METALCON October 7–8, 2026 | Orlando, Florida

Heading to METALCON? Add these two sessions featuring Carlisle Architectural Metals leaders to your schedule.

1) Growing Your Metal Business: Real-World Strategies from Industry Leaders

Oct. 7, 2026 | 10:15–11:15 a.m. ET
Brian McLaughlin, Director of Associations for Carlisle Architectural Metals, moderates a panel offering practical strategies to strengthen and expand your metal business.
Earn 1 AIA LU or 1 FL CILB 
Business Practices credit.

See session details.

2) Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Metal Roof Systems

Oct. 8, 2026 | 4–5 p.m. ET
Join Brandon Jackson, Regional Group Manager for Carlisle Architectural Metals, to learn how addressing slopes, penetrations, flashings, transitions and rooftop equipment early can help prevent costly design and installation problems.
Earn 1 AIA LU HSW, 1 FL CILB General
credit., or 1 IIBEC CEH.

See session details.

METALCON 2026 

Oct. 7–9, 2026 | Orlando, Florida
While you’re there, visit Petersen, Drexel Metals, and the Carlisle Architectural Metals team in Booth 1724.

Plan your visit.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Experience live metal system demonstrations, contractor-focused education and business growth resources at METALCON 2026. 

Metal professionals heading to METALCON 2026 can connect with Petersen, Drexel Metals and the Carlisle Architectural Metals team October 7-9 in Orlando, Florida. At Booth 1724, attendees can explore the companies’ offerings for metal cladding, accessories and rollforming equipment while meeting team members and finding resources designed to support efficiency and business growth. 

Live demonstrations will feature the Board and Batten wall panel system and T-seam metal roofing panels. Designed for vertical commercial and residential wall applications, Board and Batten panels install with concealed mechanical fasteners through pre-punched holes. The system is available in 12- and 16-inch widths, with a 2-inch-wide, three-quarter-inch-deep batten that creates dimensional interest while keeping trim offsets to a minimum. 

The T-seam roof system combines structural performance with architectural aesthetics. The panels can be factory-formed or field-formed to length, installed over several substrate types and mechanically field-seamed. Its concealed-fastener clip system is designed to allow thermal expansion and contraction. Because the panel is bi-directional, installers can begin in the center of a roof and work in both directions, helping multiple crews work simultaneously while creating a symmetrical appearance. 

Carlisle Architectural Metals is also sponsoring the new Contractor Business Success Center. Its expert-led sessions address profitability, operations, workforce development, storm resilience, sales strategies and leadership challenges in privately owned businesses. On Wednesday, October 7, moderator Brian McLaughlin will join panelists Colin Palladino, Richard Pruden and Matt Leonard for “Growing Your Metal Business: Real-World Strategies from Industry Leaders.” The panel will explore smarter operations, strategic equipment investments, portable rollforming, in-house fabrication and customized project solutions. 

On Thursday, October 8, Brandon Jackson will present “Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Metal Roof Systems.” Attendees will learn how slopes, penetrations, flashings, transitions and rooftop equipment can affect standing-seam metal roof design, and why addressing these conditions early can help prevent costly field problems. 

Visit Booth 1724 for demonstration times and additional details or to connect directly with the team. 

Learn more about the products, education and business resources available from Petersen, Drexel Metals and Carlisle Architectural Metals at METALCON 2026.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

The Fall Facades 2026 Webinar Series offers three days of practical education focused on architectural metal systems. 

Decisions made during design can have a lasting effect on building envelope performance. Continuing education gives architects, designers and other building professionals opportunities to strengthen their understanding of system selection, detailing and performance while earning American Institute of Architects (AIA) learning units. 

Petersen and Citadel Architectural Products, part of Carlisle Architectural Metals (CAM), will present Fall Facades 2026 from September 15–17, 2026, with three live, AIA-approved webinars from 2:00–3:00 PM ET daily. 

