By Emma Peterson. 

With more than 250 exhibitors, expanded educational programming and interactive experiences across the show floor, METALCON continues to be the industry's premier gathering for metal construction. 

METALCON, the only event in the industry dedicated solely to the application of metal in design and construction, is just around the corner! Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, this year’s show will be hosted October 7-9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida!  

This show brings metal professionals from across the country, whether you are a contractor, fabricator, manufacturer, supplier, designer or distributor, together to evaluate innovative products on the expo floor, build powerful partnerships at events, learn about the future of the industry in education sessions and push the industry forward, together. Keep reading to learn a bit about what to expect from this year’s show!  

METALCON 2026 education program 

Education has always been a cornerstone of the METALCON experience. For this year’s show, the METALCON team has expanded their educational offerings! In addition to their traditional metal construction, architecture, engineering and manufacturing workshops and complimentary sessions, they have added four Spanish-language education sessions! 

With industry-leading experts like Rob Haddock (S-5!), Vincent Sagan (Metal Building Manufacturers Association), Kermit Baker (American Institute of Architects), Amparo Sancen (Latinos En Roofing), Renee Ramey (Metal Roofing Alliance), Stephen Bender (University of Florida College of Design Construction and Planning), Kyle Rea (Adams and Reese) and Ryan Dalgleish (RAiNA), these sessions offer attendees a veritable wealth of information.  

Please note: All education sessions, except workshops, are included with your registration. No sign-up is needed. Just arrive at your selected session at the scheduled time and location. Seating is first come, first served. 

Browse the education offerings. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

METALCON brings hands-on training, expert-led education and year-round resources to contractors. 

As building codes, materials and technologies continue to change, metal construction professionals need practical ways to keep their knowledge current. Geared toward professionals at every stage of their career, METALCON supports ongoing contractor education with opportunities designed for contractors, architects, engineers, fabricators, manufacturers and other professionals across the industry. 

The annual event brings education to life through workshops, technical sessions, live demonstrations and product training. Expert-led workshops offer immersive instruction before and during the show, giving participants opportunities to improve practical skills, earn select credentials and gain continuing education credits. This year’s programs include metal roof installation training, roll forming education and a course covering metal roofing materials from aluminum to zinc.  

Learning continues throughout the show with sessions focused on metal roofing systems, insulated metal panels, building envelope performance, sustainability, project management, business growth and emerging technologies. The METALCON Training Zone and Metal Mastery Clinics add skills-based demonstrations, while Design District sessions explore architectural trends, building science and innovative materials. This year, METALCON is also expanding its offerings with educational sessions in Spanish, designed for contractors, fabricators and tradespeople. 

The new Contractor Business Success Center expands the program with sessions on winning work, managing risk, improving profit margins and building stronger teams. Four education sessions presented in Spanish will also increase access to technical education for Spanish-speaking contractors, fabricators and tradespeople. 

Professional development extends beyond the annual event through METALCON Online. Its webinars, technical presentations and expert-led programs help professionals explore installation practices, code updates, product innovations and business strategies throughout the year. 

Together, METALCON’s in-person and online education gives industry professionals opportunities to build skills, pursue credentials and prepare for a changing marketplace. 

Learn more about METALCON education and training opportunities.

By The Coffee Shops®.  

MetalCoffeeShop to give away 10 Total Experience passes. 

Join us at the premier event for professionals interested in the advancement of metal construction. By bringing the industry together in a focused setting, METALCON creates an engaging environment where attendees can explore emerging ideas, discover new products and gain a broader perspective on the possibilities of metal as a building material. 

The conference and expo also offer meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Contractors can step beyond their day-to-day responsibilities, exchange insights with industry peers and learn from the experiences of others. This combination of education and collaboration can provide fresh inspiration that professionals can apply to their businesses, projects and careers. 

METALCON also highlights the innovation shaping the future of the industry. The event provides a valuable setting for professionals to consider evolving approaches, identify potential solutions to industry challenges and better understand how metal construction continues to develop. This emphasis on forward-thinking ideas makes the experience relevant to both established professionals and those building their careers in the field. 

Most importantly, METALCON helps strengthen the metal construction community. It serves as a gathering place for people who share a commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and the continued development of the industry. That sense of connection, combined with opportunities for discovery and learning, makes METALCON a valuable event for professionals looking toward the future of metal construction. 

