METALCON announces its program line-up for this year’s annual conference and tradeshow scheduled from Wednesday, Oct. 30 to Friday, Nov. 1 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

From intensive pre-show workshops beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 29 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 2024 sponsors: Mill Steel Company (premier level), Flack Global Metals (diamond level), CIDAN Machinery Inc., (diamond level), and others, along with long-time partner, the Metal Construction Association (MCA).

Kickstart the mornings with engaging sessions!

On Wednesday at 8:00 a.m., join others for Building Smarter: The Impact of our Changing Weather & Climate on Construction. Then on Thursday at the same time, don’t miss out on the choice between two compelling sessions: The New World of Metal: How Technology and AI Can Affect the Metal Industries or Metal Composite Material (MCM) Building Code Fire Requirements.

Keynote Speakers

Keynotes include former National Football League Most Valuable Player and Super Bowl Champion quarterback, Joe Theismann, who will present his Game Plan for Success on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 9:00 a.m., drawing parallels between winning in football and in business.

On Thursday, Oct. 31 at the same time, Dr. Anirban Basu, Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., a Baltimore-based economic and policy consulting firm, will present The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: Financial Outlook and Trends for Metal Construction.

On the closing day of the show at 9:00 a.m., Dr. Melissa Furman will present Relevant Leadership: Navigate, Empower, Transform. Furman continues to captivate and inspire audiences, building on the phenomenal success of her 2022 session which has garnered over 41,000 views on YouTube. She will empower attendees with actionable strategies to enhance critical leadership capabilities such as self-awareness, adaptability, and trust-building.

State of the Industry

Join industry experts and leaders from the MCA for a special State of the Industry panel presentation on Wednesday at 11:45 a.m., to discuss current and future opportunities and challenges facing the metal construction industry such as recent technical developments, upcoming regulatory issues, resiliency in a turbulent building market, the superior sustainability of metal substrates and more.

Hands-on Training and Demo Area

 New this year – MCA’s Metal Mastery

As metal continues to gain traction in the market, it’s crucial for contractors and installers to grasp the intricacies and proper techniques for forming panels and installing metal roofing and wall systems. In a series of clinics, experts from the MCA and Metal Roofing Alliance will discuss best practices for installing metal shingles, standing-seam roofing panels, retrofit systems, and metal wall systems, and will demonstrate proper techniques for on-site roll forming and machine maintenance. 

METALCON Training Zone

Back by popular demand and proudly sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, the METALCON Training Zone returns to offer hands-on training for roofing contractors. This dedicated area features live demonstrations and education using a variety of mock-ups and materials such as painted steel, aluminum, zinc, copper and other exotic materials. Training will emphasize precise detailing and the use of appropriate tools, equipping contractors, remodelers and other professionals to elevate their skills, ensuring the best, most efficient and cleanest work when installing various metal roof systems (conducted in English and Spanish).

For Architectural Design Professionals – The Design District@METALCON

The Design District@METALCON, sponsored by PPG and produced in partnership with AEC Daily, offers an unmatched opportunity for architectural design professionals to immerse themselves in the world of metal design and construction with curated education, targeted networking, and access to innovations that can elevate their expertise and inspire their approach to the application of metal. 

METALCON Top Product Awards

On Thursday at 2:30 p.m., top product award winners recognizing the most innovative products and technologies shaping the metal construction industry will be announced. .

Learning Centers

Check out METALCON’s free education sessions! These 60-minute sessions from 10:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday are organized into three centers on the show floor: Best Practices, Technical Know-How and the New Building Performance Learning Center. 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:

• Impact & Utilization of AI on the Construction Industry

• Utilizing MCM in Modern Design Including Fire Prevention

• 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 Essential Workshop

Each year, METALCON gives back to the local community where the show takes place. METALCON has announced its ongoing partnership with Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans in all branches of the military. On the closing day of the show, a check presentation ceremony will be held at The Deck at 1:00 p.m., together with local representatives of The Fund. 

 Also at this time, the prestigious Metal Construction Hall of Fame Awards will honor visionary leaders in the metal construction industry. Now in its eighth year, the Hall of Fame identifies contractors, manufacturers and friends of the industry who make a difference each year.

“We eagerly anticipate our return to Atlanta, a premier destination for METALCON,” remarked Judy Geller, METALCON Vice President. “We have a host of new networking opportunities, exciting hands-on training sessions, new educational programs and exceptional keynote speakers lined up. Be sure to visit The Deck, conveniently situated near registration, to meet our team, network, or simply unwind.” MR

Networking Opportunities in Atlanta

METALCON is introducing a variety of networking events to foster communication and collaboration among industry peers at its annual conference and tradeshow in Atlanta.

Women in Metal Construction

Opening day kicks off at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday with Metal and Mimosas. Women can enjoy a morning filled with the perfect blend of breakfast, networking and discussion while gathering alongside fellow inspiring and collaborative women who are shaping the industry and encouraging success. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Women can register online.

New This Year: Speed Networking

Later that day at 3:00 p.m., METALCON will host an engaging speed networking event at The Exchange, a designated area on the show floor dedicated to networking. Meet more industry professionals in one hour than in one day! Connect with potential partners, clients, and peers in a fun, fast-paced environment. Share and receive valuable insights and ideas with like-minded professionals. Form meaningful connections that can lead to future collaborations and opportunities. Pre-registration is required.

Metal Minds in Motion Roundtables

Also taking place at The Exchange on Thursday at 3:00 p.m., the Metal Construction Association will host a series of insightful roundtable discussions on topics such as Adding Metal to Your Business; Workforce Development in Metal Construction; New to Metal?—A Beginner’s Guide to Metal Construction; and Metal Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction in Metal Construction and other timely topics related to industry challenges and opportunities.

International Matchmaking Forum

Also, at 3:00 p.m., the International Matchmaking Forum will provide an opportunity for international exhibitors and U.S.-based distributors to connect and engage in personalized, pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings. Discuss and be among the first to do business with the newest products and solutions in the industry. Register online.

Metal Mash-Up Welcome Party

Wednesday wraps up with a welcome party on the show floor in the central aisles beginning at 4:00 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet industry colleagues and make new connections.

The Back Yard

Each day during show hours, attendees can escape to The Back Yard, a relaxing new area on the show floor. Throughout each day, attendees can play simulated golf and compete for prizes, awarded on the final day of the show. On Thursday afternoon, the 19th Hole reception will take place. Attendees can unwind and wrap up their day networking with colleagues at this special event.

Future Leaders of METALCON

Join the future leaders of the industry! METALCON 2024 is the gateway to unparalleled opportunities for future leaders’ professional growth, networking, and education. Future Leaders is a program for rising stars, up-and-comers, management trainees, apprentices and others, roughly ages 40 and under, ready to take their career to the next level. 

“Collectively, these events offer abundant opportunities for participants to exchange ideas and forge valuable connections all in one central location,” commented Judy Geller, METALCON Vice President. “This is a cornerstone benefit that METALCON uniquely offers.”

This 3-day event takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. MR