METALCON 2019, the metal construction industry’s largest international event for metal construction products, technologies and solutions, together with Pittsburgh-based United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) and PPG, are excited to welcome METALCON attendees to this year’s annual conference and tradeshow taking place Wednesday, Oct. 16 - Friday, Oct. 18.

Still rightly known as the “Steel City,” Pittsburgh is no longer the rusty and gritty city image that comes to mind; it has transformed into a vibrant, high-tech, picturesque, charming, cosmopolitan, thriving metropolitan city. In fact, Pittsburgh was named one of the best cities for architecture from Travel + Leisure Magazine. Pittsburgh’s history, from military outpost to industrial giant, shows in many of its historic structures throughout the city. The churches, mansions, theaters, skyscrapers, and other historic buildings show the brilliance of architects of yesterday and today.

U.S. Steel, a leading integrated steel producer, is sponsoring a brand new highly innovative area of the show floor exhibiting the latest construction technology products and solutions called CONTECH. U.S. Steel is known for Pittsburgh’s tallest skyscraper, the U. S. Steel Tower which is the company’s headquarters’ building located in the uptown section of downtown Pittsburgh. U.S. Steel constructed the tower, which opened in 1971, showcasing COR-TEN structural steel made at its former Homestead Works, just southeast of downtown Pittsburgh. U. S. Steel constructed two other notable Pittsburgh skyscrapers, Gateway Center and 525 William Penn Place.

PPG, one of the world’s largest suppliers of paints, coatings and specialty materials, is sponsoring the PPG Theater, which will feature keynote speakers and other informative educational sessions. Sports icons Bryan Trottier, former professional ice hockey center and seven-time Stanley Cup winner who played in the NHL for the both the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders, and Rocky Bleier, a four-time NFL Superbowl Champion and running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will both present in the PPG Theater. Notable landmarks protected by PPG coatings include the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, one of the largest LEED® Gold-certified buildings in the world; the Tower at PNC Plaza, a 33-story LEED Platinum-certified high rise office building; PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates; and Heinz Field Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Multiple factors go into the decision of where the show will take place each year,” said Claire Kilcoyne, METALCON Show Director. “Given Pittsburgh's illustrious history in the steel and metal industry, along with its booming development and being home to local long-time partners, PPG and U.S. Steel, selecting Pittsburgh for the 2019 show was easy. With Pittsburgh's two iconic companies serving as METALCON's premier sponsors, we couldn’t feel more welcomed in the ‘Steel City,’ and we can’t wait for our home-town title sponsors to show us around.”

“Pittsburgh has so much to offer our attendees,” said Kilcoyne. “Carnegie Science Center, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh Zoo, PPG Aquarium and Andy Warhol Museum are truly worth a visit. And, if folks feel like walking around the city, be sure to check out Pittsburgh’s Strip District, featuring local food vendors, unique restaurants and Pittsburgh-themed shops. Also, the Duquesne Incline Observation Deck offers a great view of the city skyline, and Point State Park is a great spot to see where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio River.”

METALCON takes place in downtown Pittsburgh. Designers, builders, developers, contractors, fabricators and suppliers from more than 50 countries attend this event each year. Industry experts from 250 leading companies exhibit the latest products and technology, while sharing their knowledge with attendees. Industry specialists present key topics in the show's highly-rated, education program. For more information on this three-day event, visit www.metalcon.com or call 800-537-7765.