Press Kit – METALCON 2023

Welcome to METALCON 2023

METALCON, the only global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction, takes place in Las Vegas from October 18-20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

From intensive pre-show workshops beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 17 to 35+ free educational sessions conveniently located inside the exhibit hall to inspiring keynotes, top industry experts will share their knowledge with attendees who are eligible to earn continuing education credits (CEUs), including AIA and CSI learning units among others.

METALCON 2023 is produced by PSMJ Resources Inc., and sponsored by: Mill Steel Company (premier level), CIDAN Machinery Inc., (platinum level), Rilla, (platinum level),  US Steel (diamond level) and others, along with long-time partner, the Metal Construction Association (MCA).

Media Access:

Media Access: Wednesday & Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Your press badge allows you entry to the Total Experience, which includes exhibits of the latest products and technologies together with extensive education and training sessions in the exhibit hall including all specialty pavilions, including The Architect’s Experience. Visit www.metalcon.com for a complete list of sessions. Main show highlights are listed throughout this press kit.

During the show:

Meet METALCON team members at The Deck located in the exhibit hall right beside registration, where you can talk with show management, network and arrange interviews or photo opportunities.

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn or Tweet us at #METALCON23. Download the METALCON App sponsored by Sherwin-Williams; it has up-to-the-minute show details, daily specials and a way to easily navigate the exhibit hall.

After the show:

Contact press liaison, Fiona Maguire-O’Shea for post-show news, photos and information at fiona@metalcon.com or 617-285-7522.

Join us next year in Atlanta!

METALCON 2024 takes place from October 30- November 1 at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta

Background:

Since 1991, METALCON has held its position as the only annual international event offering comprehensive education, training and product exhibits focused on the application of metal in design and construction. Contractors, architects, installers, builders, developers, owners, fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers from more than 50 countries attend each year. Industry experts from nearly 250 leading companies exhibit the latest products, solutions and game-changing technologies while sharing their knowledge with attendees. Industry specialists present key topics in the show’s highly rated education program. METALCON’s long-standing reputation is one of creating a vibrant atmosphere to showcase products and generate new ideas.

METALCON is the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted to the application of metal in industrial, institutional, light commercial and residential projects. The show’s success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs, networking and interactive learning opportunities.

METALCON is produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., the leading authority on the effective management of architecture, engineering and construction firms; and sponsored by the Metal Construction Association, an organization of manufacturers and suppliers. In addition, 100 associations and publications from various industry segments support METALCON through ongoing promotional and educational efforts. This is the event’s sixth time in Las Vegas.

Annual Giving Back Program:

Each year, METALCON gives back to the local community where the show takes place. Last year, METALCON partnered with World Central Kitchen (WCK) to help provide food to families in war-torn Ukraine and across the region.

This year, METALCON has partnered with the Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans in all branches of the military. The program was created to direct urgently needed resources and financial support to critically wounded, ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces alongside their families.

We will be selling The Fund wrist bands to raise funds, in addition to holding a raffle offering multiple prizes, including a grand prize three-night complimentary hotel stay during METALCON 2024, with a full access pass to the show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta and access to two in-depth workshops.

Additional contributions to The Fund can be made before, during and after the show online at www.metalcon.com, via the METALCON mobile app or on-site in the exhibit hall at The Deck, where members of show management will be available to meet supporters. The money raised at the show will help drive urgently needed resources and financial support for Las Vegas area veterans and further the organization’s outreach.

The America’s Fund Check Presentation Ceremony takes place on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m. at The Deck.  Veteran Corporal Adam Bautz, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) will join us for this ceremony as The Fund representative. Bautz, who lives in Las Vegas, is a “graduate” of The Fund’s Apprenticeship Program.

Keynote Speakers:

10:00 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18th, METALCON Theater, located in the exhibit hall

Keynote Address: Real Life Scenarios – From Nightmares to Dreams Come True

By: Contractor and Denver business owner Rico León, HGTV host of “Rico to the Rescue”

A Puerto Rican raised in Pittsburgh, his blue-collar, East Coast hard-knock surroundings cultivated his enthusiastic work ethic and success. Driven by his parents’ experience with a crooked contractor, Rico advocates for families and resolves conflicts between emotionally and financially stressed homeowners and their builders to turn renovation and construction nightmares into dream homes.

Rico and his skilled team tour each home to assess the status of projects, try to resolve issues with the builder, and create a renovation and design plan to turn the construction nightmare into a beautiful home. Rico has been on both ends — as a contractor and a homeowner — and he is not afraid to hold builders accountable.

