By Jenny Yu.  

An MBMA case study highlights a new model for flexible, experience-driven retail. 

As retail developers grapple with declining foot traffic and rising vacancies fueled by e-commerce, a new development model is gaining traction. According to the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA)’s 2022 Commercial Communities Case Study, forward-thinking developers are moving beyond traditional strip malls and department stores in favor of experiential, mixed-use destinations that bring people together. 

These commercial communities blend retail, dining, entertainment and on-site production in campus-style settings that e-commerce cannot replicate. Visitors can shop, dine, attend events and engage with local makers, all within walkable outdoor environments designed to foster social connection. To make these projects viable, developers are increasingly relying on metal building systems for their flexibility, speed and design versatility. 

The MBMA case study highlights several projects that demonstrate how metal buildings support this emerging retail model. In Sebastopol, California, The Barlow transformed a former apple processing facility into an 18-building outdoor marketplace. Designer Thad Geldert said metal buildings offered a “timeless and utilitarian” aesthetic that fits wine country while providing tall ceilings and adaptable interior spaces. Developer Barney Aldridge called metal buildings “better for the planet” and noted their efficiency and faster construction timelines. 

Paso Robles’ Tin City shows how metal systems support phased growth. Owner Mike English credits metal buildings with allowing the development to expand quickly as demand increased. “If you get your ducks in a row, it’s the fastest method of construction there is,” he said. 

Upscale projects are also embracing metal. In Reno, Nevada, The Village used metal buildings to achieve a Napa Valley farmhouse aesthetic through customized skins and finishes. In San Antonio, Full Goods at the Pearl Brewery preserved industrial character while earning LEED Gold certification through the use of steel systems. 

Together, these examples illustrate how metal building systems enable developers to create flexible, sustainable and visually compelling commercial communities that meet today’s retail challenges. 

To explore the full project details, design insights and developer perspectives, download the MBMA Commercial Communities Case Study 2022.

Join Us for the 57th Annual MBCEA Conference & MBMA Spring Meeting!

April 22–24, 2026 | Hotel Polaris, Colorado Springs, CO

S-5! is sponsoring the 57th MBCEA & MBMA Conference! Exhibiting at the MBCEA & MBMA Conference will enhance your visibility to decision-making attendees and industry professionals. Our attendees want to see and hear about what’s new in our industry - products, tools, technology, etc. Review the schedule, exhibit hall diagram, and register today! Check out the profiles of the exhibitors already registered on the MBCEA app!

This is the premier event for the metal building industry—bringing together contractors, erectors, manufacturers, and suppliers for three days of education, networking, and innovation.

Why Attend?

• Unmatched Education: Gain insights from industry leaders on topics like AI in construction, digital transformation, sustainability, and economic trends, specific to management personnel.
• Networking That Matters: Connect with peers, suppliers, MBCEA and MBMA members during receptions, breakfasts, and interactive roundtables.
• Exclusive Access: Participate in sessions tailored for business owners, managers, and technical teams. Learn best practices, explore new technologies, and prepare for the future.
• Celebrate Excellence: Join us for the MBCEA Building of the Year Awards, MBMA Safety Awards, and the Metal Construction Hall of Fame induction.

Why Exhibit?

• Direct Access to Decision-Makers: Showcase your products and services to contractors, erectors, and manufacturers actively seeking solutions.
• High-Visibility Opportunities: The Exhibit Hall is the hub of networking—featured during the welcome reception and breakfasts.
• Build Relationships: Engage face-to-face with industry leaders and influencers in a relaxed, retreat-style setting focused on management personnel.
• Position Your Brand: Align with the only national metal building systems event, ensuring maximum exposure to this niche community.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and grow with the best in the industry!

Register today!

By Jenny Yu.  

A new MBMA case study highlights why metal building systems continue to gain traction in the sports and fitness markets. 

Sports and fitness facilities place unique demands on building design, from wide-open interiors to durability under constant use. According to a sports and fitness case study published by the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), metal building systems consistently meet these requirements while offering developers speed, efficiency and long-term value. 

The MBMA document outlines how metal buildings align with the needs of gyms, ice arenas, natatoriums and multi-sport complexes. One of the most significant advantages is clear-span construction, which eliminates interior columns and allows spaces to be reconfigured as programs and equipment evolve. This flexibility is especially important for facilities that must adapt to changing trends and community needs. 

