Build Connections at METALCON

Oktoberfest in The Backyard at METALCON 2024; Photo Credit: Neubek Photography

At METALCON, connections are paramount. Known as the place to meet the “Who’s Who” of the metal construction and design industry, this year’s show offers more ways than ever to network and build meaningful relationships. From Speed Networking, and the Welcome Party to Oktoberfest Happy Hours, Metal & Mimosas (a women’s exclusive event) and Future Leaders, the opportunities are endless.

Whether on or off the show floor, METALCON’s networking opportunities are your chance to connect, share ideas, and spark innovation across every corner of the industry. 

METALCON Networking Events

Welcome Party

The first day of the show wraps up with a Welcome Party in the Exhibit Hall! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet industry colleagues and make new connections. Any interaction can spark new innovative conversations and ideas!

Date: Wednesday, October 7
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Location: METALCON Exhibit Hall @ The Deck (Booth #4000)
Cost: Complimentary with METALCON registration

No registration required, just stop by!

Speed Networking

Speed Networking at METALCON 2024; Photo credit: Neubek Photography

Fast track your networking! Back by popular demand, Speed Networking is an extremely time-saving and effective way of making professional contacts and expanding your network. Connect with potential partners, clients, and peers in a fun, fast-paced environment and form connections that can lead to future opportunities. Pre-registration is required.

Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: Complimentary with METALCON registration

Pre-registration required, click here.

Women in Metal Construction

Calling all women in the metal construction industry!

Date: Tuesday, October 6
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: TBD

*Space is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pre-registration required, click here. Special note: You have to be registered to attend METALCON. Click here to register for METALCON 2026 and get your badge number.

Future Leaders

Future Leaders of METALCON is a program for rising stars, management trainees, apprentices and others, roughly ages 40 and under, ready to take their career to the next level. METALCON is your gateway to unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, networking, and education. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your career and connect with the future leaders of metal construction. Be part of the next generation shaping the industry.

Click here to view your specially curated agenda and reception.

No registration required, just stop by!

OKTOBERFEST Happy Hours!

An annual METALCON tradition! All three days, visit participating exhibiting booths throughout the exhibit hall to celebrate this beloved holiday with a cold beer. Prost!

Oktoberfest Schedule click here.

No registration required, just stop by.

Giving Back

METALCON is proud to continue its partnership with Semper Fi & America’s Fund, a non-profit dedicated to providing urgently needed resources and financial support to critically wounded, ill, and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Your donation of any amount enters you for a chance to win one of several unique prizes! Make a donation online or in person at The Deck (Booth #4000).

And, in partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation, we’re also collecting donations to support “Eagles Landing” — a 2,500+ sq. ft. steel frame being built LIVE on the show floor for a Barndominium which will become a permanent retreat for veterans in Montana.

Two missions. One goal: Give back to those who’ve given everything.

*CHECK + RAFFLE PRIZE PRESENTATION*
Date:
 Thursday, October 23
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: METALCON Exhibit Hall @ The Deck (Booth #4000)
Cost: Complimentary with METALCON registration

Donate today, click here.

Share:

More Posts from the METALCON blog:

METALCON 2026 Responds to the Changing Needs of Metal Construction

Education, networking and career-focused opportunities reflect the industry’s next generation The metal construction workforce is changing, and METALCON is responding with new opportunities designed to meet that evolution. As the show marks its 35th anniversary, METALCON will feature opportunities that reflect the changing face of metal construction and the diverse professionals shaping its future. Taking place Oct. 7-9, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, METALCON will include expanded programming for women, emerging professionals and Latino attendees, including Spanish-language education and hands-on training,

Read More »

How Building Envelope Failures Cost Commercial Projects Millions

Building envelope failures are among the leading causes of costly repairs, warranty claims and long-term building performance issues. Learn the most common causes, best practices for preventing failures, and how coordinated design and installation can improve the durability, efficiency and performance of commercial buildings.

Read More »

Legacy 10: The companies that have exhibited at every METALCON

When the industry gathers in Orlando for METALCON this fall, the Legacy 10 will be honored for exhibiting at every show, dating back to 1991. With that kind of long-term commitment comes worthy recognition. The Legacy 10 will be honored in a variety of ways leading up to and at the show, scheduled for October 7-9 at Orange County Convention Center. AkzoNobel, ATAS International, Atlas Bolt & Screw, AZZ Precoat Metals, Englert, Metal Construction News, McElroy Metal, Metal Rollforming Systems,

Read More »

Newsletter July 2026

Celebrating 35 Years of Building the Metal Construction Industry Together As America marks its 250th anniversary, we’re reminded that lasting legacies are built through innovation, resilience and a commitment to moving forward. Those same qualities have defined METALCON for the past 35 years. Since 1991, METALCON has been where the metal construction industry’s leading associations, manufacturers, contractors, architects and engineers come together — not just to showcase products, but to exchange ideas, solve challenges and shape the future of the industry. As we

Read More »

METALCON Marks 35 Years as Industry Associations Unite to Advance Metal Construction

As the metal construction industry navigates shifting market conditions, evolving building codes, workforce challenges and increasing performance demands, METALCON 2026 will bring together the associations helping shape its future through education, technical expertise and collaboration. Celebrating its 35th anniversary October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the event will feature its broadest association participation to date, with organizations representing the entire metal construction ecosystem. “For 35 years, METALCON has brought together every corner of the

Read More »

METALCON Introduces New Design District Programming for 2026

Education lineup connects industry shifts with real-world metal design decisionsAs architects and design professionals face growing pressure to make smarter decisions about carbon, code compliance, material performance and long-term resilience, METALCON is expanding its Design District programming for 2026 with a new education lineup centered on the issues shaping today’s built environment. Taking place October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, The Design District @ METALCON will provide a focused space for design professionals to

Read More »