| RESILIENCE & MARKET REALITY TAKE CENTER STAGE AT METALCON 2026 From Inspiration to Insight: METALCON Announces 2026 Keynotes METALCON 2026 is bringing two dynamic keynote perspectives to Orlando this October — one focused on resilience and leadership, the other on navigating economic uncertainty and market opportunity. Former Major League Baseball pitcher and inspirational speaker Jim Abbott will open Wednesday morning, October 7, with “Nothing Can Stop You,” sharing his extraordinary story of perseverance, adaptability and turning challenges into strengths. Born without a right hand, Abbott went on to play 10 Major League seasons from 1989–1999, including a historic no-hitter with the New York Yankees. On Thursday, October 8, leading construction economist Kermit Baker will deliver a timely market outlook “Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries,” examining the economic forces shaping construction and design activity in the year ahead. His session will provide insight into project demand, backlog trends, bidding environments and strategic planning as the industry continues to navigate evolving market conditions. Together, the two keynote sessions reflect what METALCON does best — combining inspiration, education and business intelligence to help industry professionals prepare for what’s next. As the industry continues to evolve, METALCON remains the place where the conversations, connections and ideas shaping the future of metal construction happen first. LEARN MORE →  METALCON 2026 EXPANDS EDUCATION & TRAINING METALCON 2026 is raising the bar with an expanded education and training program designed to help attendees build skills, improve performance and prepare for the year ahead. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the metal construction industry’s annual business and education summit. 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. A hallmark of the event remains its commitment to live, hands-on training. From installation clinics and interactive demonstrations to expert-led sessions in the METALCON Training Zone, attendees gain real-world knowledge they can immediately apply in the field. This year’s program also features five specialized learning centers, a NEW Latino Track offering Spanish-language education and hands-on demonstration, and Florida Contractor Continuing Education credits. In addition to the keynote speakers, attendees can gain valuable industry insight through two industry outlook sessions including Industry Outlook: 2027 — The Future of Metal Construction and Metal Construction Code Updates: What’s Changed and What It Means. LEARN MORE →  METALCON Online: Cold-Formed Buildings – An Introduction to a Growing Movement June 10, 2026 | 1:00 PM EST Cold-formed steel buildings have steadily gained market share over the past 25 years, and growing demand for resilient, efficient structures continues to accelerate that trend. Join industry experts Phil Costar, partner at ACT Building Systems and a pioneer who helped introduce cold-formed construction to the U.S. market, and Nathan Margosian, founder of NatMar Construction and a recognized expert in cold-formed erection and training. This free METALCON Online webinar will explore the fundamentals of cold-formed steel construction, address common misconceptions about strength, durability and engineering performance, and highlight the advantages driving adoption across the industry. Attendees will gain practical insights into construction methods and learn how to add this growing market opportunity to their business. Free to attend • Earn 1 AIA LU HSW CE Credit • Available on demand after the live presentation LEARN MORE AND REGISTER →  CONSTRUCTION’S TWO-SPEED ECONOMY: WHERE GROWTH IS STILL HAPPENING Construction economist Anirban Basu delivered a cautiously optimistic outlook at MBCEA/MBMA’s Spring conference, held in April in Colorado Springs, describing today’s construction economy as “two-speed” — with strong growth in some sectors and mounting pressure in others. Basu pointed to inflation, elevated interest rates and rising material costs as ongoing challenges affecting financing, housing, multifamily and office development. At the same time, he identified data centers, energy infrastructure and publicly funded projects as key drivers of opportunity for the construction industry moving forward. Basu also highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence investment, noting that hyperscaler spending on data center infrastructure is accelerating demand for power generation, transmission and durable building systems. While labor shortages, materials volatility and regional economic differences continue to shape the market, Basu forecast continued economic growth in 2026. His insights preview many of the conversations expected to continue at METALCON 2026 this October. Many of these same trends—including the growth of data centers, infrastructure investment, labor challenges, and shifting market demand—will be explored in greater depth at METALCON 2026 by economist Kermit Baker in his METALCON Keynote. Attendees will gain insights into the economic forces shaping construction today and what they may mean for the year ahead. LEARN MORE →  METALCON 40 UNDER 40 NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN Who’s shaping the future of metal construction? Help spotlight the next generation of industry leaders. METALCON’s new 40 Under 40 Recognition Program honors emerging leaders making an impact across the industry — from the jobsite and fabrication floor to engineering, architecture, and operations. The program recognizes professionals age 40 and under who are driving innovation, leading projects, solving challenges, and moving metal construction forward. Honorees will be recognized at METALCON, October 7–9, 2026, in Orlando. Nominations are open now through July 21, and self-nominations are encouraged. Don’t miss the opportunity to spotlight someone making a difference. LEARN MORE / SUBMIT A NOMINATION→  FOOD, NETWORKING & AFTER-HOURS IN ORLANDO METALCON may fill your days with industry insights, but Orlando delivers plenty of opportunities once the sessions end. Just minutes from the Orange County Convention Center, attendees will find vibrant dining and entertainment districts perfect for customer dinners, team outings, and informal networking. International Drive offers everything from upscale steakhouses to lively gathering spots, while nearby Pointe Orlando blends restaurants, nightlife, and walkable convenience. Looking for a more local experience? Explore Orlando’s growing culinary scene beyond the theme parks, where chef-driven concepts, craft cocktails, and relaxed outdoor venues create the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations. Whether you’re closing a deal over dinner, reconnecting with industry peers, or simply enjoying a night out after a full day on the show floor, Orlando offers countless ways to extend the METALCON experience long after the exhibit hall closes. LEARN MORE →  |
Beyond the Roof: The Business Case for Metal Buildings
Discover why developers are increasingly choosing metal buildings for faster construction, earlier revenue generation, lower lifecycle costs, and greater cost predictability. Learn how metal building systems can reduce risk, protect long-term asset value, and strengthen project ROI – and why METALCON is the place to evaluate the solutions shaping the future of construction.