METALCON once again proved to be a fantastic show this year. We were excited to see a full exhibit hall with more than 250 exhibitors and record attendance. It is the largest international event in the metal construction industry and the only one dedicated exclusively to applying metal in the building envelope. Thanks to our partner PSMJ, Judy Geller, and her team for creating a rewarding experience for everyone.
A highlight for me this year was watching a 2,500-sf barndominium being built on the show floor. This structure is being moved to Montana to serve as a much-needed retreat for veterans.
Each day of the show featured educational sessions led by industry experts covering all aspects of metal construction. These sessions were tailored to meet the specific needs of attendees, including contractors, installers, architects, specifiers, and building owners.
As always, many social events allowed attendees to make new connections or deepen existing ones. In today’s digital age, these personal relationships are more vital than ever.
Looking ahead to 2026
The holidays provide a time to reflect on those relationships, express thankfulness, and discuss our aspirations and optimism for the future.
A few things I am thankful for include the resilience demonstrated by our industry in overcoming the challenges posed by today’s economic uncertainty. While 2025 may not have lived up to some expectations, our industry has performed modestly well, with several sectors experiencing significant growth. I am thankful for our U.S. steel providers’ foresight in investing to create sufficient capacity to meet industry demands. I am grateful for the many members and volunteer leaders who dedicate countless hours and talents to advancing the industry and our association. Their “rising tides raise all boats” attitudes underscore their commitment to improving the industry without regard for personal benefit. Of course, none of this would be possible without the hardworking and dedicated staff, consultants, and third-party service providers who drive the association’s progress.
It’s also inspiring to see the growing collaborations between the many associations and organizations serving the metal construction industry. Enhanced communication and partnership will heighten the collective impact of our efforts to grow the industry.
A busy year for the MCA
The approaching new year brings a sense of renewal and optimism. The Metal Construction Association’s (MCA) 2026 agenda is filled with opportunities to make a lasting impact on the industry.
First, recognizing the need for more skilled craftsmen to install our products, MCA will launch an online interactive installer training program. The first modules will focus on teaching best practices in the installation of metal roofing, including standing seam and metal shingle installation. They will be available by mid-2026. Additional modules will cover metal wall panel installation, metal composite material (MCM), and potentially insulated metal panel (IMP) installation training.
MCA is also expanding its market development efforts to address two emerging sectors: residential and resiliency.
The increasing interest in using metal panels for residential walls offers a significant opportunity for our members. Creating new panel profiles, prints, and finishes, combined with features such as low maintenance, weather resistance, and fire protection, makes metal appealing to homeowners and has fueled growth in this market. This expansion opens new doors for manufacturers and attracts a broader range of designers, contractors, and owners. MCA has initiated marketing campaigns to further educate those involved in the residential sector about the benefits of using metal.
The second market development initiative is a resiliency campaign. Metal is part of the solution to the increase in extreme weather events. As we explore how to build or rebuild our structures to better withstand catastrophic events, metal can play a significant role. The MCA campaign will inform designers, code bodies, and owners about metals’ attributes, and we will help collaborate with aligned organizations to build back smarter.
MCA is not stopping there. While thankful for our existing relationships with aligned organizations, MCA is committed to broadening the industry coalition: MCA invited more than a dozen trade groups involved in the industry to a summit to discuss opportunities for future collaborations. Representatives from 10 trade groups gathered at METALCON to share information about current initiatives, industry challenges, and 2026 business priorities. As previously stated, the goal is to unify our efforts, thus enhancing our voice and advancing our impact on the industry.
Finally, MCA members will gather January 13-15 at our 2026 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, to learn, network, and share insights and best practices. Keynote Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting for the Bundy Group, will provide timely insights on major U.S. and global economic trends, practical strategies for attracting and retaining talent, and tools to facilitate smarter, data-driven business decisions. We also welcome Denver Riggleman, former U.S. Congressman, Air Force intelligence officer, national security expert, and Riggleman Information and Intelligence Group (RIIG) CEO. He will discuss how AI can be integrated across production, labor, installation, and other sectors.
We invite everyone, members and non-members, to attend as we explore new strategies for advocating the use of metal in building construction. We look forward to seeing you there.
Jeff Henry, MBA, CAE, is the executive director of the Metal Construction Association (MCA). He leads MCA’s staff in supporting industry members and elevating the use of metal in construction. For more information, visit metalconstruction.org.