The series will explore practical design and performance considerations across architectural metal roofing, metal wall panels and metal composite material (MCM) systems. Attendees can earn 1 AIA LU for each webinar and may register for individual webinars or all three. 

Fall Facades 2026 begins September 15 with Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Metal Roof Systems, presented by Petersen. The webinar examines standing-seam metal roof design considerations including slopes, penetrations, flashings, transitions and rooftop equipment. Participants will explore how addressing these conditions early can help reduce installation challenges, costly field problems,and disconnects between design intent and construction. 

On September 16, The Art of Metal Wall Panels, presented by Petersen, will explore exposed- and concealed-fastener metal wall panel systems. Topics include applications, field-flashing details, wind-load considerations, panel selection and the design and detailing decisions that contribute to successful installations. 

Fall Facades 2026 concludes September 17 with Metal Composite Material (MCM): Components, Systems and Performance, presented by Citadel Architectural Products. The webinar examines MCM components and manufacturing methods, attachment systems, barrier and rainscreen approaches and field-assembled and shop-fabricated systems. Participants will learn how these considerations influence façade performance, moisture management, constructability, fabrication and installation. 

Attendees can view the complete Fall Facades 2026 lineup and register for all three AIA-approved webinars.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Petersen’s PAC-CLAD perforated panels helped designers create a cohesive identity across an expanding campus. 

In the case study, “Painted, perforated panels provide school with pulled-together polish,” Petersen highlights how architectural metal panels helped create a cohesive visual identity across an expanding Illinois school campus. 

The Williamsville-Sherman Community Unit School District No. 15, located near Springfield, Illinois, recently expanded its existing junior-senior high campus to include fifth- and sixth-grade students. The project added a new wing for fifth graders along with new amenities, including a multi-use theater, band and choral spaces and athletic facility upgrades. 

With multiple grade levels sharing the same campus, designers from BLDD Architects sought a way to visually unite the facilities while maintaining distinct spaces for different age groups. Their solution was a bold signage and screening system that incorporated the district’s purple and yellow school colors through painted perforated metal panels. 

To achieve that vision, the project team selected Petersen’s PAC-CLAD® perforated corrugated metal panels. The architects had previously worked with Petersen products and specified approximately 2,200 square feet of PAC-CLAD 7.2 Perforated Corrugated aluminum panels for the project. Finished in Stone White and enhanced with custom-applied graphics in the school’s colors, the panels were installed over glass curtainwall areas at key building corners. 

The perforated screens serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Visually, they create a striking contrast against the building’s neutral concrete and masonry exterior while reinforcing a consistent campus identity. The abstract purple and yellow graphics also provide an eye-catching focal point that reflects the district’s branding and athletic traditions. 

The project demonstrates the versatility of architectural metal in educational environments. Beyond traditional wall and roof applications, perforated metal panels can help architects incorporate branding, color and visual interest into building designs while maintaining durability and long-term performance. 

For contractors and design professionals, the Williamsville-Sherman project offers an example of how perforated metal systems can be used to solve both design and identity challenges on educational facilities and other institutional projects. 

Read the full case study and learn more about Petersen’s PAC-CLAD architectural metal products!

Image source: alanblakely.com

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Understanding how metal roofing materials react to temperature changes is essential for achieving long-term system performance. 

As metal roofing continues to gain popularity for its durability and longevity, understanding how roofing systems respond to changing temperatures remains critical for long-term performance. In the article, "Thermal expansion and contraction in metal roof systems," PAC-CLAD Petersen examines how temperature fluctuations affect metal roof panels and outlines best practices for designing systems that can accommodate natural movement. 

Metal roof panels expand when heated and contract when cooled, but the building structure beneath them often moves at a different rate. If thermal movement is not properly addressed during design and installation, the resulting stress can contribute to issues such as oil canning, fastener fatigue and panel movement over time. 

According to Petersen, the amount of expansion and contraction depends on several factors, including metal type, panel length and temperature variation. Aluminum, for example, expands and contracts significantly more than steel. A 30-foot aluminum panel exposed to a 100-degree temperature swing can move nearly twice as much as a comparable steel panel. 