METALCON brings the metal construction industry's very best brands and thought leaders under one roof for three days of unprecedented access, efficiency and education, and as a METALCON partner, MetalCoffeeShop is giving away 10 free Total Experience passes to the show! The Total Experience registration package is the premium pass to everything happening on the show floor. This includes access to more than 250 exhibitors, demos, keynotes, networking events and over 35 free accredited education sessions. 

Register here to win your free pass! 

S-5! delivers practical training for sales and technical professionals

S-5!, the global leader in metal roof attachment solutions, will present accredited education and showcase its latest innovation at METALCON, October 7-9 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to educational sessions offering continuing education credits (CEUs), S-5! will feature SnoGard EF™, its new snow retention solution designed for common exposed-fastened metal roofing.

Educational sessions:

Wednesday, October 7 – 2:45 p.m.

From conversations to conversions: Smarter sales strategies that drive results
Presented by David Stahler, Sales Expert, S-5!
Today’s sales environment is more competitive and customer-driven than ever. In this practical session, Stahler will share real-world strategies to help teams create more value in everyday customer conversations, including how to build trust, understand customer needs and apply a repeatable sales approach. Attendees will explore when to use cross-selling and upselling, as well as relationship selling versus conversion-focused selling, and leave with actionable techniques to improve sales conversations, close more opportunities and grow their business.

Thursday, October 8 – 8:30 a.m.

Metal roofing From a (aluminum) to z (zinc) 4 AIA credit hours
Presented by Rob Haddock, CEO & Founder, S-5!
Often referred to as Metal Roofing 101 and known as the best “crash course” available for all in-industry personnel, this session offers a thorough and engaging “all about metal” overview, from the fundamentals to the details. Haddock, a 50-year industry veteran and the director of the Metal Roof Advisory Group, breaks down complex technical concepts into clear, practical knowledge. This session is ideal for contractors, salespeople, architects, specifiers, roof consultants, engineers, building owners and maintenance staff from beginner to expert.

Visit Booth #1517: Get a Firsthand Look at SnoGard EF™

Attendees can get a firsthand look at SnoGard EF, S-5!’s new snow retention solution. Designed for AG-panel, R-Panel, PBR and other agricultural and rural exposed-fastened applications, SnoGard EF simplifies product selection and installation with published fit guidelines and standardized installation methods. The system offers a stronger, cleaner alternative to field-fabricated solutions while helping contractors install with greater consistency and confidence. S-5! experts will be on hand to demonstrate the system, answer technical questions and discuss real-world applications.

About S-5!

In 1992, S-5! introduced the disruptive innovation of engineered, manufactured solutions for the attachment of roof-mounted equipment to metal roofs. Its zero-penetration clamps, along with engineered brackets, support a variety of roof-mounted applications on metal roofs while maintaining roof integrity and warranties—backed by a lifetime warranty that is unmatched in the industry. Building on that legacy, S-5! has now extended its expertise with single-ply roof solutions. Learn more at www.S-5.com.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Explore practical solutions, hands-on education and industry connections at the only event dedicated exclusively to metal design and construction. 

It can be difficult to stay competitive in today’s market. Contractors are facing unprecedented labor shortages, scheduling issues, material costs and performance requirement changes. In the face of all this, you can only lean on your field experience so much. The contractors that succeed in spite of these challenges are the ones that combine their experience with innovative building solutions and strong industry relationships.  

How do you find these tools to success? One easy way is to attend METALCON! This year’s show will be hosted October 7-9, 2026, in Orlando, Florida and promises to give attendees the opportunity to explore metal roofing, wall systems, façades, insulated metal panels, fasteners, coatings, fabrication equipment, roll-forming machinery, software and more in one hands-on environment! Seeing all of this in person and being able to compare products and equipment firsthand, contractors can evaluate potential investments and find solutions for reducing installation time, rework and callbacks. 

Additionally, the show gives professionals incredible access to educational opportunities such as:  

• Live demonstrations in the Training Zone that provide practical solutions to challenges contractors face in the field. 
• Metal Mastery clinics that connect attendees with contractors, engineers, architects and manufacturers 
• Education sessions covering everything from installation techniques and estimating strategies to code updates and energy-efficient design. 

METALCON also gives contractors direct access to manufacturers, suppliers and technical experts. With the Exhibitor Directory and Floor Plan, contractors can plan meetings and conversations that will help them make more informed business choices and develop relationships that continue after the show.  

Learn more about how METALCON helps contractors discover practical solutions, strengthen their teams and build a competitive advantage. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Integrated design, careful installation and early collaboration can help commercial project teams prevent costly building envelope failures. 

