Medal of Honor Recipient & Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant to Headline as Keynote Speaker at METALCON

METALCON is honored to welcome Clinton “Clint” Romesha, retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Medal of Honor Recipient as the featured keynote speaker for its 2025 event. Romesha will take the stage on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 9:00 am at the Las Vegas Convention Center to deliver a compelling presentation entitled,“Always Forward – Lessons in Leadership and Resilience.”

Romesha was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013 by President Barack Obama for his extraordinary heroism during the 14-hour Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan—one of the most intense engagements of the Afghan war. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Red Platoon, a firsthand account of his experience in the battle. That experience also inspired the critically acclaimed film The Outpost, starring Scott Eastwood and Orlando Bloom, and he appears in the Netflix series Medal of Honor, which further highlights his courage and leadership under fire.

In his keynote, Romesha will explore what it truly means to lead under extreme pressure, persevere through adversity, and continue moving forward when every instinct says to retreat. Through firsthand accounts of combat and his transition into civilian life, he will offer deeply personal insights into resilience, integrity and the pursuit of purpose beyond the battlefield.

Attendees will gain an understanding of what defines authentic leadership and how high-pressure decision-making in life-or-death situations translates into leading teams and organizations in any environment. Romesha will also emphasize mentorship as a tool for legacy and growth, the importance of staying mission-focused in the face of adversity, and the power of finding personal strength in moments of vulnerability.

Through his actions—risking everything to protect others, leading from the front even while wounded, and rebuilding purpose after the battlefield—Romesha offers a profound look into how courage, humility and determination drive progress, even in the darkest moments.

“Clint’s message is both timely and timeless, relevant for anyone facing challenges, whether leading a team, navigating personal trials or mentoring the next generation,” said METALCON Vice President of Trade Shows, Judy Geller. “He offers a rare and inspiring perspective, and his presentation will leave attendees with powerful, actionable insights they can apply both professionally and personally.”

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual trade show and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in construction and design. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, METALCON’s success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. This is the event’s seventh time in Las Vegas. For full event details and registration, visit www.metalcon.com.

Share:

More Posts from the METALCON blog:

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 »

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.

Read More »