METALCON 2026 Highlights Education, Innovation and Partnerships
METALCON celebrates 35 years, uniting industry associations for education, innovation and networking.

As the metal construction industry faces changing market conditions, evolving building codes, workforce challenges and growing performance demands, METALCON 2026 will bring together the associations helping shape the industry's future through education, technical expertise and collaboration.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, METALCON will feature its broadest association participation to date, with organizations representing every segment of the metal construction industry.
"For 35 years, METALCON has brought together every corner of the metal construction industry to conduct business, discover solutions and build lasting relationships," said Judy Geller, vice president of tradeshows at METALCON. "Our association partners are a big reason professionals come to METALCON. They bring technical knowledge and practical insights that help attendees stay current, solve problems and make better business decisions."
Attendees will have direct access to organizations focused on the industry's most pressing issues. Participating associations represent sectors including roofing, metal buildings, air barriers, rainscreens, extrusions, manufacturing, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, education and training.
Jeff Henry of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) said METALCON provides MCA members with a valuable platform to showcase products, reach new audiences and highlight metal's design and performance advantages. He added that bringing manufacturers, contractors, architects, engineers and associations together creates opportunities to share knowledge, address common challenges and accelerate innovation across the industry.
Association-Led Education
Participating associations will present educational sessions covering today's most important metal construction topics, including:
- Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates - What's Changed and What It Means (Metal Construction Association)
- Industry Outlook: 2027: The Future of Metal Construction (Metal Construction Association, Metal Building Manufacturers Association and American Institute of Architects)
- Reflective Insulation & Radiant Barriers in Metal Building Design: Solving Real-World Thermal, Moisture and Energy Challenges (Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association-International)
- Designing Walls for Reality, Not Perfection (Rainscreen Association in North America)
- MCM in Practice: Installation, Inspection and Fixes (MCM Alliance)
- Facilitating Product Acceptance with ICC-ES Certification (International Code Council)
- Residential Metal Roofing - The Sustainable Choice (Metal Roofing Alliance)
- Noncombustible Steel Framing Construction in High-Wind Regions (Steel Framing Industry Association)
- Why Would Anyone Choose Cold-Formed Steel? (Cold Formed Steel Association)
- From Vision to Profits: How to Build a Successful Business Plan in the Metal Industry (Latinos en Roofing)
- The Hidden Carbon in Metal Buildings (Metal Building Manufacturers Association)
- FORGE: Where Women in Metal Shape What's Next (National Women in Roofing)
Many of these organizations, along with the Association of Women in Metal Industries, the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, the National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofers in Recovery, will also exhibit on the show floor, providing attendees with opportunities to connect directly with subject-matter experts and industry resources.
"Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing segments in construction, and the professionals driving that growth need access to strong training, product knowledge and peer insight," said Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance. "METALCON brings those resources together in one place, which is why the Metal Roofing Alliance continues to support the event."
Geller said the event's value comes from bringing associations, experts and decision-makers together in one place. As the industry continues to evolve, she said, that collaborative environment helps professionals build connections, exchange ideas and identify practical solutions they can apply to their businesses.
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