METALCON is honored to welcome Clinton “Clint” Romesha, retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Medal of Honor Recipient, as the featured keynote speaker for its 2025 event. Romesha will take the stage on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 9:00 am at the Las Vegas Convention Center to deliver a compelling presentation entitled, “Always Forward – Lessons in Leadership and Resilience.”

Romesha was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013 by President Barack Obama for his extraordinary heroism during the 14-hour Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan—one of the most intense engagements of the Afghan war. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Red Platoon, a firsthand account of his experience in the battle. That experience also inspired the critically acclaimed film The Outpost, starring Scott Eastwood and Orlando Bloom, and he appears in the Netflix series Medal of Honor, which further highlights his courage and leadership under fire.

In his keynote, Romesha will explore what it truly means to lead under extreme pressure, persevere through adversity, and continue moving forward when every instinct says to retreat. Through firsthand accounts of combat and his transition into civilian life, he will offer deeply personal insights into resilience, integrity and the pursuit of purpose beyond the battlefield.

Attendees will gain an understanding of what defines authentic leadership and how high-pressure decision-making in life-or-death situations translates into leading teams and organizations in any environment. Romesha will also emphasize mentorship as a tool for legacy and growth, the importance of staying mission-focused in the face of adversity, and the power of finding personal strength in moments of vulnerability.

Through his actions—risking everything to protect others, leading from the front even while wounded, and rebuilding purpose after the battlefield—Romesha offers a profound look into how courage, humility and determination drive progress, even in the darkest moments.

“Clint’s message is both timely and timeless, relevant for anyone facing challenges, whether leading a team, navigating personal trials or mentoring the next generation,” said METALCON Vice President of Trade Shows, Judy Geller. “He offers a rare and inspiring perspective, and his presentation will leave attendees with powerful, actionable insights they can apply both professionally and personally.”