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METALCON Announces 2023 Show Highlights

METALCON announces its program line-up for this year’s annual conference and tradeshow scheduled from Wednesday, Oct. 18 to Friday, Oct. 20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

From intensive pre-show workshops beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 16 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 2023 sponsors: Mill Steel Company (premier level), CIDAN Machinery Inc., (platinum level), US Steel (diamond level) and others, along with long-time partner, the Metal Construction Association (MCA).

Keynote speakers for this year’s show include contractor and Denver business owner Rico León, HGTV host of "Rico to the Rescue", presenting “HGTV’s Rico to the Rescue: Real Life Scenarios – From Nightmares to Dreams Come True” on Wednesday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. He will share some of his most unforgettable experiences and lessons learned from residential construction projects gone wrong and then turned around.

Then, on the following day at the same time, Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America with 40+ years of experience analyzing, advocating and communicating about economic and tax issues, will explore the current state and outlook for construction in his keynote, “Construction Outlook for 2024: Forbidding or Reason for Cheer?”

A variety of special focus areas are planned, including:

The Architect’s Experience

Back for a third consecutive year and brought to you by PPG Industries, this “show-within-a-show” over two days is focused on the use of metal as a design and construction component, specifically to help architects, designers, specifiers and engineers solve tough architectural, structural, environmental and building performance challenges.

Offering exclusive education sessions specific to design professionals, attendees will hear from respected thought leaders, award-winning architects and industry experts, including featured keynote morning kick-off sessions. On Wednesday, Oct. 18 beginning at 8.30 a.m., Christopher Sotiropulos, vice president of stadium operations joins Gary Edgar, manager of architectural specifications and industrial coatings of PPG to present “Designing for Las Vegas: A Full House of Finishes for Allegiant Stadium to Enhance, Protect & Cool.” Sotiropulos will share what it took to build – and maintain – this $1.9 billion stadium as well as its ongoing sustainability initiatives.

Then, the next day at the same time, architect and author Stefan Al, will delve into the world of architectural innovation and its profound impact on skylines worldwide in his keynote, “Steel and Skylines.” Drawing from his acclaimed book “Supertall,” Al will share insights from the realm of skyscrapers, shedding light on the emergence of a new generation of towering structures that defy conventional limits in terms of height and design. Additionally, he will highlight the unceasing evolution of Las Vegas Boulevard as he explores the developments of resort design contributing to the city’s distinctive character. Based on his book “The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream,” he uncovers the dynamic changes that have shaped this iconic destination while contemplating the importance of sustainability in its ever-evolving architectural landscape. Registrants of the Architect’s Experience can stop by the pavilion lounge area.

METALCON Training Zone (Booth #6071)

New this year and sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, the METALCON Training Zone provides a hands-on demonstration and training area for contractors, remodelers and others who want to sharpen their skills and deliver their best, most efficient and cleanest work when installing various metal roof offerings and systems. Featuring a variety of mock-ups and materials including aluminum, copper, painted steel zinc and even some exotic materials, training will focus on proper detailing and utilization of the right tools (offered in both English and Spanish).

Women of Metal Construction!

Also new this year, women of metal construction are welcome to join their peers before the show kicks off on Wednesday for a morning filled with the perfect blend of breakfast, networking and discussion at the ENVY at the Renaissance Hotel. Gather alongside fellow inspiring women and listen and learn from peers who are shaping the industry. “Metal and Mimosas” is sponsored by ATAS International, CIDAN Machinery, MetalCoffeeShop, the MRA (Metal Roofing Alliance) and METALCON.

Metl-Span Las Vegas Plant Tour

Metl-Span, a Nucor® company, invites general contractors, installers and architects to an exclusive plant tour at its Las Vegas facility. Learn from this leading North American manufacturer of insulated metal panels (IMP)s just how they are made on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 8:00-10:30 a.m. (transportation provided). This exclusive experience includes breakfast, networking, a plant tour and an education session “Designing with Commercial/Industrial Insulated Metal Wall Panels” presented by industry expert Kira Rogatnik (earn 1 AIA HSW credit). Register at https://metalcon.com/exclusive-plant-tour

The IMP Alliance Education Center (Booth #1115)

The MCA IMP Alliance (leading manufacturers, material suppliers, and resellers) presents a special seminar, “Insulated Metal Panels – Installation and Handling Best Practices,” on best practices and common mistakes made during the unloading, staging and storage of bundles.

NRCA ProCertification® Demo (Booth #7077)

NRCA’s engaging demo will introduce what metal panel and metal shingle roof system hands-on assessments look like in its NRCA’s national certification initiative, which certifies experienced installers in specific roof system installations. For more information, visit https://nrca.net/procertification/mc.

Learning Centers

Check out METALCON’s FREE education sessions! These 60-minute sessions from 11:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday are organized into three centers on the show floor: Best Practices, Technical Know-How and Sustainability. 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:

And in the Best Practices Learning Center, a special “State of the Industry” panel presentation led by members of the MCA will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 3.45 p.m., to discuss current and future opportunities and challenges facing the metal construction industry.

Each year, METALCON gives back to the local community where the show takes place. METALCON is pleased to announce it is partnering with America’s Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans in all branches of the military. The program was created to direct urgently needed resources and financial support to injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces along with their families and is a self-funded program of the Semper Fi Fund. Donate at https://metalcon.com/giving-back/.

“We look forward to returning to Las Vegas, a great destination for METALCON. We have a lot of hands-on training opportunities, new educational programming and fabulous keynote speakers” said Judy Geller, METALCON Show Director. “Make sure to stop by The Deck, conveniently located near registration, to meet show management, network or take a break.”