By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how she and the MCA team are advocating for the industry amid a complex business landscape. 

Recently, Lee Ann Slattery of ATAS was welcomed as the first female chair holder in the Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s history. Lee Ann brings over two decades of industry experience and a passion for advocacy that is sure to fuel MCA’s mission of amplifying the collective voice of metal professionals. 

This prioritization of advocacy will be especially important in the current business environment, which economist Alex Chausovsky described as “changing from a state of uncertainty to a state of complexity.” These complexities that Alex references include everything from rapidly evolving geopolitics to the decentralized regulatory environment.  

With reduced federal government involvement and changes in administrative policy, state legislators and regulatory agencies are likely to become more active in setting regulations. 

How does the MCA and its prioritization of advocacy help us navigate this? Jeff Henry, the executive director of the Metal Construction Association, explained in an article for April 2026 edition of Metal Construction News: 

With reduced federal government involvement and changes in administrative policy, state legislators and regulatory agencies are likely to become more active in setting regulations...[Those are sectors where] an active, engaged voice [is key] to ensure the continuation of policies that directly benefit and strengthen the industry.  

Being that voice is the vital role MCA plays. Their advocacy takes many forms, including their partnership with the National Roofing Contractors Association’s (NRCA) National Roofing Day, advocation for immigration reform, involvement in Pell Grant fundraising and more! And with Lee Ann’s recent appointment as chair, we can only look forward to the other ways that MCA will be advocating for a business climate that their members can succeed in.  

Want to learn more about what MCA is up to? Read Jeff Henry’s entire article from the April 2026 edition of Metal Construction News.

You’re invited to attend the Metal Construction Association (MCA) Summer Meeting! Join us June 23-24 in Rosemont, IL. This event is a must for everyone in the metal construction industry, regardless of your company type, product specialty or professional role.

Here’s what you can look forward to: 

• Insights from Experts: Learn how the current and developing economic and governmental situations are expected to impact your business and discover strategies to tackle potential challenges. Our speakers will bring you up to date amid constant changes.
• Interactive Roundtable Discussions: Learn about project MCA is working on related to the products you’re most interested in. Discuss opportunities and challenges that MCA can address to educated architects and contractors who use your products.
• Networking Social Events: Connect with colleagues across companies and roles in a relaxed setting, fostering new relationships and unwinding with like-minded professionals

Add the summer meeting to your calendar today!

By Emma Peterson. 

Get industry insights, education opportunities and more this June in Rosemont, Illinois. 

The Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s annual summer meeting is returning to Rosemont, Illinois this June! Taking place June 23-24, 2026, this meeting is meant to help your team stay ahead with industry insights, practical education and high-value networking opportunities.  

This year, the keynote speaker will be Johnny Quinn, sharing a talk all about Unstoppable Momentum. There will also be a new dual-track education system that allows your team to “choose their own education adventure." One track focuses on the business and technical side of roofing with information about codes, standards and a report from the Metal Roofing Alliance.  

The other track is perfect for your marketing and sales specialists and features to sessions hosted by The Coffee Shops™ own Karen Edwards! In one, Karen will moderate a panel all about hiring and retaining talent featuring Amy Staska from National Roofing Contractors Association alongside Mandy McIntyre and Maureen Greeves from Tremco WTI. The other session, a panel titled “Modern Marketing That Moves Metal,” will see Karen discussing how marketing has shifted from relationship-driven to relationship plus digital visibility with Sean McFarland and Mark Carlisle. 

These sessions are great examples of the type of expert insights you will have access to by attending the 2026 MCA Summer Meeting. And you will also have the opportunity to go beyond just listening to these experts speak, as MCA has organized powerful networking opportunities that allow attendees to “build relationships across the metal construction supply chain in a relaxed setting.” An example of these networking opportunities is the Chicago Dogs vs. Cleburne Railroaders baseball game outing on Tuesday, June 23 (additional $25 fee at registration). 

Ready to boost your professional development and set your team up for success in the second half of the year? Get registered to attend the 2026 MCS Summer Meeting (and take advantage of discounts when multiple attendees register from the same company).

