The Magic of METALCON

by Paul Deffenbaugh | 3 July 2023 12:00 am

Featuring continuing education, hands-on training, networking and a showcase of the latest products and technologies, attendees will benefit from the knowledge, tools and inspiration to design and construct great metal buildings.

The industry’s sustainable messaging is strong, but it could be stronger. MCA will continue to take the lead in creating a coalition of industry stakeholders charged with developing a unified message to advocate for metal’s sustainable aspects.

This year’s show comes at an auspicious time with interest in metal building at an all-time high. As knowledge of metal’s sustainability benefits, metal is anticipated to continue gaining market share.

Not only are architects requesting more education, but contractors are actively seeking training materials. In fact, the Metal Construction Association’s[1] (MCA) “Roofing Installation Manual” is the most popular download on MCA’s site. Furthermore, growing interest in retrofits is also anticipated to continue driving specifications of metal roofing and cladding components.

Show Happenings

Kicking off the keynote at METALCON[2] will be Ken Simonson, chief economist, Associated General Contractors[3], providing an economic overview. Simonson will discuss the economy, how rising interest rates are affecting projects, and how manufacturing, power and infrastructure may counteract some of these trends.

In addition to the hundreds of exhibitors and dozens of educational opportunities, this year’s show also features a Future Leaders program and the Architect’s Experience. “The [Future Leaders] program attracts new, younger talent into our industry through education, mentoring, networking and more. It will also get those younger people already in our industry to think about their career and company’s future,” says Ryan King, national sales manager, Cidan Machinery[4]. To further their education at this year’s METALCON, future leaders can benefit from the metal roof installation training certification program, RAiNA[5] Installer training for rainscreen assemblies and/or take a class in rollforming and attend “Metal Roofing from A (Aluminum) to Z (Zinc).”

The Architect’s Experience, dubbed a “show-within-a-show,” is aimed at showcasing the benefits of metal, highlighting the latest innovations, sharing best practices and connecting architects with new business partners, resources and colleagues. On the show floor, the Architect’s Experience has its own pavilion with a lounge area where architects can grab a drink and network.

Architects can tap into more than a dozen educational sessions and have direct access to manufacturers to answer questions and update them on the latest products, trends and innovations. Architects can also glean more knowledge on how metal cladding and roofing designs can support a tighter building envelope and more sustainable, energy-efficient and resilient buildings.

Growing Membership

As a major source of education, networking opportunities, metal industry support and advocacy, MCA is growing its membership with four new categories: regional rollformers, regional distributors, underlayment manufacturers and weather barrier manufacturers.

METALCON exhibitors receive a 50% discount on their first year of MCA membership, and a deduction of $4 per square foot on their 2023 booth space.

MCA is also happy to announce the launch of a new scholarship program. All member company employees or their children, who are enrolled in an accredited program connected with the building construction industry, are eligible to apply. Launching later this year, the first awards will be announced in Spring 2024.

As the industry gathers in Las Vegas this fall for METALCON, many stand to benefit from the buzz and growing excitement surrounding metal architecture and construction. The industry’s sustainable messaging is strong, but it could be stronger. MCA will continue to take the lead in creating a coalition of industry stakeholders charged with developing a unified message to advocate for metal’s sustainable aspects.

At the same time, the industry is battling false messaging from competitors and misperceptions regarding metal’s sustainability characteristics. Consequently, an all-hands-on-deck approach is needed to continue education and advocacy for the very important contribution that metal offers to retrofitted and new buildings in every market sector.

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Jeff Henry, MBA, CAE, is the executive director of the Metal Construction Association. He leads MCA’s staff in supporting industry members and elevating the use of metal in construction. For more information, go to www.metalconstruction.org[6].

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/the-magic-of-metalcon/

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