Durability and resilience are also central themes in the MBMA case study. Metal buildings are engineered to withstand high winds, seismic forces and fire exposure, making them well suited for large public venues. Factory-fabricated components improve quality control and reduce jobsite waste, while predictable construction timelines help manage costs and schedules. 

The MBMA case study includes real-world examples that demonstrate these advantages in action. Projects such as Evans Fitness Club in Georgia show how metal buildings support expansive, energy-efficient interiors and future expansion. Larger-scale developments like Great Park Ice and FivePoint Arena in California illustrate how metal buildings accommodate long spans, seismic requirements and complex environmental controls. Community centers, indoor sports complexes and training facilities featured in the report further emphasize the versatility of metal building systems. 

As the sports and fitness markets continue to grow, the MBMA sports and fitness case study demonstrates why metal building systems remain a smart, proven solution. 

Read MBMA’s Sports and Fitness: Case Studies in Building Excellence to learn more!

A record number of students submitted designs for a botanical garden and event center as part of the competition.

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) is pleased to announce the winners of the fifth annual MBMA Student Design Competition. On March 3, 2026, the association granted $32,000 in awards to 10 winners and their faculty advisors in both Undergraduate and Graduate Divisions in an online ceremony. A record number of submissions were received this year with 28 undergraduate entries and 52 graduate entries. That’s almost double the number of graduate submissions compared with last year.

For the Undergraduate Division, the first-place award and $5,000 was presented to Abigail Weston, a student at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State). She was advised by Mark Roddy, FAIA, a Lecturer from the Department of Design. The second-place award, along with $3,000, went to Jaden Flint, who is also at Sacramento State and advised by Roddy. Third place, and $2,000, was awarded to the team of Gregory Brown and Shayne Simmons at Texas A&M University in College Station. Their advisor was Marcel Erminy, professor of practice at the Texas A&M University College of Architecture. Additionally, an award of merit, along with $500, was presented. This went to Olivia Potvin and Alina Torrez at Texas A&M University, with Erminy as their advisor.

In the Graduate Division, Lorance Shabo, a student from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), earned the top award and $5,000 prize. His faculty advisor was Grant Mosey, assistant professor of architecture in the School of Architecture. Second place and $3,000 went to Stephanie Otero, also a student at UNLV and advised by Mosey. Third place, along with $2,000, was awarded to Ted Hui, at UNLV with faculty advisor Mosey. Three Awards of Merit, along with $500 each, were presented in the Graduate Division. One went to Hayley Praytor from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. She was advised by Paolo Sanza, associate professor in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. The second Award of Merit was presented to Aayush Mondkar of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst). His advisor was Katelyn Hudson, lecturer in the Department of Architecture in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. The third Award of Merit went to Yukta Karanjkar, who is also a student at UMass Amherst and advised by Hudson.

“We congratulate Lorance Shabo and Abigail Weston, along with their advisors Grant Mosey and Mark Roddy, on earning the top prizes in the 2025 MBMA Student Design Competition,” says MBMA General Manager Tony Bouquot. “This year’s contest was the largest ever, and the awards are a testament to all the winners for their amazing designs. We also would like to thank the faculty sponsors for their work and the time they put in to make this competition better than ever.”

“The fifth year of the MBMA Design Contest had 93 students from nine different schools put forth a total of 80 entries, the most ever,” adds MBMA Director of Research and Engineering Jon-Paul (JP) Cardin, PE. “It’s inspiring to see so many students exploring metal building systems and developing such innovative applications. The competition continues to grow every year, and we’re excited to see the creativity and talent next year’s competition will bring.”

The competition took place during the 2025 fall semester, with entries due January 5, 2026. The contest for undergraduate and graduate architecture students challenged each participant to create an innovative metal building design for a new botanical garden and events center.

The six-member panel of judges included:

• Eric Pros, AIA, director of design for DS Architecture in Cleveland, Ohio;
• Terri Meyer Boake, LEED AP, professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada;
• Lauren Gwaltney, AIA, senior associate with Williams Blackstock Architects in Birmingham, Alabama;
• Greg Snyder, AIA, associate professor at the College of Arts and Architecture at University of North Carolina – Charlotte;
• John Underwood, consultant to Behlen Mfg. Co., Columbus, Nebraska, and Chair of the MBMA Education Committee;
• Robert Tiffin, national accounts manager with Silvercote, Greenville, South Carolina, and chair of the MBMA Architect Committee.

For more information about the MBMA Student Design Competition and to view this year’s winners, visit www.mbmaeducation.org. Registration for the 2026 competition will go live on this site in July 2026.

About Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) 

Founded in 1956, MBMA serves manufacturers and suppliers that work with industry professionals, architects, building designers, educators, building code officials and others to advance the metal building systems industry. The efforts of member volunteers and association staff regularly lead to industry improvements and groundbreaking research. Resources at MBMA.com include technical materials, research reports, videos and design guides. The MBMA News provides the most current research and new ideas to propel the industry. MBMA also provides graduate and undergraduate educational resources at MBMAeducation.org.

In addition to his role as a professor, Dr. Schafer has served in a variety of academic and industry leadership roles.

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) presented Dr. Benjamin Schafer with the 2026 Duane S. Ellifritt Research Award. Named after MBMA’s original director of research and engineering, this honor is given annually to a researcher whose contributions led to advancements within the metal building systems industry. Dr. Schafer accepted the award at the 2026 MBMA Research Symposium in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Schafer is the Willard and Lillian Hackerman Professor of Civil and Systems Engineering and the Director of the Ralph O’Connor Sustainability Energy Institute (ROSEI) at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

“Congratulations to Dr. Schafer, who has been an invaluable partner to MBMA for more than 20 years,” said Jon-Paul (JP) Cardin, P.E., MBMA’s current director of research and engineering.  “His research has deepened the industry’s understanding of metal building systems and driven meaningful advancements in performance and safety. Just as importantly, he has played a central role in translating that research into the codes and standards that guide and regulate our industry. It has been an honor to work with Dr. Schafer over the years, and MBMA looks forward to continuing this relationship for many years to come."

In addition to his role as a professor,  Dr. Schafer has served in a variety of academic and industry leadership roles, including as associate director for the Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience in Offshore Wind, chair of the Structural Stability Research Council, president of the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI), director of the Cold-Formed Steel Research Consortium and North American editor of the journal Thin-Walled Structures.

With a B.S. degree from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, and both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, Dr. Schafer has taught at Johns Hopkins since 2000 and served as Civil and Systems Engineering chair from 2009-15. He specializes in the behavior and design of thin-walled structures; specifically, cold-formed steel structures. Enabling engineers to design resilient structures that require minimal material is the focus of Schafer’s research, while translating those developments into accepted codes and standards is core to what he does and has enabled the industry to implement his findings.

Dr. Schafer has led multiple research projects sponsored by MBMA, including work that led to updates and improvements to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) S100 Cold-Formed Specification and AISC 360 Structural Steel Specification. He has performed full-scale seismic testing on cold-formed steel load-bearing buildings and evaluated metal building system seismic response modification coefficients. Dr. Schafer’s seismic research has significantly advanced the understanding of how metal buildings behave as integrated structural systems when subjected to applied loads. He has earned numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers (AISC), the 2022 AISI Leadership Award, the Norman Medal, the Huber Research Prize and the ASCE Collingswood Prize for research and service in structural engineering. He has also been recognized for outstanding teaching and mentoring by Johns Hopkins.

The MBMA research award is named for Dr. Ellifritt, who was teaching at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1975 when he was appointed as the first director of research and engineering for MBMA. He served in that role until 1985 when he returned to teaching as a professor of civil engineering at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he taught until his retirement in 2010. Throughout his life, artistic expression was evidenced through his prolific works in various mediums. He always traveled with his sketch book and would transform his favorite drawings into intricate watercolors. His home and art studio were wall-to-wall with original vignettes of his observations of life, especially his interest in bridges and other structures. His most famous work, the Steel Structure, is a teaching sculpture that stands on the Gainesville campus and has been reproduced nearly 200 times at colleges and universities around the world. He passed away in 2018. The Ellifritt family was honored that MBMA has chosen to memorialize his achievements in this way.

About MBMA

Founded in 1956, MBMA serves manufacturers and suppliers that work with industry professionals, architects, building designers, educators, building code officials and others to advance the metal building systems industry. The efforts of member volunteers and association staff regularly lead to industry improvements and groundbreaking research. Resources at MBMA.com include technical materials, research reports, videos and design guides. The MBMA News provides the most current research and new ideas to propel the industry. MBMA also provides graduate and undergraduate educational resources at MBMAeducation.org.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Dive into the must-attend sessions at the 2026 Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association Conference.

The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) is bringing together industry experts, thought leaders and innovators for a powerful lineup of education at this year’s MBCEA Conference. From economic forecasting and artificial intelligence to risk management, cash flow and workforce development, these sessions are designed to help metal building professionals strengthen their businesses and prepare for what’s ahead.

