proved to be a success, drawing record attendance and introducing the show to new builders and markets. 

“This is our first time in Oklahoma City, so we really weren’t sure how it was going to go,” Morgan Arwood, membership director for NFBA, shared in a live floor interview. “We were pleasantly pleased to have so many people here at the show.” 

Moving the expo farther west allowed contractors from states such as Texas and Arizona to attend more easily, expanding the reach of the event and bringing new participants into the post-frame community.  

Trade show floor showcases 

The expo floor gave attendees the opportunity to explore the latest innovations shaping the post-frame industry, with exhibitors highlighting new products, equipment and services designed to support builders and contractors. 

We had a great time exploring the show floor, frequently pausing at the demo area as they assembled an entire post-frame building in a matter of hours. Our partners at Everlast Roofing were highlighting their color guides with a magnetic board of samples you could touch and see how different lighting affected each shade. MetalForming LLC brought their tried-and-true Schroeder and Schechtl machines while also announcing their newest partnership with New Tech Machinery. We loved capturing content with K9 Fasteners®, who shared why their fasteners exceed the durability and performance standards needed in places like Oklahoma and Colorado that endure frequent extreme weather events. And Jamie at Chem Link showed us how quickly and easily their M1® Universal Adhesive and Sealant repairs leaks even underwater! 

NFBA continues expanding its reach 

As the industry continues to grow, NFBA is working to ensure its annual expo remains accessible to members nationwide. Future expo locations are expected to rotate among cities such as Columbus, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; and Nashville, Tennessee, while periodically introducing additional outlier locations to expand the association’s reach. 

“As the National Frame Building Association, we have to be national,” Morgan said. “By moving locations and introducing the show to different regions, the goal is to help post-frame gain traction and attract more builders.” 

Celebrating craftsmanship  

One of my favorite events of the expo each year is the awards luncheon, where NFBA members gather to celebrate the craftsmanship and innovation shaping the post-frame industry. This year’s Building of the Year Awards saw a record 110 project submissions! Winning projects represented a wide range of building types, including agricultural, commercial and residential structures, demonstrating the versatility and design flexibility that post-frame construction offers.  

To recognize companies of varying sizes, awards were divided into three categories this year based on annual post-frame sales volume. Each winning project received two plaques, one for the builder and one for the building owner. “When a building owner gets to display a Building of the Year award and someone asks who built it, it becomes a great referral opportunity for that contractor,” Morgan added. 

In addition to honoring outstanding projects, NFBA also recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. Awards presented during the ceremony included Crew Foreman of the Year to celebrate the field leaders who help ensure projects are completed safely and successfully. The association’s highest honor, the Bernon G. Perkins Award, was presented to Ken Gieseke, who recently retired from McElroy Metal. A past NFBA president, Ken has long been recognized for his dedication to the association and his leadership within the metal construction industry. 

Networking and community remain at the heart 

While the trade show floor and educational sessions are central to the expo, NFBA always provides numerous opportunities for members to connect and strengthen relationships across the industry. Both the PLYCO reception and the NFBA Social and Silent Auction were favorited this year. Proceeds from the silent auction support the NFBA Foundation, the association’s charitable arm dedicated to advancing the industry through research, technology initiatives and education. This year was an important milestone as the foundation awarded its first two scholarships to support the next generation of our industry. 

From first-time attendees to long-time members, the expo reflected a culture of collaboration and mentorship that has long defined the post-frame industry. “The people in this industry are fantastic – truly some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet,” Morgan shared. “It’s fun to be around them and it’s fun to be part of an association that supports them.” 

Catch up on what you missed at this year’s expo with other live interviews on our MetalCoffeeShop YouTube channel!