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 metal construction industry to conduct business, discover solutions and build lasting relationships,” said Judy Geller, Vice President of Tradeshows at METALCON. “Our association partners are a big reason professionals come to METALCON. They bring technical knowledge and practical insights that help attendees stay current, solve problems and make better business decisions.”

Attendees will have direct access to organizations focused on the issues that matter most to metal construction. Participating associations represent every sector of the industry, including roofing, metal buildings, air barriers, rainscreens, extrusions, manufacturing, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, education and training.

Jeff Henry of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) said, “METALCON gives MCA members a powerful platform to showcase their products, reach new audiences and demonstrate metal’s unmatched design and performance attributes. By bringing manufacturers, contractors, architects, engineers and associations together in one place, METALCON creates opportunities to share knowledge, discuss common challenges and accelerate innovation in ways that benefit the entire industry.”

Association-Led Education

Participating associations will lead sessions on the issues driving change in metal construction today. Highlights include:

Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates – What’s Changed and What It Means

Metal Construction Association

Industry Outlook: 2027 – The Future of Metal Construction

Metal Construction Association, Metal Building Manufacturers Association and American Institute of Architects

Reflective Insulation & Radiant Barriers in Metal Building Design: Solving Real-World Thermal, Moisture and Energy Challenges

Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association-International

Designing Walls for Reality, Not Perfection

Rainscreen Association in North America

MCM in Practice: Installation, Inspection and Fixes

MCM Alliance

Facilitating Product Acceptance with ICC-ES Certification

International Code Council

Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice

Metal Roofing Alliance

Noncombustible Steel Framing Construction in High-Wind Regions

Steel Framing Industry Association

Why Would Anyone Choose Cold-Formed Steel?

Cold Formed Steel Association

From Vision to Profits: How to Build a Successful Business Plan in the Metal Industry

Latinos en Roofing

The Hidden Carbon in Metal Buildings

Metal Building Manufacturers Association

FORGE: Where Women in Metal Shape What’s Next

National Women in Roofing

Many of these organizations and others — including the Association of Women in Metal Industries, the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, the National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofers in Recovery — will have a presence on the show floor, where attendees can connect directly with subject-matter experts and industry resources.

“Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing segments in construction, and the professionals driving that growth need access to strong training, product knowledge and peer insight,” said Renee Ramey, Executive Director of the Metal Roofing Alliance. “METALCON brings those resources together in one place, which is why the Metal Roofing Alliance continues to support the event.”

“The value of METALCON is what happens when associations, experts and decision-makers are part of the same conversation,” Geller said. “As the industry continues to evolve, that shared environment helps professionals build connections, exchange ideas and identify solutions they can apply to their businesses.”

Share:

More Posts from the METALCON blog:

METALCON Names 2026 Top Products Award Winners

METALCON has announced the winners of its sixth annual Top Products Awards, recognizing product innovations showcased at its 35th anniversary event, held Oct. 7–9 in Orlando, Florida. Products were evaluated through public electronic voting before the show and attendee voting onsite, giving metal construction industry professionals a voice in recognizing products, technologies and solutions designed to address the evolving needs of metal construction with improved performance, efficiency and installation The 2026 METALCON Top Products Award winners are: First Place Company:

Read More »

Six questions to ask when choosing ERP for a metal business

Choosing ERP for a metal business starts with the work itself: how material arrives, how it moves through production and how an order becomes an invoice. A feature list can begin the conversation, but a walkthrough of your own process makes the evaluation more useful. 1 How does material keep its history Choose one coil, bundle or finished item and follow it through the demonstration. Ask which lot or serial details stay with it as it moves between receiving, storage

Read More »

METALCON, U.S. Steel to celebrate anniversaries in Orlando

U.S. Steel is celebrating 125 years of steelmaking, innovation and American manufacturing in 2026. The milestone will be recognized as part of METALCON’s 35th anniversary, October 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. As the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry, METALCON will recognize U.S. Steel’s longstanding role in the steel industry and the company’s continued focus on innovation for the future. At METALCON, U.S. Steel (booth 1077) is hosting Steel on the Move

Read More »

Should You Roll Your Own Metal Panels? Hidden Costs Contractors Miss

In the metal construction industry, there is a certain pride that comes with doing things yourself. It’s the same mindset that has built successful businesses, solved difficult jobsite challenges, and helped contractors grow from small operations into thriving companies. That’s why it’s easy to understand the appeal of rolling your own metal panels. At first glance, it seems simple enough. Buy a machine, source the steel, bring production in-house, and eliminate a supplier from the equation. More control. More flexibility.

Read More »

PRESS KIT 2026

Welcome to METALCON 2026 METALCON takes place Oct. 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, with pre-show workshops beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, METALCON brings the entire metal construction ecosystem together in one place—from contractors, installers and fabricators to manufacturers, architects, engineers, specifiers, designers, suppliers, owners and developers. It is the industry’s annual business and education summit, bringing the metal construction community together to understand the forces shaping the market and see what

Read More »