Building envelope failures can begin with something as small as an improperly sealed penetration or poorly detailed transition, but the consequences can spread throughout a commercial building. Water intrusion, corrosion, mold growth, energy loss, occupant complaints and expensive repairs can all result when enclosure systems fail to perform as intended. METALCON helps industry professionals better understand these risks by bringing together education, expertise and solutions focused on improving building envelope performance. 

A building envelope includes the roof, exterior walls, insulation, air barriers, vapor retarders, flashing, sealants, windows, doors and the transitions connecting them. Together, those components manage water, air, heat and vapor. Their effectiveness depends not simply on individual product performance, but on how well the complete assembly works as a system. 

Modern commercial buildings add another layer of complexity. As structures become tighter to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort, installation errors can have greater consequences. Discontinuous air barriers, missing flashing details and improperly sealed penetrations can compromise an otherwise well-designed enclosure. 

Many failures occur where systems and trade responsibilities intersect. Poor coordination between roofing, wall and insulation systems, field modifications, unsealed penetrations and inadequate barrier continuity can create moisture and thermal problems that may not appear until months or years after occupancy. 

Early collaboration can reduce those risks. Architects, contractors, manufacturers and building-envelope specialists can work together to resolve roof-to-wall transitions, coordinate penetrations, maintain continuous air and water barriers and minimize costly field changes. During construction, pre-installation meetings, mock-ups, inspections and adherence to manufacturer guidelines can reinforce design intent. 

The long-term benefits extend beyond water management. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Solution Center reports that the building envelope accounts for approximately 30% of the primary energy consumed in commercial buildings, highlighting the importance of insulation, glazing and air sealing decisions. 

METALCON 2026, scheduled for Oct. 7-9 in Orlando, Florida, will include education focused on thermal efficiency, moisture management and preventing failures in roofing and wall systems. 

Learn more about METALCON 2026 and its building envelope education opportunities!

By Emma Richardson. 

Discover the innovations that are helping metal contractors prepare for growth. 

In an upcoming Read Listen Watch, host Megan Ellsworth meets with Vice President of Architectural Sales for MetalForming LLC, Ryan Lemmel, for an exclusive preview of the innovations the company is bringing to METALCON. Together, they will explore the challenges shaping today’s metal construction market and the equipment designed to help contractors and fabricators address them. 

Demand for metal continues to create exciting possibilities for the industry, but taking advantage of those possibilities requires businesses to navigate significant workforce and production challenges. Contractors and fabricators are being asked to increase efficiency while maintaining accuracy, precision and consistency. At the same time, skilled labor shortages and the loss of tribal knowledge can make it difficult to increase production or bring less-experienced team members up to speed. 

During this RLW, Ryan will explain how MetalForming is addressing these issues through automation, intuitive controls and equipment engineered for speed and repeatability. Viewers will learn how these innovations can help streamline operations, increase throughput and support a strong return on investment without compromising the quality of finished products. 

MetalForming offers equipment and support focused on the real-world needs of metal contractors and fabricators. Rather than stopping at the sale of a machine, the company helps customers through on-site setup, training, maintenance, parts support and ongoing education. This comprehensive approach gives businesses access to both advanced equipment and the knowledge needed to incorporate it successfully into their workflows. 

Ryan will also introduce several of the solutions MetalForming is highlighting at METALCON. These include the Schroeder Architectural shear and folder, designed to support higher throughput, precision and repeatability, as well as the VIETSTEEL roll former, which combines user-friendly controls, automation and scalability for roofing and wall applications.  

Whether you are looking to increase output, address labor constraints, preserve valuable production knowledge or plan for future growth, this RLW will offer a valuable look at the possibilities available through modern metal-forming technology. 

Join Megan Ellsworth and Ryan Lemmel to learn how new equipment, automation and customer support can help metal contractors and fabricators work smarter. 

Register for the World of Possibilities RLW.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Expand your industry knowledge, develop practical skills and make connections that support long-term career growth. 

With experienced tradespeople retiring and construction companies searching for skilled workers, metal construction offers growing opportunities for people entering the workforce or transitioning from another trade. According to this article from METALCON, Associated Builders and Contractors estimates the construction industry will need to attract 349,000 new workers in 2026 to meet workforce demand. 