Industry outlook and economic trends

The conference will kick off with a highly anticipated keynote from economist Dr. Anirban Basu. Titled First Brood, this keynote sees Dr. Basu take a fast-paced, data-driven look at what 2026 may bring for the U.S. economy. After an exceptionally active 2025, many are asking whether momentum can continue or if economic uncertainty could signal the next recession.

Attendees will gain insight into employment trends, housing, commercial real estate, financial markets and overall economic output. Known for his engaging style, Dr. Basu delivers both clarity and perspective with a few surprises and even a laugh or two along the way.

Practical AI for construction companies

Artificial intelligence continues to reshape construction and at this year’s conference Zach Giglio will lead two sessions focused on real-world AI applications: Practical AI Applications for Construction Leaders and Teams and Proven Prompting Techniques for Construction Companies. 

These sessions aim to deliver hands-on guidance contractors can actually use. In Practical AI Applications for Construction Leaders and Teams, Zach explores how AI is already improving business development, project communication and jobsite management. And in Proven Prompting Techniques for Construction Companies, Zach breaks down what AI really is, how prompting works and how teams can apply it to daily workflows. Live examples will demonstrate how AI can support reporting, administrative tasks and internal communication.

Managing risk in a digital world

As technology expands, so do the risks. Josh Quinter and Karin Corbett will address these challenges in Policy and Risk Management in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.

This session explores privacy concerns, image rights, liability exposure and the growing role of technology in claims investigations. Attendees will walk away with practical risk management strategies along with sample policies to help protect both companies and employees in an evolving digital environment.

Technology adoption and cash flow solutions

For companies struggling with new software rollouts or financial bottlenecks, Claire Wilson offers two highly relevant breakout sessions: 

• Back on Track: Why Software Implementation Fails and How to Fix It: This session provides an industry-specific roadmap for successful technology adoption. Drawing on her experience as a former project manager and software co-founder, Claire explains why implementations stall and how to build rollout plans that actually work.
• 5 Secrets for Healthier Cash Flow: Claire tackles one of construction’s biggest challenges. With billions in unpaid construction loans annually, this session shares proven strategies to automate billing, reduce errors, manage change orders and improve collaboration between project management and accounting teams.

Accreditation, training and workforce development

Attendees interested in AC478 Accreditation will hear directly from accredited companies during a panel discussion focused on the process, benefits and real-world impact on their businesses.

Workforce development also takes center stage with PLAs, RCO’s and Apprenticeship and MB Curriculum, presented by Josh Quinter and Jen Heimburger. This session explores the growing importance of apprenticeship programs, how mandates such as project labor agreements affect employers and how MBCEA’s Metal Building Assembly Curriculum supports long-term workforce success. Attendees will also have the opportunity to win scholarship funding toward the training program.

Supporting architects through education

For companies working closely with architects, Robert Tiffin will present AIA CEU Courses Available to Present to Architects. This session walks through available Metal Building Manufacturers Assocation (MBMA) and IAS AIA CEU courses, how to access them and how to present them to AIA chapters. The focus is on educating architects about metal building sustainability and the importance of AC472 and AC478 Accreditation.

Digital construction and building envelopes

The All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP) team will share their transformation story in Driving Efficiency and Sustainability Through Digital Construction. This session highlights how BIM, panelized systems and high-performance materials are reducing risk, accelerating schedules and supporting ESG goals. Real-world examples will showcase how digital tools, including emerging technologies like AI and AR/VR, are shaping the future of metal building envelopes.

Project management technology demos

Responding directly to member feedback, MBCEA will host a panel of project management vendors who will demonstrate their platforms live. Current users will join their vendors to share real-world experiences, offering attendees an honest look at how these tools can improve efficiency and daily operations.

MetalCoffeeShop live from the show floor

Adding to the excitement, MetalCoffeeShop will host a full sound stage on the show floor, bringing live interviews and conversations directly from the conference. The team will be talking with erectors, builders, trades, manufacturers, suppliers and MBCEA leadership, including board members and association leadership.

These on-site interviews will capture real stories, insights and perspectives from across the metal building industry, giving attendees a chance to share their experiences, highlight innovations and be part of ongoing industry conversations that extend far beyond the event.

Register today

This year’s MBCEA Conference is packed with education you can immediately put to work in your business. Whether you are focused on improving profitability, navigating technology, strengthening your workforce or preparing for economic shifts, these sessions deliver real value. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders, connect with peers and be part of the conversations shaping the future of the metal building industry.

