In this METALCON Live!, Heidi J. Ellsworth brings together a designer, manufacturer and contractor for a real-world conversation on barndominiums, one of the fastest-growing trends in metal building today. Blending residential living with durable, efficient construction, barndominiums are reshaping how owners think about design, performance and cost. This panel dives into how these projects are evolving, from the materials and systems being specified to the growing influence of metal in both structure and style. The discussion also highlights the critical collaboration between architects, manufacturers and builders to ensure successful outcomes. Attendees will walk away with practical insights on design considerations, product selection, code requirements, customer expectations and how to capitalize on this expanding market. 

Register today!

Recognizing the rising leaders shaping the industry.

METALCON has launched its new 40 Under 40 Recognition Program, highlighting rising leaders driving the future of metal construction.

Forty professionals, age 40 and under, will be honored for their work influencing projects, teams and processes – from jobsites and fabrication floors to engineering and design – at the only event where the metal construction industry comes together to make decisions, build partnerships and shape what’s next.

“The program spotlights professionals who are already making an impact across the metal construction industry while also representing its next generation of leadership,” said Judy Geller, vice president of trade shows for PSMJ Resources, Inc., producers of METALCON. “These are individuals driving projects forward, improving how work gets done and helping shape where the industry is headed.”

Nominations are now open and can be submitted via the online nomination form by the July 21, 2026 deadline. Honorees will be selected by a cross-industry panel based on achievement, leadership, innovation and overall impact.

“As METALCON marks its 35th anniversary, this program is about elevating the people who are actively shaping the industry’s direction,” continued Geller. “40 Under 40 puts their work—and their impact—front and center where the industry comes together.”

Selected honorees will receive industry-wide recognition, including a featured profile on METALCON.com, promotion through email, social media and trade publications, and recognition onsite at METALCON 2026, taking place October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Honorees will also be invited to a Future Leaders networking reception.

Eligible nominees must be 40 years of age or younger and actively working in or contributing to the metal construction industry. Candidates may be nominated by peers, managers, employees or other industry professionals or may self-nominate with an external reference.

The program aims to elevate the professionals who are driving innovation, improving processes and leading teams across the industry today—those helping define how the industry continues to evolve.

Honorees will be announced in September and formally recognized during METALCON 2026. For more information or to complete a nomination form, visit 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 Fiona Maguire-O’Shea, METALCON.

Keynote insights highlight rising costs, uneven demand and sectors driving construction forward. 

Before leaders of the metal building industry in Colorado Springs, Colorado, keynote speaker Anirban Basu, a widely respected industry economist, underscored both the opportunities and headwinds facing construction: the U.S. economy is still growing, but growth is increasingly uneven and industry professionals need to be clear-eyed about where opportunity exists and where risk is building. 

Speaking at the joint Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association/Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBCEA/MBMA) event, Anirban offered an early roadmap to the financing, labor, inflation and market questions facing the metal construction industry — conversations that will carry into METALCON 2026, where thousands of metal construction professionals will gather amid ongoing discussion about the market forces shaping the year ahead. 

Anirban, chief economist for the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Construction Financial Management Association and the Modular Building Institute and a former chair of the Maryland Economic Development Commission, brought a practical, construction-focused perspective to the stage. His core point was blunt: The economy is growing, but the benefits are uneven. “So, it’s a lopsided economic expansion with some families really benefiting, and other families really fading in terms of standard of living,” Anirban said.  

Prices, rates and project pressure 

One of Anirban's clearest messages centered on inflation and the frustration it is creating. He said there is “a fair amount of angst out there regarding the economy,” as well as “a fair amount of unhappiness” and “a significant amount of discontent,”driven in part by rising everyday costs such as groceries. At the heart of that discontent, he said, is “high and rising prices.” He noted that overall inflation has climbed 29% since May 2020, while core inflation has risen 25.7% over the same period. 

That matters because inflation continues to keep interest rates elevated, raising the cost of capital and making many projects harder to pencil. Anirban noted that after holding its benchmark rate near zero early in the pandemic, the Federal Reserve raised it to about 5.5% before later easing, but borrowing costs remain high relative to the pre-pandemic environment. As he put it, “Borrowing costs go up, project financing costs go up. That’s not good for construction projects.”

Anirban also said inflation is likely to linger, keeping interest rates higher for longer — an unwelcome outlook for the construction industry, which needs private financing costs to come down to support more construction starts. 

That pressure is most visible in residential construction and parts of the commercial market. Anirban pointed to declining housing under construction, weak permit activity and continued softness in multifamily, where many projects are simply not viableat today’s financing and input-cost levels. 