Expanded program features hands-on demos, market outlooks, Florida CE credits and a new Latino Track.

 As METALCON marks its 35th anniversary in 2026, an expanded education and training program will give professionals from across the entire metal construction ecosystem new opportunities to build skills, improve performance and prepare for the year ahead. Taking place Oct. 7–9, in Orlando, Florida, this year’s program will emphasize practical training, market intelligence, technical education and business-focused learning.

With workforce development, changing codes, economic uncertainty and demand for field-ready training top of mind across the industry, METALCON will offer hands-on clinics, expert-led sessions, keynote presentations, industry outlook discussions, five specialized learning centers, Florida Contractor Continuing Education Credits and a new Latino Track featuring Spanish-language education and hands-on training.

"METALCON is more than a trade show - it is the metal construction industry's annual business and education summit," said Judy Geller, METALCON vice president of trade shows. "This year's education program reflects the issues professionals are navigating every day, from workforce development and field installation challenges to codes, building performance, technology, economic uncertainty and business growth. Attendees will leave with knowledge they can immediately apply in the field, in the office and across their organizations."

Hands-on training remains a defining METALCON advantage

What continues to set METALCON apart is its commitment to live, hands-on metal construction training. Attendees will have access to practical demonstrations and expert instruction designed to improve field performance, installation quality and jobsite efficiency.

METAL Mastery Clinics, presented by the Metal Construction Association and Metal Roofing Alliance, will take place on the show floor and feature industry best practices for the installation of standing seam metal panels, metal shingles and metal roofing retrofit systems. The clinics will help contractors better understand material selection, panel forming and proper installation techniques that improve efficiency, quality and building owner satisfaction.

The METALCON Training Zone, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams | MetalVue, will feature hands-on demonstrations using mock-ups and materials including painted steel, aluminum, zinc, copper and other specialty materials. Led by John Sheridan of Sheridan Metal Resources and his team of experts, demonstrations will be offered in English and Spanish, with tools available for audience testing and purchase.

Keynotes and industry outlook sessions address resilience, markets and what comes next

METALCON will feature keynote presentations and industry outlook programming that provide attendees with both inspiration and timely market intelligence.

Jim Abbott, inspirational speaker and Major League Baseball pitcher, will deliver "Nothing Can Stop You" on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a meet and greet. Abbott's keynote will focus on resilience, gratitude and the ability to turn challenges into strengths, offering attendees a powerful perspective on perseverance, adaptability and leadership.

Kermit Baker, a leading economic voice in the architecture, design and construction sectors and former chief economist for the American Institute of Architects, will present "Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries" on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 9:00 a.m. His keynote will examine the economic forces shaping project activity, demand, pipeline trends and sector growth, helping attendees understand how current conditions may affect backlog, bidding environments, project starts and strategic business decisions over the next 12 months.

METALCON will also feature two industry outlook sessions addressing the business and compliance issues shaping metal construction. “Outlook: 2027 — The Future of Metal Construction” will bring together leading voices for a forecast panel focused on material costs, evolving codes, supply chain pressures, economic conditions and jobsite realities. “Metal Construction Code Updates: What’s Changed and What It Means” will help attendees understand recent and upcoming changes to codes and standards, with practical implications for design, specification, fabrication and installation.

Five learning centers connect attendees with targeted education

Designed for contractors, fabricators, architects, engineers, installers, designers and specifiers, the broader education program is organized around five specialized learning centers to help attendees quickly identify sessions relevant to their roles, business needs and technical interests:

• Contractor business success center: Practical strategies for improving profitability, operations and workforce development.
• Installation & techniques learning center: Jobsite-focused training on installation best practices, safety and field challenges.
• Metal performance learning center: Education focused on building performance, resilience, codes, standards and compliance.
• Tools & technology zone: Emerging technologies, software, automation and productivity tools changing how metal construction professionals work.
• Design district: AIA-accredited education for architects, designers and specifiers focused on design innovation and the use of metal in the built environment. 

Unlike general construction events, METALCON's education program is focused exclusively on the application of metal in design and construction, providing attendees with targeted insights and practical knowledge unavailable anywhere else.