Registration is now open at MBCEA.org. Visit the website to secure your conference spot, review the full schedule and reserve your hotel room. The hotel block is expected to sell out, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

The workshop introduces metal building systems to faculty and presents ideas for integrating this popular building type into the curriculum.

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) will hold its annual Architecture Faculty Workshop for college and university professors from across the county on April 15 and 16 at the University of Massachusetts. Workshop attendees will take a tour of the UMass campus and visit a nearby metal building manufacturing plant. Registration for the program is now underway at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026arch, and there is no fee for architecture educators to attend.

“The annual MBMA Architecture Faculty Workshop has been a great benefit to the educational community,” says John-Paul (JP) Cardin, P.E., MBMA director of research and engineering. “In addition to learning about metal building systems, attendees get insights into our student design contest and can help their students be successful in the competition.”

The event is FREE(!) for everyone. For the first 25 registrants, all costs for travel, meals and lodging will be reimbursed by MBMA.

The workshop introduces metal building systems to faculty and presents ideas for integrating this popular building type into the curriculum. One focus of the workshop is the annual MBMA student design competition, underway during the fall academic semester, which awards more than $30,000 to undergraduate and graduate students and faculty sponsors. The workshop provides the background for faculty to serve as advisors for the competition.

The workshop begins with an introduction to metal building systems and a look at design trends. Additional presentations and speakers include the following:

• MBMA Student Design Competition Insights, Eric F. Pros, AIA, director of design, DS Architecture
• Metal Building Designs – In and Out of the Classroom, Stephen Schreiber, FAIA, ACSA, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Architecture at UMass
• The Diamonds of New England: From Fenway Park to Polar Park, Janet Marie Smith, AIA, co-founder & chair of Canopy Team, and executive vice president for planning & development, the Los Angeles Dodgers

Attendees of the workshop will receive free publications and access to resources about metal buildings. On top of the presentations and tour of the UMass campus, a local metal building manufacturing plant tour is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, April 16.

“We look forward to seeing academic leaders and providing more information about metal buildings and our design contest,” comments MBMA General Manager Tony Bouquot. “Our competition is open to both graduate and undergraduate students, so educators at all levels can gain some important insights by attending.” He notes that typical attendees include undergraduate and graduate college and university professors, graduate program advisers, deans of architecture schools and practicing architecture professionals who are also adjunct professors. 

About Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA)

Founded in 1956, MBMA serves manufacturers and suppliers that work with industry professionals, architects, building designers, educators, building code officials and others to advance the metal building systems industry. The efforts of member volunteers and association staff regularly lead to industry improvements and groundbreaking research. Resources at MBMA.com include technical materials, research reports, videos and design guides. The MBMA News provides the most current research and new ideas to propel the industry. MBMA also provides graduate and undergraduate educational resources at MBMAeducation.org.

It explores the design and construction of the PRx Performance corporate headquarters, manufacturing and distribution facility in Fargo, North Dakota.

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) has published PRx Performance Headquarters as part of its Architectural Significance in Metal Buildings series. This 12-page folio is the newest addition to MBMA’s library of free, downloadable resources for architectural students and their professors. It explores the design and construction of the PRx Performance corporate headquarters, manufacturing and distribution facility in Fargo, North Dakota. The folio, along with all the MBMA student resources, is available at https://www.mbmaeducation.org/resources/ and on the MBMA website at https://mbma.com/architectural-folios.  

“PRx Performance Headquarters folio is an engaging look at a corporate campus that incorporates the breadth of metal building systems,” says Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager. “This is the 14th folio in the series, and it showcases a great business success story and multi-faceted facility. The case study takes a deep dive into the design goals and expectations for the building, while also exploring the finished product.”

MBMA created the PRx Performance Headquarters folio in coordination with Valor Contracting and I & S Group, Inc. It includes:

• Exclusive interviews with the architect and contractor.
• Project design insights for the 190,000 square-foot complex that serves as corporate headquarters, manufacturing facility, warehouse and distribution center for the company.
• Design priorities for the project, including the desire to reflect the company’s mission of health and wellness, creating flexible spaces for the fast-growing firm and incorporate the ability to expand when needed.
• Abundant photos, drawings and graphics that illustrate phases/elements of the building process.
• Resources and related reading materials.