The article also addresses a common concern among building owners and occupants: popping noises. While these sounds can be alarming, they do not typically indicate a defect or failure in the roofing system. Instead, they are often part of the natural expansion and contraction process and generally lessen as the roof system adjusts to local environmental conditions over time. 

To help ensure long-term roof performance, Petersen recommends several design and installation strategies. These include using floating clip systems or slip joints on longer panels, allowing for movement at ridges, eaves and transitions, avoiding rigid attachment at both ends of a panel and preventing over-tightening of clips and fasteners. The article also notes that darker roof colors can absorb more heat and contribute to greater panel movement over time. 

By accounting for thermal movement early in the design process and following proven installation practices, contractors can help minimize stress on roofing components while supporting the long-term durability and performance of metal roof systems. 

Read the full article to learn more about thermal expansion and contraction in metal roofing and review Petersen’s full recommendations.

By Jenny Yu.  

Contractors will gain practical insights from leading experts while connecting with top manufacturers and suppliers. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) is hosting its 104th Convention & Expo from June 10-12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in in Kissimmee, Florida. With a strong lineup of sponsors and an educational program packed with timely topics, this year’s event is set to provide contractors with practical insights and valuable networking opportunities. 

A wide range of industry leaders are lending their support for the event, underscoring its importance across the roofing and metal construction sectors. Platinum sponsors include Eagle Roofing Products, ABC Supply and TAMKO®; while gold sponsors CertainTeed LLC, Polyglass and SOPREMA further highlight the depth of industry participation. Additional support from emerald sponsor Adams & Reese LLP; sapphire sponsors BITEC, Drexel Metals, MetalForming LLC and Sika Corporation; silver sponsor SRS Building Products; bronze sponsors Duro-Last®, IB Roof Systems™, PAC-CLAD Petersen and Roof Hugger; and affiliate sponsor, Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF), reinforce the event’s focus on innovation, performance and contractor success. 

Educational sessions 

Education remains the cornerstone of the convention, with sessions designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in the industry while providing attendees with opportunities to earn CE credits. Legal and compliance topics are a hot topic with multiple sessions led by Trent Cotney, RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer and partner at Adams & Reese LLP, including: 

• “Building an OSHA Inspection SOP” - Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 a.m. 
• “Roofing Legal, Labor and Policy Trends” - Wednesday, June 10, 12:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 7:00 a.m. 
• “Artificial Intelligence in Roofing” - Thursday, June 11, 7:00 a.m. 
• “ICE Raids and I-9 Audit Defense” - Thursday, June 11, 8:15 a.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:15 a.m. 

These sessions will provide contractors with actionable guidance on navigating regulations, mitigating risk and adapting to emerging technologies.  

Business operations are also a key focus. John Kenney, Influencer of The Coffee Shops™ and CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, will lead “Estimating for Small Business” on Wednesday, June 10, at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 a.m., offering practical strategies to improve accuracy and profitability for contractors of all sizes. Meanwhile, Chad Westbrook, founder of Service Alignment, will present “Documenting a Roofing Project” on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m. and Friday, June 12, at 7:00 a.m., helping attendees strengthen processes that support accountability, communication and long-term project success. 

Additional sessions cover critical issues including Florida Building Code updates, metal roofing best practices and safety topics such as heat illness prevention. The “SkillsUSA: Build a Workforce Pipeline” session on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m., will also highlight strategies for developing the next generation of roofers, a growing priority for contractors facing ongoing workforce shortages. Together, these seminars provide well-rounded education opportunities tailored to both roofing and sheet metal professionals.  

Register to reserve your spot and take full advantage of everything the 104th FRSA Convention & Expo has to offer!

By Jenny Yu.  

Carlisle Architectural Metals simplifies complex roofing projects with integrated systems and hands-on support across every stage of construction. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas, Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ stopped by the Carlisle Architectural Metals (CAM) booth to learn about how the company continues to be a leader in delivering comprehensive building envelope solutions under one umbrella. 