Florida Contractor Continuing Education Credits

METALCON will offer dozens of Florida Contractor Continuing Education Credits, giving Florida contractors an opportunity to earn a significant portion of the continuing education required to maintain their licenses while gaining practical industry knowledge.

New latino track expands access to focused education and training

In response to the needs of the industry and the growing community of Spanish-speaking professionals in metal construction, METALCON will introduce a new Latino Track featuring educational sessions presented in Spanish, along with Spanish-language hands-on demonstrations in the METALCON Training Zone.

The new Latino Track is designed to expand access to high-value technical, business and leadership education while supporting contractors, installers, roofing professionals and project teams who are helping shape the future of the metal construction industry.

Sessions in the Latino Track include:

• From Vision to Profit: Building a Winning Business Plan in the Metal Industry
• Behind the System: Leadership, Communication & Growth in Modern Roofing
• From Coil to Code: How High-Performance Metal Roofing Systems Are Engineered, Tested and Manufactured
• Why Engineered Roofing Systems Matter More Than Ever 

METALCON takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from Wednesday, Oct. 7, through Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, with pre-show workshops beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6. Registration is now open at www.metalcon.com

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

By Jenny Yu.  

Learn how the Metal Construction Association is working to help contractors and manufacturers navigate evolving standards and market demands. 

As metal roofing continues to gain market share across residential and commercial construction, the Metal Construction Association (MCA) is expanding its efforts around workforce development, code advocacy and resilient building practices. 

In this episode of MetalCast™, MCA Executive Director Jeff Henry discussed how evolving regulations and increasing demand are reshaping the metal construction industry. He emphasized the importance of industry involvement as lawmakers and regulatory agencies continue developing new requirements. 

“Having influence on where things are headed, having lawmakers and their legislators, regulatory bodies, understand what the burden is, as well as being able to design systems for meeting the requirements that are achievable, is important,” Henry said. “It’s important that we have a voice in those projects.” 

Henry noted that growth in metal roofing adoption is especially strong in the residential re-roofing market, increasing the need for proper installation training and contractor education. “Especially in the re-roof residential sector, metal’s share is growing quickly,” Henry stated. “We've seen similar growth in the commercial and industrial side of the business as well, so we need to be sure that we have people that are installing these products correctly.” 

To support that goal, MCA is continuing to invest in workforce development and contractor training initiatives. Henry said MCA’s education efforts are designed to complement broader industry certification programs. “Our vision is that the training that we provide will feed people into the NRCA Pro Certification Program,” he said. “We'll work with other contractor groups as well to be sure that we're advocating and teaching the skills in a way that meets what we believe is best practice.” 

Resiliency and performance standards also remain major priorities for the association. Henry pointed to MCA’s ongoing work around edge metal standards, wildfire-resistant assemblies and code proposals designed to improve roofing system performance during severe weather events. “That's the main goal, right? It's not just about selling a product; it's about how we make a roofing assembly more effective and perform better, especially in weather-related events,” Henry said.  

Henry added that industry collaboration will be critical as labor shortages, evolving regulations and climate-related challenges continue to impact construction. “The world we engage in, the industry we engage in, is growing more complex all the time,” Henry said. “Association engagement, be it MCA or any others, provides fabulous avenues to stay informed. People who are actively engaged see the direct benefit of that right away.” 

Read the previous article in this series, Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to hear more insights on codes, workforce development and the future of metal construction. 

You're invited to earn up to 3 CEs at a new, half-day educational program on May 29 in Chicago. Form, Function, and Finish: Designing with Metal is being developed and delivered by the Metal Construction Association (MCA)—the industry authority the use of metal in the building envelope. Breakfast is included, and you can make new connections with time to network with attendees and vendors.

Registration is free for architects, designers, and specifiers from throughout the Chicago area, Milwaukee, and northwest Indiana. Join us to learn design focused, technical, and practical tips from three experts, including an award-winning architect and an industry-leading specifier!