He also emphasized that the office sector remains a weak spot, with remote and hybrid work continuing to weigh on vacancy in major metropolitan areas, putting pressure on property values, lender appetite and municipal tax bases. As a result, private-sector work tied to traditional office, speculative multifamily and other rate-sensitive development remains under strain. 

Where strength is concentrated 

At the same time, Anirban made clear that not all construction sectors are struggling. He singled out data centers and the energy generation and distribution infrastructure needed to support them as two of the strongest opportunities ahead. “These two segments of construction tend to be the strongest going forward,” he said. 

He described artificial intelligence as one of the defining drivers of capital spending in today’s economy, with hyperscalers, such as Amazon and Meta, spending about $450 billion last year on related architecture and infrastructure and expected to spend $700 billion to $725 billion this year. He also noted that data centers used about 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2023 and could consume well above 12% by 2028. Those trends will keep driving demand for power generation, transmission and related utility work, while also reinforcing the appeal of fast-track, durable building systems. 

Public construction is another relatively bright spot. Anirban showed that while total nonresidential construction has flattened, infrastructure-related categories such as transportation, water supply, sewage and waste disposal and conservation-related work continue to benefit from public funding already moving through the system. In practical terms, that means companies with exposure to civil, utility and public-sector work may find better near-term stability than those dependent on speculative private development. 

Materials costs remain a problem 

Anirban underscored rising construction input costs, particularly in metals-related categories. He said construction materials prices overall were up 48% from February 2020 to March 2026. The more targeted figure may be even more important: Anirban said the producer price index – the price received by producers – for architectural and structural metals manufacturing was up 7.4% year over year and 75% since February 2020. He also pointed to steep increases in steel mill products and fabricated structural metal products, highlighting how tariff policy and supply-side pressures continue to affect pricing. 

Materials volatility continues to shape pricing, bidding, procurement strategy and project timing. In a market where owners are already struggling with financing, further escalation can push work from delayed to dead. 

Labor and location still matter 

Labor remains another complicated piece of the outlook. Anirban noted that construction job openings have not surged the way some expected, even with changes in immigration policy affecting workforce availability. He said about 25% of the construction workforce is foreign-born, but the expected increase in advertisements for native-born or documented workers has not materialized. The reason, he suggested, is that between residential and nonresidential construction, overall construction spending has been in decline, even though some individual segments continue to grow. That means labor availability, wage pressure and productivity remain key concerns, particularly in labor-intensive trades. Even where demand exists, execution still depends on workforce access and retention. 

Anirban also urged the audience to think regionally, not just nationally. Some markets can transcend a weakening economy, particularly when population growth continues to drive demand. Economic momentum remains strongest in places that continue to attract people and business investment, including parts of Texas, Florida and the Carolinas. Those regions are more likely to support job creation and construction demand. Markets dealing with population outflows, weak office fundamentals or fiscal strain face a more difficult path. 

What comes next for metal construction 

As the industry looks ahead to METALCON 2026, the same questions Anirban raised continue to shape conversations about where work is coming from, which projects still pencil and how companies can position themselves for the next phase of the cycle. Strength remains concentrated in a relatively narrow group of drivers – artificial intelligence spending, data centers, power infrastructure and public work – while other parts of the market remain constrained by financing costs, input prices and softer demand. 

In closing, Anirban said, “So there are four things I’m watching to determine whether or not we’re going to enter recession.” First is the conflict in the Middle East, which he said the stock market appears to be treating as temporary, even though “it hasn’t ended yet, and things can go wrong.” Second is hyperscaler spending, particularly what major technology companies say about their investment plans. Third is the stock market’s performance, which is closely tied to that spending. Fourth is layoff activity, as hiring remains soft and a meaningful pickup in layoffs could quickly push unemployment higher and put more pressure on consumer spending. 

For now, Anirban said, initial unemployment claims remain low — a sign that employers are still largely holding on to their workers. That, he said, “speaks to economic stability.” His conclusion was cautiously optimistic: “My forecast is for growth in 2026.”  

That leaves the industry with a message that is neither alarmist nor complacent. Opportunity remains, especially in segments tied to infrastructure, energy and advanced technology. But so do serious headwinds, particularly for projects that depend on easier financing, steadier input costs and broader private demand.

That conversation will continue across the industry in the months ahead — including at METALCON 2026, scheduled for Oct. 7–9, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Registration is now open. Learn more at www.metalcon.com. 

By The Coffee Shops.  

Attendees of this METALCON Live! will gain a deeper understanding of materials, collaboration and opportunities in barndominium construction. 

