Originally Published as: Scenes from METALCON 2025

METALCON 2025 took place last month in Las Vegas, bringing together professionals from across the globe for three days of education, innovation and networking. From pre-show workshops and certification programs to free educational sessions and inspiring keynotes, attendees earned continuing education credits while gaining actionable insight into the trends shaping the future of metal construction and design.

Throughout the course of the show, presentations were held at the Eagles Landing CFS building, which was constructed right on the exhibit floor.
Throughout the course of the show, presentations were held at the Eagles Landing CFS building, which was constructed right on the exhibit floor.

Courage and Service: Clint Romesha Opens METALCON 2025

Clint Romesha, Medal of Honor recipient and bestselling author of Red Platoon, set the tone for the show with a moving keynote on courage, leadership and the value of service.


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“These moments I share help me more than you realize,” Romesha said. “I grew up in a small town on a farm… I have respect for the trades. I was brought up that you have to give back more than you take.”

Reflecting on the Battle of Kamdesh, he shared, “I had 50 other guys with me that day, and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here… You only get that camaraderie by serving in the military.”

Romesha drew parallels between the mindset of veterans and those working in the trades, emphasizing teamwork, accountability and resilience:

  • “Give the grace for failure and the opportunity to fix it.”
  • “Put it back where you found it.”
  • “Let’s try to make tomorrow better than today.”

“Veterans are a good fit for the trades and the community,” he said, earning a standing ovation from the crowd.

A steady stream of attendees filed through the Registration area at METALCON 2025.
A steady stream of attendees filed through the Registration area at METALCON 2025.

Economic Clarity from Alex Chausovsky

On day two, renowned economic analyst Alex Chausovsky offered a concise and optimistic outlook for the construction economy. “We’ve been through similar challenges before,” he said. “Now, we can project with confidence that we will figure this out. We can do this together.”


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Chausovsky reaffirmed the strength of the U.S. economy, noting its $30 trillion scale and continued global leadership. His key advice for business leaders: retain your workforce, communicate often with suppliers, and reinvest to stay profitable amid change.

MetalForming sponsored the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge, where teams competed for bragging rights and trophies.
MetalForming sponsored the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge, where teams competed for bragging rights and trophies.

State of the Industry

Leaders from the Metal Construction Association (MCA) convened for the annual State of the Industry panel, exploring both challenges and opportunities shaping today’s metal construction market. While 2025 may be less favorable than anticipated, bright spots remain across residential roofing and wall applications, particularly as metal continues to displace traditional materials like glass and wood.

Speakers pointed to rising homeowner interest in metal systems—driven by concerns over wildfires, high winds and hail—as a key force behind the material’s continued expansion. Interest in metal has surged, with increasing adoption in mid-tier homes and large-scale residential developments.

Panelists also discussed growing advocacy efforts in Florida and California, where policy changes are promoting wind- and fire-resistant, sustainable building practices. MCA’s outreach with state and local partners continues to strengthen awareness around the resiliency and sustainability of metal as a preferred construction solution.

Overall, the message was clear: education and exposure are fueling metal’s momentum, helping the material gain market share across commercial, residential and architectural segments alike.

METALCON 2026 takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, October 7–9.

Interest in metal-framed buildings is growing. ACT Building Systems pre-engineers CFS buildings. The company’s booth featured a model building — and finished off the display with an X-Wing fighter and pilot. Photos courtesy of Shield Wall Media.
Interest in metal-framed buildings is growing. ACT Building Systems pre-engineers CFS buildings. The company’s booth featured a model building — and finished off the display with an X-Wing fighter and pilot. Photos courtesy of Shield Wall Media.
The display machine from Zimmerman featured a transparent side so tooling could be viewed easily.
The display machine from Zimmerman featured a transparent side so tooling could be viewed easily.
SWI Machinery’s Marxman slitter was just one of the pieces of equipment that could be seen in action at METALCON 2025 in Las Vegas.
SWI Machinery’s Marxman slitter was just one of the pieces of equipment that could be seen in action at METALCON 2025 in Las Vegas.
There was always action going on in the METALCON Training Zone. Sponsored by Sherwin Williams, the Training Zone was a dedicated area of the exhibit hall that featured live demonstrations and education using a variety of mock-ups and materials such as painted steel, aluminum, zinc, copper and other exotic materials.
Live demos and hands-on learning filled the METALCON Training Zone, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams.
Product demonstrations at the Top Product Award-winning Malco Tools booth draws a crowd and garners a lot of attention.
Product demonstrations at the Top Product Award-winning Malco Tools booth draws a crowd and garners a lot of attention.
ASCO USA held equipment demonstrations over the course of the three-day trade show. Demonstrated here is the V2.5 long folder.
ASCO USA held equipment demonstrations over the course of the three-day trade show. Demonstrated here is the V2.5 long folder.
METALCON 2025 marked the North American debut of the Schroeder PBA folder and MHSU shear—two powerful additions to MetalForming’s architectural lineup designed for exceptional speed and safety. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore new in-plant roll-forming solutions from VIETSTEEL, along with equipment from Jorns, Schechtl, Schlebach, and Stolarczyk.
METALCON 2025 showcased MetalForming’s Schroeder PBA folder and MHSU shear, plus cutting-edge roll-forming equipment from VIETSTEEL, Jorns, Schechtl, Schlebach, and Stolarczyk.
New Tech Machinery showed off its next-generation SSQ III MultiPro Roof and Wall Panel Machine, outfitted with an attention-grabbing Stars & Stripes wrap.
New Tech Machinery showed off its next-generation SSQ III MultiPro Roof and Wall Panel Machine, outfitted with an attention-grabbing Stars & Stripes wrap.
The Mac-Tech exhibit included statistics of how much machines cost to run per hour, helping potential investors visualize how equipment can build their bottom line.
The Mac-Tech exhibit included statistics of how much machines cost to run per hour, helping potential investors visualize how equipment can build their bottom line.