What you'll learn + from whom:

• Designing with Metal: Performance, Resilience, + Architectural Expression
  Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder and principal of ISTUDIO Architects
  An architect will discuss how metal systems reduce long-term operational costs, streamline construction, and support resilient design via four award-winning projects. 
  1 LU/HSW
• Designing with Metal Composite Materials
  Samuel Chastain, director of commercial operations at Alfrex, Inc
  Learn about flexibility, sustainability, energy efficiency, and visual appearance designing with metal composite materials from an experienced industry professional who co-invented a composite building panel with improved resilience.
  1 LU/HSW
• Insulated Metal Panels: Performance, Sustainability, + Design
  Kyle Ferenc, CSI, district sales manager, ATAS International,
  + VP of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute
  A specifier will explore various uses for insulated metal panels in creative design, and the benefits of long-term sustainability. 
  1 LU/HSW/GBCI

Register today!

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is hosting a new education program for architects, designers, and specifiers in the Chicago region! This new in-person event is a standalone education program created by MCA and sponsored by Sherwin-Williams.

Form, Function, and Finish: Designing with Metal is a half-day event held the morning of Friday, May 29, and focusing on how metal roofing and wall systems are used in today’s building envelope—covering performance, detailing, and design flexibility. Architects, designers, and specifiers from throughout the Chicago area, Milwaukee, and northwest Indiana are invited to sign up now for this free event to earn continuing education credits!

The half-day event offers up to three AIA continuing education credits and features sessions on design, performance, resilience, and metal building envelope systems from: 

• Rick Schneider, founder and principal of ISTUDIO Architects 
• Samuel Chastain, director of commercial operations at Alfrex, Inc 
• Kyle Ferenc, district sales manager at ATAS International and vice president of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute 

This first of its kind event supports MCA’s mission to deliver credible education, practical technical guidance, and trusted resources for design professionals working with metal. 

Save your seat today!

By Emma Peterson. 

Join your industry peers and leaders for two days of learning, networking and more!  

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is hosting their Summer Meeting from June 23-24 in Rosemont, Illinois. Sponsored by ATAS International and Carlisle Construction Materials, this two-day event is packed with education opportunities, high-value networking and industry insights! Whether you are a business leader, a technical professional, an emerging leader or a marketing/sales specialist, this meeting will help you stay ahead of the competition.  

What you can expect 

At this year’s meeting, there will be a variety of industry experts sharing real-world strategies to help professionals navigate everything from the global economy to local policy and regulatory developments. One of these leaders is Johnny Quinn, who will be delivering his keynote, Unstoppable Momentum, at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23.  

This year also introduces a new dual-track education program! This program allows contractors to “choose the sessions that fit [their] role — with content for business leaders and technical staff running at the same time as sessions designed for marketing and sales.”  

One of the sessions that is a part of this new program is hosted by The Coffee Shops™ own Karen Edwards! Karen will be moderating a panel about marketing trends that can be leveraged by professionals to diversify their businesses. There will also be sessions from Bob Zabcik and Paul Trombitas! Bob, who is MCA’s technical director, will give a codes and standards report while Paul will share about MCA’s exclusive market study.  

And as always, there will be ample opportunity at breaks, meals and events to build relationships with peers and experts across the industry. This is a great way to build relationships and spark new ideas in relaxed settings like the Chicago Dogs versus Cleburne Railroaders baseball game ($25 additional fee at registration). 

The logistics 

The meeting will be held at the Hilton Rosemont/O’Hare, conveniently just minutes from the O’Hare International Airport. Attendees should make sure to reserve their hotel room by Friday, May 29, 2026. 

MCA also has a unique deal for professionals who register multiple members of their team! You can save 15% per person when you register more than one person from your company with code SUMMER26. Not only is this a great deal, but having multiple members of your company in attendance allows you to take full advantage of the dual-track sessions and get takeaways from the meeting that benefit your entire organization.  

Learn more and get registered today!

By Metal Construction Alliance.

Join us to learn design‑focused, technical and practical tips from three experts, including an award-winning architect and an industry-leading specifier!

You're invited to earn up to three continuing education (CE) credits at a new, half-day educational program on May 29, 2026 in Chicago. Form, Function, and Finish: Designing with Metal is being developed and delivered by the Metal Construction Association (MCA)—the industry authority on the use of metal in the building envelope. Breakfast is included, and you can make new connections with time to network with attendees and vendors.