In addition to this folio, the complete Architectural Significance in Metal Buildings library consists of: Alamo Beer Company in San Antonio, Texas; the Boston Sports Institute in Wellesley, Massachusetts; the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex in Los Angeles, California; the Haulover Marine Center in North Miami Beach, Florida; the Jacksonville University Basketball Performance Center in Jacksonville, Florida; the Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy, Ohio; the Firehouse Ministries Shelter in Birmingham, Alabama; the St. David’s Performance Center in Austin, Texas; the Milne Center for Ocean Science and Conservation in Mystic, Connecticut; the KIPP Texas Somos Campus; the Hardesty Center for Dance Education in Tulsa, Oklahoma; the Davidson Center for Space Exploration in Huntsville, Alabama; and the Bluebird Market in Silverthorne, Colorado. “This series provides a unique tool for architectural educators and students, and each publication helps familiarize more architects and designers with the industry,” Bouquot says.

About The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) 

Founded in 1956, MBMA serves manufacturers and suppliers that work with industry professionals, architects, building designers, educators, building code officials and others to advance the metal building systems industry. The efforts of member volunteers and association staff regularly lead to industry improvements and groundbreaking research. Resources at MBMA.com include technical materials, research reports, videos and design guides. The MBMA News provides the most current research and new ideas to propel the industry. MBMA also provides graduate and undergraduate educational resources at MBMAeducation.org.

By Jenny Yu.  

The conference includes presentations on project management software, AI and accreditation. 

In a recent episode of MetalCast™, Karen Edwards spoke with the incoming and outgoing presidents of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA), David Leinbach (incoming president) and Robert Tiffin (outgoing president, chairman of marketing and MCS Influencer), about the 57th Annual MBCEA Conference and MBMA Spring Meeting from April 22-24, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  

“What's most exciting about this year's conference is that it's a management conference this year,” David shared. MBCEA alternates the focus of its conference every year as either a management or crew track. The management track offers educational opportunities and tools that can help contractors elevate their business practices. This year’s standout tools: project management software and AI.  

“AI is going to be a tool for us,” Robert said. “You put the tool in the hands of contractors, and we will figure out the best way to use it for our industry. That'll be the fun, as opposed to using AI for just creating an image of yourself golfing with Bigfoot. You can actually use it to give a better and more accurate quote.” 

Several project management software companies are scheduled to present, allowing attendees to evaluate for themselves which system works best with their company’s operations. Furthermore, a keynote speaker will present on integrating AI into daily work routines. “It’s really talking about the future: how we marry AI into our business, utilize it properly and look out for pitfalls,” David said. “The whole idea of software and AI together is really going to be helpful for our members.” 

On top of project management software and AI integration, the conference will also cover topics such as AC472 accreditation, safety and more. “We listen to our members. What are the challenges they are facing?” Robert explained. “We get feedback, and we adapt to make sure that we're covering what’s relevant to our membership.”  

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about the upcoming MBCEA Conference and Spring Meeting. 

By Jenny Yu.  

MBMA’s latest report details committee achievements, new resources and rising engagement across the metal building sector. 

The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA)’s 2025 Annual Report highlights a year of strategic growth, expanded technical leadership and heightened industry engagement as metal building systems continue to shape the built environment. The report, titled “Metal Building Systems – Enhancing the Built Environment,” underscores MBMA’s role in advancing research, education and collaboration across the industry. 

First, leadership transition was a key theme in 2025. MBMA increased its research and engineering staff ahead of the planned retirement of Lee Shoemaker, longtime director of research and engineering. The association also marked historic milestones including its first female board chair and its first fully digital annual report. 

Technical accomplishments also topped the report. MBMA released a new edition of its Metal Building Systems Manual, a comprehensive resource aligned with the latest building codes and standards. The association advanced decade-long research into seismic performance of metal buildings, achieving approval of new seismic provisions recommended in national guidelines. Committees also focused on energy and sustainability, fire resistance research and broadened technical resources such as downloadable guides and webinars. 

Furthermore, education and outreach efforts were highlighted, such as the MBMA student design competition and the annual architectural faculty workshop. MBMA’s Architect Committee expanded engagement at the American Institute of Architects national conference, forging connections with design professionals. 

Finally, the report noted that safety and industry recognition remained central to MBMA’s work. The association celebrated member firm achievements in workplace safety and honored contributions to research and design through awards such as the Ellifritt Award. MBMA’s statistics committee continued providing valuable market data to support strategic decisions among manufacturers and suppliers. 

Overall, the 2025 report reflects an organization deeply connected to both members and the broader metal industry community. 

Read the full 2025 MBMA Annual Report to explore detailed achievements, technical resources and industry insights.