In his keynote, he will share some of his most unforgettable experiences and lessons learned from residential construction projects gone wrong and then turned around, helping families navigate the process—covering the good, the bad and the ugly about construction, the insurance industry, contractors and brutally honest advice to help everyday people, followed by a moderated discussion by Tony Bouquot of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, audience Q & A, a VIP meet and greet along with an autograph signing.

10:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct.19th, METALCON Theater, located in the exhibit hall

Keynote Address: Construction Outlook for 2024: Forbidding or Reason for Cheer?

By: Ken Simonson , chief economist of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America

With 40+ years of experience analyzing, advocating and communicating about economic and tax issues, Simonson will explore the current state and outlook for construction.

A slowing economy and rising interest rates are threatening private investment. But growth in manufacturing, power and infrastructure investment may outweigh any decline in income-producing properties. Simonson will offer his fearless forecasts regarding the conflicting trends in demand for projects, materials costs and labor availability. He’ll cover new and developing changes in construction practices and how those changes will affect current/future projects.

Since 2001, Simonson has been chief economist for the AGC, the U.S.’s leading trade association for the construction industry. He provides insight into the economy and what it implies for

construction and related industries through frequent media interviews, presentations and the

Data DIGest, his weekly one-page e-newsletter that goes to 20,000+ subscribers. 

11:00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20th, METALCON Theater, located in the exhibit hall

Keynote Address: Fighter Pilot Mindset – From Ideas to Execution

By: Christian Boo Boucousis, CEO of global organizational performance at Afterburner

As a former fighter pilot and successful entrepreneur, building the world’s tallest metal prefabricated modular high-rise hotel (17 stories), Boucousis will demonstrate the fighter pilot “Flawless Execution” model on how to transition the art of an idea into the science of execution. This high impact keynote will introduce the secret world of real fighter pilots and how he utilized the lessons learned in uniform to build multimillion dollar businesses.

Show Highlights:

State of the Industry

A special State of the Industry panel presentation will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 3:45 p.m. led by members of the MCA to discuss current and future opportunities and challenges facing the metal construction industry. This session will cover recent technical developments, upcoming regulatory issues, metal construction’s resiliency in a turbulent building market, the superior sustainability of metal substrates and more.

METALCON Training Zone (Booth #6071)

New this year and sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, the METALCON Training Zone provides a hands-on demonstration and training area for contractors, remodelers and others who want to sharpen their skills and deliver their best, most efficient and cleanest work when installing various metal roof offerings and systems. Featuring a variety of mock-ups and materials including aluminum, copper, painted steel zinc and even some exotic materials, training will focus on proper detailing and utilization of the right tools (offered in both English and Spanish).

Women of Metal Construction!

Also new this year, women of metal construction are welcome to join their peers before the show kicks off on Wednesday for a morning filled with the perfect blend of breakfast, networking and discussion at the ENVY at the Renaissance Hotel. Gather alongside fellow inspiring women and listen and learn from peers who are shaping the industry. “Metal and Mimosas” is sponsored by ATAS International, CIDAN Machinery, MetalCoffeeShop, Metalforming LLC, the Metal Roofing Alliance(MRA), Sheffield Metals, H.B. Fuller and METALCON.

Metl-Span Las Vegas Plant Tour

Metl-Span, a Nucor^® company, invites general contractors, installers and architects to an exclusive plant tour at its Las Vegas facility. Learn from this leading North American manufacturer of insulated metal panels (IMP)s just how they are made on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 8:00-10:30 a.m. (transportation provided). This exclusive experience also includes breakfast, networking opportunities and a special education session “Designing with Commercial/Industrial Insulated Metal Wall Panels” presented by an industry expert from Metl-Span (earn 1 AIA HSW credit). Pre-registration is required.

The IMP Alliance Education Center (Booth #1115)

The MCA’s IMP Alliance (leading manufacturers, material suppliers, and resellers) will present a special seminar, “Insulated Metal Panels – Installation and Handling Best Practices,” on best practices and common mistakes made during the unloading, staging and storage of bundles. Seminar Schedule: Oct. 18 and 19 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Oct. 20 at 10:15 a.m.

NRCA ProCertification^® Demo (Booth #7077)

NRCA’s engaging demo will introduce what metal panel and metal shingle roof system hands-on assessments look like in its NRCA’s national certification initiative, which certifies experienced installers in specific roof system installations. For more information, visit https://nrca.net/procertification/mc.

The Architect’s Experience

Produced in partnership with AEC Daily and sponsored by PPG, this “show-within-a-show”– over two days – is focused on the use of metal as a design and construction component, specifically to help architects, designers, specifiers and engineers solve tough architectural, structural, environmental and building performance challenges―all through the use of metal.

What is the Experience?