On May 20, 2026, MetalCoffeeShop® will host a METALCON Live! panel titled “Barndominiums: Building Smarter With Metal,” bringing together industry experts to explore how this fast-growing segment is reshaping residential construction. 

Hosted by Heidi J. Ellsworth, the event features a panel that reflects the full project lifecycle, from design to manufacturing to construction. MCS Influencer Stacee Lynn, widely known as The Barndominium Lady™, will offer a designer’s perspective rooted in her experience creating luxury, steel-frame homes that blend open-concept living with high-end finishes. Through The Barndominium Company, she has helped homeowners nationwide transform metal structures into functional and visually striking residences. 

Joining her is Jason Millon, a contractor focused on craftsmanship and client experience. As founder of Premiere Barndominiums LLC and co-owner of Milltins Construction and Development, Millon brings practical insight into building processes, project execution and how to deliver spaces designed for long-term living. 

Together, the panel will examine what defines a barndominium and how it compares to traditional residential structures, while also addressing the factors driving rapid market growth. Attendees can expect a deep dive into materials and systems, including structural approaches, roofing, siding and insulation trends, as well as the expanding role of metal in both performance and architectural design. 

The conversation will also tackle common misconceptions around cost, timelines and complexity, while outlining key considerations for codes, zoning and permitting. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of collaboration between architects, manufacturers and builders to improve constructability and reduce project challenges. 

For contractors, the event offers actionable guidance on preparing for barndominium projects, managing unique client expectations and positioning their business to capitalize on this expanding market. 

Register now to attend the METALCON Live! and learn how to build smarter with metal.

Honoring Mark's life and accomplishments.

We are deeply saddened to share that my longtime pillar of the metal building community Mark James passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Mark is survived by his wife of 55 years Paula, his son Jarrod, his grandchildren Brooklyn, Harley, Julian and his great-grandson Trevon. A service will be held in Dallas in the near future.

Mark’s career began remarkably early. At just eight years old, he worked as a blueprint boy for his father’s company. He later attended the University of Missouri and continued his education at night through the Finlay School of Engineering in Kansas City, Missouri.

In the late 1970s, Mark designed roof systems using dimensional lumber to retrofit flat roofs with truss-framed sloped roofs — Ultimately contributing to more than 30 million square feet of retrofit projects. In 1981, he was recruited by Kirby Building Systems as their Special Projects Manager, prompting a move to Houston, Texas. In 1984, he accepted a district manager position with United Structures of America, and four years later, in 1988, he became a partner in Genesis Group, Inc. of Baton Rouge, where he worked on both new metal buildings and retrofit projects.

Moving now to Dallas, Texas, Mark joined Roof Hugger, Inc. in 2009, where his impact was immediate and lasting. He developed standard details, product specifications, sales presentations and represented the company at numerous industry association meetings. He became deeply involved in the Metal Construction Association (MCA), eventually serving as chairman of the retrofit council. In that role, he helped create many of the AIA education programs that continue
to be used today.

He was a familiar face at RCI (now IIBEC), MBCEA and other industry organizations. Mark also played a major role in creating and setting up many of the METALCON Live Demo displays, including the Metal Roofing Games Competition and the Solar Bay exhibit. To say he was well known in our industry is an understatement.

After retiring from Roof Hugger in 2014, Mark founded his consulting firm, RetroSpec, LLC, continuing to advise Roof Hugger, MCA and many other metal-related companies. He and Paula then moved to Hot Springs, Arizona, where they enjoyed a beautiful home and surroundings and after buying a large camper, they traveled across the country while he continued consulting remotely.

In 2019, Mark received MCA’s prestigious Larry A. Swaney Award, recognizing his commitment to communication, cooperation, unity and the advancement of the metal construction industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark was an accomplished artist, cabinet maker and interior designer. He loved his family deeply, and those of us who knew and worked with him will miss him profoundly.

Your Voice, Our Platform

Thank you for your interest in presenting at METALCON 2026, the premier global event dedicated to the use of metal in design and construction. We are seeking dynamic speakers who can educate, engage, and inspire our audience with impactful, practical content that enhances the METALCON experience.

Presentation Opportunities

We encourage innovative and interactive delivery formats, including:

• Case studies
• Panel discussions
• Product comparisons
• Point-counterpoint debates
• Roundtables or small group discussions
• Hands-on learning sessions
• Tips, tricks, and hacks

The Education Session Basics

• Duration: 60 minutes (includes Q&A)
• Location: Learning Centers or the Main Theater in the Exhibit Hall
• Content: Address real-world challenges and opportunities in construction and design

Submission Guidelines

• Accreditation: All sessions should qualify for AIA Learning Units (preferably HSW credits) and Florida CILB DBPR credits. METALCON will handle accreditation.
• Prohibited Content: Sessions must not include promotional content or sales pitches.