The details

When: Friday, May 29, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 633 North St. Clair Street, Chicago
What: Earn three (3) CEs in one morning
Why: Level up your skills and network

Registration is free for architects, designers and specifiers from throughout the Chicago area, Milwaukee and northwest Indiana.

What you'll learn and from whom

Designing with Metal: Performance, Resilience + Architectural Expression
Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder and principal of ISTUDIO Architects
An architect will discuss how metal systems reduce long-term operational costs, streamline construction and support resilient design via four award-winning projects. 

Designing With Metal Composite Materials
Samuel Chastain, director of commercial operations at Alfrex, Inc
Learn about flexibility, sustainability, energy efficiency and visual appearance designing with metal composite materials from an experienced industry professional who co-invented a composite building panel with improved resilience.

Insulated Metal Panels: Performance, Sustainability, + Design
Kyle Ferenc, CSI, district sales manager, ATAS International and VP of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute
A specifier will explore various uses for insulated metal panels in creative design, and the benefits of long-term sustainability. 

Companies you can connect with

In addition to learning, you can network with other attendees and meet leading suppliers for the metal building envelope. These companies include McElroy Metals, ATAS International, Sheffield Metals and more. The entire event is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. Make new connections and find products to help you achieve your goals!

Save your seat today! 

Industry leaders were recognized for decades of innovation, mentorship and impact across metal buildings, insulated metal panels and metal roofing. 

The 2026 Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) Annual Conference Awards Ceremony featured the Metal Construction News Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Metal Construction News publisher Melanie Kowal and Editor-in-Chief Anthony Capkun hosted the ceremony and highlighted the purpose of the program: to recognize individuals who have helped initiate, advance and shape the metal construction industry through dedication, innovation and inspiration. Inductees were selected with help from the association partner judges from the Metal Construction Association, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and the MBCEA. The following individuals were inducted this year:  

Mark Detwiler (Cornerstone Building Brands) 

Recognized for a career that strengthened the foundation of metal construction through leadership and service with multiple construction associations, Mark noted this this honor wouldn’t be possible without a broader team effort and he credited the colleagues and partners who helped make it possible. 

Arnold Corbin (Metl-Span) 

Honored for more than four decades of leadership in insulated metal panels and pre-engineered metal buildings, Arnold shared a personal story of how he entered the industry with a hands-on job while in college because he needed date money. That date money resulted in him not only marrying his wife but developing a long-tenured, rewarding career in metal. He expressed gratitude for the mentors and teams who invested in his growth over the years. 

Jeff Alexander (The Sherwin-Williams Company) 

Jeff was recognized for more than 40 years of contributions that helped drive growth in coil coatings and support metal roofing’s rise from a niche product to a premium residential option. Jeff was unable to attend the ceremony, and the award was accepted on his behalf. 

Ted Wolf (Butler Manufacturing) 

Ted was honored for helping shape dealer networks, advancing standing seam systems and championing innovations that strengthened the industry. Unable to attend, his prepared remarks were shared during the ceremony, reflecting on a career that began in 1972 as a sales trainee, progressed through field sales leadership and culminated in serving as president of Butler’s North American operations before retiring in 2010. 

T.R. “Tony” Raimondo (Bayland Manufacturing) 

Raimondo was recognized for a vision that helped transform both a company and an industry. He passed away in 2022, and the honor was accepted by his son, Tony Raimondo Jr., who spoke about his father’s deep involvement in the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and the pivotal 1984 buyout that set Bayland on a long-term path from heavy losses to profitability. 

Phil Raimondo (Bayland Manufacturing) 

Recognized for helping define modern standards of quality and reliability in metal building systems, Phil Raimondo was inducted posthumously (he passed away in 2021). His son, Patrick Raimondo—plant manager at Bayland’s Sarasota, Florida, location—accepted the award and noted the lasting impact of his father’s dedication, while committing to carry the legacy forward. 

More information on this year’s Hall of Fame class is available in the April 2026 issue of Metal Construction News. The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the inductees and appreciation for the industry leaders and associations who continue to support the program.