Discover limitless applications for metal in design; see the latest innovations and metal products available for the building envelope and interior from insulated metal panels and metal roofing products to finishes and coatings; hear from respected thought leaders, award-winning architects and industry experts (all while earning up to 12 AIA LUs and 9 HSWs), including featured keynote morning kick-off sessions.

On Wednesday, Oct. 18 beginning at 8:30 a.m., Christopher Sotiropulos, vice president of stadium operations joins Gary Edgar, manager of architectural specifications and industrial coatings of PPG to present “Designing for Las Vegas: A Full House of Finishes for Allegiant Stadium to Enhance, Protect & Cool.” Sotiropulos will share what it took to build – and maintain – this $1.9 billion stadium as well as its ongoing sustainability initiatives.

On Thursday, Oct. 19 at the same time, architect and author Stefan Al, will delve into the world of architectural innovation and its profound impact on skylines worldwide in his keynote, “Steel and Skylines.” Drawing from his acclaimed book “Supertall,” Al will share insights from the realm of skyscrapers, shedding light on the emergence of a new generation of towering structures that defy conventional limits in terms of height and design. Additionally, he will highlight the unceasing evolution of Las Vegas Boulevard as he explores the developments of resort design contributing to the city’s distinctive character. Based on his book “The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream,” he uncovers the dynamic changes that have shaped this iconic destination while contemplating the importance of sustainability in its ever-evolving architectural landscape.

Attend 10 Education Sessions – A track of exclusive education sessions specific to design professionals, specifiers and engineers, offer nearly a year’s worth of AIA LU’s including HSW’s—all in one place. Attendees will learn how to maximize metal’s inspiring versatility and exceptional performance in sessions including:  

• Managing Risk in Innovations
• Installation Requirements for Air and Water Resistive Barriers in Buildings
• Integrating Cladding in Rainscreens & the Differences Between the Two
• Performance Requirements for High-Performance Buildings
• The Risks and Rewards of Working on Unique Projects
• How to Complete an Accurate COMcheck Building Envelope Compliance Report
• Designing Outside the Box
• What Makes Rainscreen Walls Work

3-Day access to the exhibit hall – Connect with experts from 200+ of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of metal components. 

Exclusive networking opportunities – Located on the show floor and sponsored by PPG Industries, The Architect’s Experience pavilion provides a relaxing lounge area where you can recharge and network with colleagues.

Other Need-to-Know Information:

Workshops:

METALCON continues to offer in-depth workshops this year on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the show to provide cutting-edge education and training, which cannot be found elsewhere. For a small fee, attendees will be armed with new information, fresh ideas and strategic direction to address some of the major issues facing the construction industry today, including:

• Metal Roof Installation Training Certificate Program
• Rollforming for the Metal Construction Industry
• Metal Roofing from A (Aluminum) to Z (Zinc)
• Low Slope Detailing Workshop – Certificate Course
• Mergers & Acquisitions Essentials Workshop

Learning Centers:

Our Learning Centers are a dynamic way of providing education on the show floor, offering FREE instructional sessions to attendees and exhibitors, and allowing visitors to capture sessions while perusing product exhibits. This year’s Learning Centers will offer 60-minute sessions between 11:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.

Attendees can make new discoveries in the industry, learn how to face tough on-the-job challenges, try out specific techniques and earn up to 12 hours of CEUs. This year’s Learning Centers are organized into three categories Best Practices, Technical Know-How and Sustainability.

METALCON Top Products Awards:

This year’s exhibitors were invited to nominate their top metal products in one of 15 categories. Products must have been introduced to the market after Jan. 1, 2022, and their manufacturer must be a 2023 METALCON exhibiting company. Winners were determined by an electronic vote. The winners are:

Accessories: S-5! – PVKIT HUR

Contractor Tools & Equipment: Wood’s Powr-Grip – MTEX-DC3 Vacuum Lifter for Insulated Metal Panels

Insulation & Weather Barriers: PAC-CLAD – PAC-CLAD HT

Paint & Coatings: Chemcoaters – FeGuard

Rollforming Equipment: CIDAN Machinery Group – XTap & XSpace

Roofs: Isaiah Industries – Anodized Aluminum Oxford Shingle

Technology: MetalCoffeeShop – MetalTalk™

Walls: Steel Dynamics, Flat Rolled Group – Tru>Steel HD

Other: Accurate Perforating – The Essential Partition

Award winners will showcase their top products with special product recognition at their booths. Attendees are invited to vote on-site for their top three choice products. The  METALCON People’s Choice Top Three award winners will be recognized in a special ceremony on Friday, Oct. 20 beginning at 12:30 p.m. at The Deck.

Exhibits:

Experts from 227 exhibiting companies spanning 445 booths will share their knowledge of products and field applications with attendees. The line-up includes businesses listed on the following page that have not exhibited in METALCON before or are returning after a multi-year absence.