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: No later than April 17, 2026

Help us make METALCON 2026 an exceptional experience by sharing your expertise.

Continue to the application.

By Jenny Yu.  

Heidi J. Ellsworth has been elected as one of the new NRCA directors. 

Here at The Coffee Shops™, we are proud to share that our president and CEO, Heidi J. Ellsworth, has been elected as one of the new National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) directors. The announcement was made as part of the NRCA's 139th Annual Convention, held from January 18 to 22, 2026, in Las Vegas.  

“It is a true honor to be nominated and selected to serve on the NRCA board of directors,” Heidi shared. “What the NRCA does for the roofing industry is critical to advancing professionalism, supporting contractors and protecting the long-term strength of our trade. The association’s leadership of technical services along with their commitment to career technical education and advocacy continues to move the industry forward. I am excited to contribute at a higher level.” 

With over 30 years of service to the industry, Heidi has developed the experience, connections and leadership skills that make her an invaluable voice and advocate for the roofing community. From holding positions with Malarkey Roofing Products®, Carlisle Construction Materials and Eagleview to serving on the boards of Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), National Women in Roofing (NWIR), METALCON and the International Roofing Expo (IRE), Heidi is more than ready to help guide NRCA through an evolving landscape. 

“Having been actively involved with NRCA for more than 20 years, I look forward to supporting not only the U.S. market but also the organization’s growing global initiatives,” Heidi said. “RoofersCoffeeShop® has a long history of supporting NRCA by amplifying its educational efforts, promoting workforce development and elevating the issues that matter most to roofing professionals.” 

NRCA’s board of directors focuses on strategy and accountability, keeping the interests of its members at the forefront of its work. Heidi will serve a three-year term from 2026 to 2029, starting June 1, alongside eleven other newly appointed board members.  

“By standing together as one voice, we can expand opportunities and build stronger businesses for our contracting community while also better serving the consumers,” Heidi expressed. “Everyone needs shelter, and I am proud to be part of an industry that provides the ultimate protection — the roof.” 

Learn more about the mission of the NRCA and its vision for the future of roofing.

By Jenny Yu. 

The show’s growth in technical education and charitable outreach demonstrates why it remains a cornerstone event for the metal construction industry. 

Another successful METALCON is in the books, and the conversations leading up to the event offered valuable insight into why the show continues to resonate with industry professionals. In this MetalCast™ episode recorded before the expo, Karen Edwards spoke with METALCON Tradeshow Director Judy Geller about what makes the event unlike any other. 

Judy emphasized the show’s singular focus on metal and its role as a comprehensive education hub. “One of the things that we feel very, very strongly about is that METALCON is the only show that is really all about metal construction,” she stated. “We are well aware that there are a lot of other shows out there. But this is the only show that completely focuses on the application of metal in construction and design.” 

To take advantage of their unique position in the industry, METALCON offers a wide variety of educational opportunities for professionals to talk to experts, discover new products and get hands-on training. Sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, the training zone increases in size and scope every year.  

“John Sheridan and his crew offer two and a half days of hands-on training, and it is buzzing,” Judy shared. “From the time the show floor opens until we throw them out at the end of the day, they’re showing installers and contractors — in English and in Spanish —how to up-skill and finesse everything they do. They'll show you how to use the right tools and how to improve your techniques.” 

METALCON also continued its tradition of giving back, reinforcing a mission that extends beyond the exhibit floor. One of the most ambitious efforts showcased this year right on the show floor. “We are building a barndominium for charity,” Judy said. In partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation, the Scottsdale Construction Company and Oliver Bell and Stacee Lynn of the The Barndominium Company, the frame for Eagles Landing, a 2,500 square foot retreat center for veterans, was assembled at the center of the show floor. After METALCON, the frame was disassembled, moved to Hall, Montana, where it will be completed in 2026 to serve as a retreat for combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families. 

With countless opportunities for education and giving back, METALCON reminds us why it’s an experience you just can’t miss.  

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about all that METALCON has to offer.

By METALCON. 

METALCON is searching for knowledgeable speakers to help shape its 2026 learning experience. 

