| WILL TARIFFS BE A “BRACKET BUSTER” FOR THE METAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? With the NCAA Basketball tournaments underway, the metal construction industry is facing its own version of “March Madness” — navigating the ripple effects of proposed trade policies from the Trump administration. Early indicators show that the new tariffs on steel and aluminum are already driving up material costs, potentially throwing procurement strategies into disarray. In a recent article, METALCON advisor Brent A. Schipper, AIA, LEED AP, and Founding Principal of ASK Studio, emphasized the importance of the industry doubling down on its strengths. He commented, “The metal construction industry must unapologetically advocate for its value proposition, emphasizing recyclability, longevity, and ease of maintenance.” During this month’s METALCON Online webinar, industry experts tackled the impacts of tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and the need for robust risk management strategies. Ken Simonson, chief economist at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), highlighted how government policies reverberate through the construction sector. He explained, “The impact of tariffs is profound because they affect not only the cost of raw materials but also the strategic decisions that contractors and manufacturers make every day.” The messages conveyed in the webinar emphasizes the need for adaptability, vigilance and collaboration. With METALCON 2025 on the horizon, the industry’s premier event promises to be a critical gathering for metal construction professionals seeking to share strategies, network and learn about innovative solutions to manage the volatility of tariffs and other market pressures. LEARN MORE → WATCH VIDEO ON DEMAND → |
| INDUSTRY EXPERTS DRIVE INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING METALCON proudly introduces its 2025 advisory council, a dynamic group of industry leaders representing all facets of metal construction. These experts play a pivotal role in shaping METALCON’s world-class education program, ensuring it remains cutting-edge, relevant, and responsive to the industry’s evolving needs. Judy Geller, METALCON’s Vice President of Tradeshows, shares, “We are excited to announce this year’s advisory council, a distinguished group of professionals spanning contractors, architects, manufacturers, metal building and roofing experts, panel specialists, media consultants, and industry associations. Their expertise, time, and innovative ideas are what make METALCON the premier event for the metal construction industry.” Building on an already strong foundation, we proudly welcome the following new council members: Darren Cocca, Contractor, Hamburger Contracting; Jared Hamburger, Owner, Helix Metalforming; Michelle Kettering, CEO, LTD Exteriors; Marcy Marro, Brand Manager, MillerClapperton; Robert Tiffin, President, Silvercote & President, MBCEA; and John Trifonoff, Vice President, East Coast Metal Systems. LEARN MORE → |
| MCA SERVICE AWARDS HONOR INDUSTRY LEADERS Recognizing outstanding dedication and leadership in the metal construction industry, the Metal Construction Association (MCA) honored two industry standouts at its annual winter meeting in January in Cape Coral, Florida. The Patrick R. Bush Service Award was presented to David Sterner, who currently serves as secretary of MCA’s executive committee. He was praised for his unwavering commitment to the association, consistently going above and beyond to foster a positive and inclusive environment. The Larry A. Swaney Award was awarded to James (Jim) Bush, a longtime leader at ATAS International, for his decades of service to the MCA. Throughout his career, Bush has held a board position, including chair, and contributed to numerous committees, including roofing, retrofit, and nominations. Acknowledging the dedication required to serve the MCA, Bush expressed gratitude to his family for their support and also encouraged the next generation of industry professionals to step up, get involved, and help drive the association — and the metal construction industry — into the future. LEARN MORE → |
| The Metal Construction Association presented James (Jim) Bush with the Larry A. Swaney Award and David Stermer with the Patrick R. Bush Service Award during the association’s annual winter meeting in Cape Coral, Fla. MCA’s new board chair Chandler Barden presented each award. |
| PLANNING TO ATTEND METALCON FROM ABROAD? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW International visitors are highly encouraged to attend METALCON, the premier global event dedicated to the metal construction industry. This is a unique opportunity to connect with leading suppliers and producers on a global scale. Due to the changing U.S. immigration laws, the visitor visa application process may take longer than expected. To assist with your travel plans, METALCON provides a visa invitation letter — click the link below to request yours. If you need help securing approval to attend, click the link below for our customizable justification letter, complete with a cost-benefit analysis and objectives worksheet to help streamline the approval process. VISA LETTER REQUEST FORM → JUSTIFICATION LETTER → |
| METALCON 2025 HOUSING IS NOW OPEN! METALCON is excited to introduce our new housing partner, MCI – featuring a fresh new look and an easy-to-navigate site for seamless bookings! Please beware of hotel scammers and book your METALCON hotel reservations exclusively through MCI: https://www.mcievents.com/metalcon2025 Stay like a “King” at METALCON’s headquarter hotel, The Westgate Resort and Casino, once known as Elvis Presley’s Vegas “home” which still touts the Elvis Presley Suite along with a bronze statue to greet you in the hotel lobby. It is located adjacent to the Convention Center eliminating the need to shuttle back and forth to the show. Click on the link to reserve your room at the Westgate or select from other hotels in the room block. BOOK NOW → |
