Wednesday, Oct. 18 to Friday, Oct. 20
Las Vegas Convention Center • metalcon.com
METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry. Established in 1991, 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 and 200+ leading companies exhibit. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association.
Highlights and Educational Programming
[Updates since our print publication: METALCON has announced most of its educational programming and added it to the website. Click here to read the entire list. Also new to this article, S-5! announced its educational programming. That was added to what’s below after the magazine was published.]
METALCON announces its program lineup for this year’s annual conference and tradeshow scheduled from Wednesday, Oct. 18 to Friday, Oct. 20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
From intensive pre-show workshops beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 16 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 nearly a year’s worth of continuing education credits (CEUs), including AIA learning units among others.
The only global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction is brought to you by 2023 sponsors: Mill Steel Company (premier level), CIDAN Machinery Inc., (platinum level), US Steel (diamond level) and others, along with long-time partner, the Metal Construction Association (MCA).
Keynote speakers for this year’s show include contractor and Denver business owner Rico León, HGTV host of “Rico to the Rescue,” presenting “HGTV’s Rico to the Rescue: Real Life Scenarios — From Nightmares to Dreams Come True” onWednesday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. He will share some of his most unforgettable experiences and lessons learned from residential construction projects gone wrong and then turned around.
Then, on the following day at the same time, 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, will explore the current state and outlook for construction in his keynote, “Construction Outlook for 2024: Forbidding or Reason for Cheer?”
A variety of special focus areas are planned, including:
The Architect’s Experience
Back for a third consecutive year and brought to you by PPG Industries, 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.
Offering exclusive education sessions specific to design professionals, attendees will hear from respected thought leaders, award-winning architects and industry experts, including featured keynote morning kick-off sessions. On Wednesday, October 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.
Then, the next day 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. Registrants of the Architect’s Experience can stop by the pavilion lounge area.
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). See page 6 for more on the METALCON Training Zone.
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, the MRA (Metal Roofing Alliance) 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, October 19 from 8:00-10:30 a.m. (transportation provided). This exclusive experience includes breakfast, networking, a plant tour and an education session “Designing with Commercial/Industrial Insulated Metal Wall Panels” presented by industry expert Kira Rogatnik (earn 1 AIA HSW credit). Learn more at metalcon.com/exclusive-plant-tour.
The IMP Alliance Education Center
(Booth #1115)
The MCA IMP Alliance (leading manufacturers, material suppliers, and resellers) presents 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.
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. Learn more at nrca.net/procertification/mc.
Learning Centers
Check out METALCON’s FREE education sessions! These 60-minute sessions from 11:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday are organized into three centers on the show floor: Best Practices, Technical Know-How and Sustainability. Attendees can earn up to 12 hours of CEUs. Additionally, 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
- RaiNA Installer Training for Rainscreen Assemblies
And in the Best Practices Learning Center, a special “State of the Industry” panel presentation led by members of the MCA will take place on Wednesday, October 19 at 3:45 p.m. to discuss current and future opportunities and challenges facing the metal construction industry.
Giving Back
Each year, METALCON gives back to the local community where the show takes place. This year, METALCON is partnering with America’s 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 injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces along with their families and is a self-funded program of the Semper Fi Fund (metalcon.com/giving-back).
“We look forward to returning to Las Vegas, a great destination for METALCON. We have a lot of hands-on training opportunities, new educational programming and fabulous keynote speakers,” said Judy Geller, METALCON Show Director. “Make sure to stop by The Deck, conveniently located near registration, to meet show management, network or take a break.” MB
Introducing the METALCON Training Zone
Click on a photo for a popup slideshow.
In an effort to continue metal’s decade-long trend of gaining roofing market share, METALCON is doing its part to develop more qualified metal roofing installers. The 2023 METALCON tradeshow floor will include a METALCON Training Zone, offering a hands-on learning opportunity for roofing contractors with any or no level of experience working with metal.
The 2023 show is scheduled for October 18-20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Show staff recently announced that booth space is being added again and attendee registration is more than double what it was last year.
“With exhibit and attendee numbers on the rise, this show provides us with a great opportunity to offer installation training to metal roofing installers,” says Judy Geller, Vice President of Trade Shows/METALCON. “Even more importantly, this training will be available to those with no experience with metal but are interested in adding metal roofing to their product line.”
The METALCON Training Zone will feature demonstrations and education using a variety of mock-ups and materials including painted steel, aluminum, zinc, copper and other natural metals. Training will focus on proper detailing and utilization of the right tools to enhance skills of contractors and remodelers, enabling them to deliver their best, most efficient and cleanest work when installing various metal roofing systems.
“We’re working out the schedule, but we’re planning on having continuous training all three days of the convention,” says John Sheridan, owner of Sheridan Tools and organizer of the METALCON Training Zone. “We’ll have mock-ups with several various details to work on and there will be training in English as well as Spanish. Roofing materials are coming from several generous manufacturers and Sheridan Tools will be providing tools for the METALCON Training Zone.”
Among the manufacturers donating metal roofing materials for use in the METALCON Training Zone are Drexel Metals, McElroy Metal, and VMZinc.
The METALCON Training Zone is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, which recently introduce its MetalVue program. The coating manufacturer has invested years in the development of MetalVue, a program that has evolved into an in-depth and comprehensive tool kit for contractors.