METALCON 2026 is inviting industry experts to take the stage at the world’s leading event for metal design and construction, calling on thought leaders who can deliver education-driven sessions with real-world value. As the global hub for metal innovation, METALCON is seeking speakers who can provide practical insights, spark conversation and equip attendees with actionable knowledge that elevates the overall conference experience. METALCON 2026 will take place on October 7-9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida. The deadline for speaker applications is February 27, 2026! 

Presentation opportunities 

We encourage innovative and interactive delivery formats, including: 

• Case studies 
• Panel discussions 
• Product comparisons 
• Point-counterpoint debates 
• Roundtables or small group discussions 
• Hands-on learning sessions 
• Tips, tricks and hacks 

The education session basics 

• Duration: 60 minutes (includes Q&A) 
• Location: Learning Centers or the Main Theater in the Exhibit Hall 
• Content: Address real-world challenges and opportunities in construction and design 

Submission guidelines 

• Accreditation: All sessions should qualify for AIA Learning Units (preferably HSW credits) and Florida CILB DBPR credits. METALCON will handle accreditation. 
• Prohibited content: Sessions must not include promotional content or sales pitches. 

Key dates 

• Submission deadline: February 27, 2026 
• Notification of acceptance: No later than April 17, 2026 

Help us make METALCON 2026 an exceptional experience by sharing your expertise. Click here to complete an application to be one of our key speakers! 

Original article and photo source: METALCON

By Jesse Sanchez 

From profitability tools and retrofit strategies to shop growth and workforce insights, the most impactful MetalCoffeeShop content in 2025 focused on helping contractors succeed with metal. 

MetalCoffeeShop’s strongest engagement in 2025 centered on content that helped contractors make better business decisions with metal. At the top of that list was the MetalTalk™ webinar “Roofing Passport: Making More Money With Metal,” which explored the relaunch of Sherwin-Williams’ Roofing Passport within the MetalVue program. 

During the session, guests from Sherwin-Williams walked contractors through how automated, one-click metal estimates and integrated job details can remove friction from both residential and commercial bidding. By tying technology directly to margin control and efficiency, the conversation reflected a growing appetite for tools that simplify metal work rather than complicate it. 

MetalCast highlights retrofit momentum 

That same practical focus carried into the MetalCast™ episode “Rodger Russ: Unlocking Retrofit Potential for Metal Roofs.” In the conversation, Rodger Russ of Tremco examined the expanding role of metal retrofits across roofs and walls. 

The episode positioned retrofit work as a way to extend building life, improve sustainability and minimize disruption for owners — a message that resonated as contractors increasingly look for alternatives to full tear-offs. By addressing design considerations, safety advantages and long-term performance, the discussion reinforced metal’s versatility as both a technical and strategic solution. 

MetalTalk - Sheet metal shop growth draws strong interest 

Educational MetalTalk™ sessions also drew strong engagement, particularly “How to Start a Sheet Metal Shop,” which focused on when it makes sense for contractors to bring fabrication in-house. 

From equipment selection and workflow planning to lean staffing models and turnaround times, the session helped demystify shop ownership and highlighted how faster production and tighter control over trim and panels can become a competitive advantage in local markets. 

LIVE from METALCON 2025 

On the show floor, MetalCoffeeShop’s YouTube playlist “LIVE From METALCON 2025!” extended that education into real time. The 40-plus video series featured conversations with manufacturers, associations and service providers, capturing emerging trends in coatings, accessories, tools and workforce development at METALCON. 

Together, the interviews offered contractors a snapshot of where the metal market is heading and who is shaping it. 

Top article – Advocacy in roofing   

Beyond products and processes, 2025 content also reflected the industry’s broader priorities. The article “Key advocacy efforts advance for the roofing industry” highlighted how tax policy and workforce legislation supported by National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) could impact reroofing decisions and long-term planning. 

Top Influencer – Recruiting and retaining skilled workers 

Influencer content also resonated strongly, including “How the metal industry can recruit and train the next generation of skilled workers,” written by John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. His perspective expressed the importance of apprenticeship programs, technology adoption and mentorship in sustaining the metal workforce. 

Top social media posts 

Short-form video rounded out the year’s top content. A TikTok highlighting a metal roof installation demo at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) showcased hands-on training in action, while an Instagram Reel featuring Malco Tools’ Power Assisted Seamer demonstrated how modern tools are improving jobsite efficiency. These quick-hit videos reinforced MetalCoffeeShop’s educational mission while meeting contractors where they already consume content. 

Together, MetalCoffeeShop’s most-engaged content in 2025 reinforced a central theme: growth in metal depends just as much on people and policy as it does on panels and equipment. 

Explore this year’s highlights and dive into MetalCoffeeShop’s most impactful Read, Listen, Watch content from 2025!