Mike Weis, vice president of sales, said the company’s evolution into a multi-brand platform is reshaping how it serves the industry. “We’re not just one company anymore supporting the contractor. We’re five brands. It’s a building solution,” he said, pointing to the integration of its five brands: PAC-CLAD Petersen, Drexel Metals, Hickman Edge Systems, Metal-Era and Citadel Architectural Products. 

That growth has required a deliberate approach to sales and support. Rather than relying on a centralized model, CAM emphasizes localized expertise supported by robust internal resources. “We have very localized support through our reps,” Mike explained. “Behind the reps, you have a full team of technical support, inside sales, estimating and engineering. We try to bring all that to every market we touch.” 

For contractors, that structure translates into faster response times and more cohesive project execution. Mike noted that having team members positioned close to job sites allows for real-time troubleshooting and collaboration. “If we have an issue in a market, we usually have somebody within an hour or two who can be on site to help solve problems and come together on design solutions,” he said. 

The approach reflects the relationship-driven nature of the construction industry, where evolving codes and architectural demands require constant communication. “It’s a very personal business,” Mike stated. “We want to be part of the solution from the design aspect all the way until the job gets closed out.” 

As building design grows more complex, Carlisle Architectural Metals is positioning itself as a single-source partner capable of supporting all aspects of the building envelope. “We’re covering all six sides of the building,” Mike said. “We want to be that one-stop solution for contractors and architects.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about the CAM advantage of complex, integrated solutions.

By Jenny Yu.  

This year’s convention offers a full lineup of events designed to connect professionals and their families, on and off the show floor. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) 104th Convention & Expo is set to return June 10–12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, bringing together roofing professionals for three days of networking, education and a wide range of exciting social events designed for attendees and their families!  

Eat, drink and network 

The fun begins at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, sponsored by Adams & Reese LLP, featuring food stations and an open bar in a relaxed setting. The excitement continues the next evening with the Jimmy Buffett Casino Party, an evening of games, dancing and tropical flair, alongside key presentations. Throughout the expo, the Beer Bust, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply and GAF, and complimentary Expo lunches from PAC-CLAD Petersen and USG Securock offer casual opportunities to connect. 

Give back 

A cornerstone of the convention, the Foundation Auction runs throughout the event, raising funds for the FRSA Educational & Research Foundation. With both in-person and online bidding, attendees can support scholarships and industry advancement from wherever they are! Bidding starts on June 5 at 8:00 a.m. and ends June 12 at 2:00 p.m. 

Spotlighting women and Spanish speakers in the industry 

Professional development meets community at the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Table Talks Session on Wednesday, June 10, where women in roofing can exchange insights on leadership and relationship building in a round-robin format. Registration is $25 and includes refreshments. 

On Thursday, June 11, SRS Building Products and CertainTeed join forces to host a special session for Spanish speakers to learn, connect and celebrate. This event is free, with limited spots available. 

Family fun for everyone! 

Enjoy time with loved ones, starting with Wednesday's Family Fun Event featuring indoor mini golf and a new “Brick Lab” competition where families can build and race custom Lego cars. The Kids’ Program adds even more excitement throughout the convention, with pizza-making, scavenger hunts, arcade competitions and interactive gaming experiences, ensuring younger roofers-to-be are just as engaged as their parents. 

Sports and creative experiences 

For those seeking active or creative outlets, attendees can participate in golf and clay shooting tournaments or explore artistic options like a textured painting workshop and a chocolate rose culinary experience. 

From networking receptions to family activities and charitable giving, FRSA’s 104th Convention & Expo offers something for everyone.  

Register now to secure your spot and experience it all.

By Jenny Yu.  