“We’re working on finding ways to help contractors grow their business by getting into metal,” says Mark MacDonald, with Sherwin-Williams. “Research shows there is a real opportunity to create a significant share shift from asphalt shingles into metal roofing. MetalVue offers business process change, services and software to help contractors make that transition. It provides the framework for their business to be successful.”
Part of that success is being able to install a watertight metal roofing system, so training is a significant step for contractors. MetalVue is sponsoring the METALCON Training Zone. The mockups will provide some basic details involved in the installation of a watertight metal roofing system. Almost all metal roofing manufacturers offer training specific to their products.
Jim Bush is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ATAS International, a leading metal roofing and wall panel manufacturer, located in Allenton, Pennsylvania. Bush has overseen numerous training sessions at METALCON and at various ATAS locations.
“First and foremost is safety,” Bush says. “One should always follow the current OSHA safety practices when installing metal. Following safety, my best advice is to always follow the manufacturer’s standard details. While there are often five right ways to treat individual details, there certainly are details used that may not be appropriate for the system or geographical location of the building. If a contractor deviates from the manufacturer’s recommendations, it is often a reduced level of liability for the manufacturer in the event a problem does occur in the future.
“As the attention to detail is the greatest challenge when getting involved in any new materials, understanding the basics of the materials and proper tools to be used with the systems is a must. Also, while materials are highly aesthetic in nature, in many cases the functionality of the system is hidden from view. As metal provides some of the longest service life expectations of any roofing material, the proper installation is key to the long-germ performance. While not overly complicated to install, they are not easily corrected if something is done improperly.”
About Sherwin-Williams’ MetalVue Program
The MetalVue program was developed to help metal roofing manufacturers and contractors sell more residential and commercial metal roofs. As an industry leader in metal roof coatings, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to growing the metal roofing industry and the share of business for its partners faster than the current rate of growth. To achieve this, Sherwin-Williams has designed and developed a suite of services that can be marketed through the customer/value chain, including distributors, contractors and installers.
About Sheridan Metal Resources
Sheridan Metal Resources is more than tools for sale — it’s training. With the right tools and the proper knowledge about how to use them, metal roofing professionals can improve skill sets and perform more efficiently and effectively. Sheridan training programs are designed with practical applications in mind and cover all necessary skills for metal roofing and cladding. MB
This article is from the Fall 2023 issue.
[Below was added to the website after print publication.]
S-5! Presents Education at METALCON & Launches its New Solar Attachment for Metal Roofs
With the metal construction industry’s largest tradeshow and conference fast approaching, S-5! announces a number of education sessions planned for METALCON in Las Vegas, providing opportunities for attendees to earn continuing education credits.
Beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 18, Shelly Higgins, S-5! Architectural & National Accounts Directorwill host a panel discussion on Why Design and Build with Metal – The Most Sustainable Construction Material Available. The panel includes industry leaders who encompass a variety of metal building design and construction specialties including METALCON founder and CEO of PSMJ Resources, Inc., Frank Stasiowski, FAIA; Dick Davis, vice president and senior engineering technical specialist, FM Global; Tom Smith, FEMA consultant, TLSMith Consulting, Inc.; Jeff Hock, technical director, Sheffield Metals; and Rob Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5!, the leading authority on metal roof attachment solutions. Together, they will provide insights on common myths and discuss trends in design, construction and sustainability using metal, including a discussion on the impact of extreme weather conditions on building material selection.
Then, on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 8.30 a.m., Haddock, also director of the Metal Roof Advisory Group, will present Metal Roofing From A (Aluminum) to Z (Zinc). Often billed as “Metal Roofing 101” and known as the best “crash course” available for all in-industry personnel, it includes technical information presented in a common-sense fashion that makes the art and science of metal roofing clear, concise and understandable. Contractors, salespeople, architects, specifiers, roof consultants, engineers, building owners and maintenance staff will all benefit from attending.
Later that same day at12.45 p.m., David Stahler, Director of Sales, USA at S-5! will present Sales 101: Successful Sales Strategies from Cross-Selling to Up-Selling. Selling products or services has never been more challenging. It takes extensive knowledge, a deep understanding, a well-developed strategy, and the ability to build relationships. Stahler brings nearly 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, business development and change management, applying a results-driven, sales-oriented approach.
Finally, a panel of sustainability experts talk about Incorporating Metal in Your Company’s Sustainability Strategy at 2.15 p.m. Featuring S-5! solar expert, Mark Gies; Bob Zabcik, president, Z-Tech Consulting; and Marcos Corradin, director of marketing and strategy, U.S. Steel, the panel will discuss how companies are successfully implementing ESG strategies and how metal is the ultimate solution to aligning with certain aspects of ESG philosophies because of its extended service life, low consumption of natural resources for production, zero- petroleum by-products and recyclable properties.
Attendees are invited to stop by S-5!’s booth #4045 to see first-hand its new PVKIT HUR, the latest version of the PVKIT rail-less, direct-attach, solar mounting solution for metal roofs, providing a quick and simple method to install solar modules with tested, engineered, cost-saving, attachment. S-5!’s team will be on hand to explain the features and benefits of this technology.