While on-the-job training is still essential, industry events can help professionals new to metal understand the broader marketplace. METALCON brings education, hands-on training and professional connections together at the only annual event devoted exclusively to metal construction and design. For those just entering the metal industry, this three-day conference provides intensive education and industry knowledge that might otherwise take much longer to accumulate. Additionally, the plethora of educational offerings saves professionals the step of finding and vetting resources on their own time. 

During METALCON, attendees can explore more than 250 exhibitors showcasing products, tools, equipment, software and building systems. Live installation demonstrations, product showcases and expert-led education sessions also give professionals opportunities to ask technical questions and learn directly from manufacturers and industry experts. 

The education opportunities extend beyond installation. Sessions and workshops address metal roofing and wall systems, building envelope performance, energy codes, sustainability, artificial intelligence, workforce development, business management and economic trends. The 2026 keynote, “Nothing Can Stop You,” featuring former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott, will share a message about perseverance, challenges and continued growth. 

METALCON also brings together thousands of professionals from more than 50 countries. Events including the Future Leaders Happy Hour, Speed Networking, the 40 Under 40 Recognition Program, FORGE: Where Women in Metal Shape What’s Next and the Contractors Connection Reception create opportunities to meet mentors, explore career paths and build relationships. 

For professionals beginning their metal construction careers, METALCON offers a chance to see emerging technologies, understand how the industry works and develop greater confidence. The event will celebrate its 35th anniversary in Orlando, connecting first-time attendees with the knowledge, people and experiences that can help shape their careers. 

Invest in your metal career and register for METALCON today.

Por The Coffee Shops™, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Amplía tus conocimientos de la industria, desarrolla habilidades prácticas y crea conexiones que apoyen tu crecimiento profesional a largo plazo. 

A medida que los trabajadores con más experiencia se jubilan y las empresas de construcción buscan personal calificado, la construcción con metal ofrece cada vez más oportunidades para quienes están entrando al mercado laboral o haciendo la transición desde otro oficio. Según este artículo de METALCON, Associated Builders and Contractors estima que la industria de la construcción necesitará atraer a 349,000 nuevos trabajadores en 2026 para satisfacer la demanda de mano de obra. 

Aunque la capacitación en el trabajo sigue siendo esencial, los eventos de la industria pueden ayudar a los profesionales que son nuevos en el sector del metal a comprender mejor el mercado. METALCON tiene educación, capacitación práctica y conexiones profesionales en el único evento anual dedicado exclusivamente a la construcción y el diseño con metal. Para quienes están comenzando en esta industria, esta conferencia de tres días ofrece capacitación intensiva y conocimientos que, de otra manera, podrían tomar mucho más tiempo adquirir. Además, la gran variedad de oportunidades educativas les ahorra a los profesionales el tiempo de tener que buscar y evaluar recursos por su cuenta. 

Durante METALCON, los asistentes pueden conocer a más de 250 expositores que presentan productos, herramientas, equipos, software y sistemas de construcción. Las demostraciones de instalación en vivo, las presentaciones de productos y las sesiones educativas dirigidas por expertos también brindan la oportunidad de hacer preguntas técnicas y aprender directamente de fabricantes y especialistas de la industria. 

Las oportunidades educativas van más allá de la instalación. Las sesiones y talleres abordan temas como sistemas de techos y paredes de metal, desempeño de la envolvente del edificio, códigos de energía, sustentabilidad, inteligencia artificial, desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, administración de negocios y tendencias económicas. El discurso principal de 2026, “Nothing Can Stop You” (“Nada puede detenerte”), presentado por Jim Abbott, exlanzador de las Grandes Ligas de Béisbol compartirá un mensaje sobre perseverancia, cómo enfrentar los desafíos y seguir creciendo. 

METALCON también reúne a miles de profesionales de más de 50 países. Eventos como Future Leaders Happy Hour, Speed Networking, el programa de reconocimiento 40 Under 40, FORGE: Where Women in Metal Shape What’s Next y Contractors Connection Reception crean oportunidades para conocer mentores, explorar diferentes caminos profesionales y establecer relaciones dentro de la industria. 

Para los profesionales que están comenzando sus carreras en la construcción con metal, METALCON ofrece la oportunidad de conocer nuevas tecnologías, entender cómo funciona la industria y desarrollar mayor confianza. El evento celebrará su 35.º aniversario en Orlando, conectando a quienes asisten por primera vez con los conocimientos, las personas y las experiencias que pueden ayudar a impulsar sus carreras. 

Invierte en tu carrera en la industria del metal y regístrate hoy para METALCON.