At IRE, Carlisle Architectural Metals shares how metal material performance, design and resilience are shaping the future. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Heidi J. Ellsworth met with Mike Weis, vice president of sales for Carlisle Architectural Metals (CAM). CAM brings together five established metal brands under one umbrella. “CAM is comprised of five different brands. Five different metal brands,” Mike explained. “Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC), Drexel Metals, Metal-Era, Hickman Edge Systems and Citadel Architectural Products.” While CAM serves as the parent organization, Mike emphasized that each brand maintains its own identity. “We are still very brand focused because every one of the brands provides its own value and has its own niche and its own market focus.” 

With over 25 years working in the industry, Mike has witnessed the exponential rise of metal in the roofing industry firsthand. “The significance of it is substantial,” Mike stated. “You can talk about sustainability, performance, visual aesthetics, design solutions, ease of install, longevity of product — so many reasons why metal has become more impactful to the architectural industry.” 

One of the main factors driving the accelerated adoption of metal is the extreme weather taking place nationwide, from fires on the west coast to hurricanes on the east coast. “If you think about Florida down in the southeast, all that hurricane work, you have to design a structure that can withstand that,” Mike said. He added that rigorous testing remains critical, noting, “That’s why testing is so important. We’re always going to invest in testing and always try to make sure that we’re helping create a safe building, that we’re providing a safe solution.” 

Along with impressive durability and weather-resistant properties, with metal, you don’t have to sacrifice design and aesthetics for performance. “There’s this new digital print technology that’s out there,” Mike explained. “You can create wood grains, you can create marble-looking finishes, you can produce a weathering aspect. Architects are really driving this. They like to make sure they're maintaining the original design intent of some of these buildings. You can do so many things with metal.” 

As contractors move beyond traditional roofing into full building envelope solutions, Mike emphasized that metal is here to stay. “Metal is going to continue to grow,” Mike said. “Carlisle is investing in the right way, and we’re proud to be a part of it.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about how CAM is helping lead the industry into the realm of metal.

By Jenny Yu.  

Accelerate your business success at this year’s four-day event. 

The 2026 Carolinas Mid-Winter Roofing Expo returns to the Durham Convention Center in Durham, North Carolina, from February 16-19, 2026, bringing one of the Southeast’s largest regional roofing trade shows to contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals. Hosted by the Carolinas Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (CRSMCA), the multi-day event features nearly 100 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest roofing technology, safety tools, equipment and industry services. 

Attendees can expect an energized atmosphere where networking and product innovation drive the conversation. On Wednesday, February 18, keynote speaker Mike Metcalf, Jr., of D.E.C.K. Leadership will take the wheel. A NASCAR pit-crew coach, Mike will present “12 Second Culture,” a presentation that will inspire leaders to run their crews like a cockpit, prioritizing efficiency, teamwork and kindness. 

Wednesday is also Trade Show Day, where exhibitors will offer exciting hands-on demonstrations of the latest technological trends. One demonstration to pencil into your calendar is “Mastering TPO Hand Welding” with Johns Manville at 1:45 p.m. Pull up to booth #311 to learn the best practices of hand welding TPO membranes from their team of technical experts! 

Alongside the bustling exhibition floor, CRSMCA’s expo includes educational opportunities designed for professionals at every level. Thursday, February 19, is Education Day when the learning switches to full gear. Curated sessions will deliver actionable takeaways that help businesses sharpen operations and stay ahead of evolving market demands. Here are the three educational sessions you can’t miss:  

Session 1: How to build a profitable business that you can sell or take to the bank  

• Presenter: Matt Thompson, Splash Omnimedia 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Session 2: PVC - The other white sheet 

• Presenter: Mary Beth Reed, GAF 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Session 3: Modern roofing technologies 

• Presenter: Hannah Safren, Polyglass 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Registration fees cover access to all education sessions, networking receptions, trade show entry and more! Sponsorship packages are still available, providing a variety of booth, advertising and branding opportunities. Sponsors include BITEC, Inc.® and KARNAK (Team Goodwill) and Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC), a Carlisle Architectural Metals company (Team Diamond). 

Register and learn more about the 2026 Carolinas Mid-Winter Roofing Expo!