FORGE is a program designed to be where women in metal shape what’s next.

More and more women are finding their way into what used to be considered non-traditional professional roles. As METALCON celebrates its 35th anniversary, it’s safe to say there are a growing number of women in prominent positions throughout the metal construction industry on the tradeshow floor.

METALCON, scheduled for October 7-9 at the Orlando Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, will again host a unique event that brings together the women of the metal construction industry. “FORGE is built around real conversation, genuine connection and the kind of leadership insight you only get from people who’ve walked a similar path,” says Judy Geller, vice president of trade shows for METALCON. “You’ll leave with new connections, fresh perspective and relationships that extend well beyond the event. FORGE welcomes women at every stage, from emerging professionals to industry veterans, because everyone in the room has something to offer and something to gain.”

FORGE is set for 1-5 p.m. October 6, followed by a reception. It kicks off with Keynote Rita Goodroe, presenting "Beyond Impressive: Create Your Own Path in Construction and Beyond."

“So many of us are doing everything right,” says Goodroe, a Fortune 500 attorney for 13 years. “We say the right thing, hit the numbers, keep everything running and manage everybody else’s expectations on top of it. And we still don’t feel seen, heard or valued. So, when I talk about creating your own path, I mean stop performing for approval and start leading from the truth of who you are. Go after the leadership role instead of waiting to be handed one, because that's the seat where you decide what gets built, who gets hired and how people get treated. And spend your development time on what makes you better at leading as yourself, not on one more certificate proving you belong in the room. I want more women doing that, because the minute you show up as yourself you stop attracting just anything and start attracting the right things.”

Following the keynote address, there will be a panel discussion called, More Than a Seat at the Table: Women Building Influence Across the Industry. “Leaders from across construction, sustainability, workforce development, entrepreneurship and finance come together to share real-world perspectives about navigating leadership, building influence and creating lasting impact in a rapidly evolving industry,” Geller says.

“Many women in construction work in office, management or professional positions, and women-owned firms make up roughly 13 percent of all construction companies,” says Lee Ann Slattery, sales support manager at ATAS International and current chair of the Metal Construction Association (MCA), the first woman to hold the position. “I believe the growth of women’s involvement in the construction industry is due to more awareness and exposure of the potential rewarding and well-paying careers that are available to women. By starting at a trade school or an apprenticeship program, women can learn skills that are high in demand and begin earning a good salary in a short period of time, often with little to no student loan debt. There has been a lot of coverage in the media regarding the need for tradespeople, regardless of their gender and many schools are reincorporating trades classes into their curriculums, with new trade schools opening to keep up with the demand.”

Slattery says FORGE is important to women in the metal construction industry to allow for networking and education in a dedicated and safe space where they can share challenges and successes with other women. “At FORGE, a woman can meet peers who understand shared experiences and might find a mentor or mentee to help in their career growth,” Slattery says. “The women they meet can become great industry contacts and may even result in new friendships.” By connecting with current and emerging leaders, FORGE helps participants return to their organizations better connected, more confident and better equipped to lead.

“Events like FORGE create meaningful opportunities for professionals to build relationships, exchange ideas and strengthen their leadership skills in a collaborative environment,” says Jessica Haddock, marketing director at S-5!. “Conversations that happen outside formal sessions often lead to mentorship, partnerships and fresh perspectives.”

Successful industries are the ones that have embraced the value of diversity, including women. “Over the years, I have seen women continue to take on leadership roles across every aspect of the metal construction industry,” says Heidi Ellsworth, president of The Coffee Shops®. “Today, women are leading in manufacturing, contracting, distribution, sales, marketing, operations and executive management. This evolution has been a tremendous benefit to the industry. The balance of strong men and women working together has made our companies stronger, more creative and more successful. Diverse teams bring different perspectives to problem-solving, innovation and leadership, which ultimately drives better business outcomes.

“Looking ahead, I believe the future success of the metal construction industry will be determined by how well we continue to progress. By creating opportunities for everyone and fostering inclusive workplaces, we will attract the next generation of talent, strengthen our workforce and position our industry for continued growth and innovation.”

To register or for more information about FORGE, visit: https://www.metalcon.com/forge/.

About METALCON

METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry. Established in1991, it’s the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Each year, contractors, architects, developers, owners, installers, fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers from more than 50 countries attend. 200+ leading companies exhibit the latest products, solutions and game-changing technologies. 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. For information, visit www.metalcon.com or call 800-537-7765.