Metal Construction Association Design Awards – Call for Entries

The Metal Construction Association’s Design Awards (formerly called the Chairman’s Awards) recognize the creative use of metal in architecture. The MCA annually awards member companies involved in the construction of outstanding building projects that use metal in significant and innovative ways. Submissions are due by June 30 and a panel of architects will choose the award recipients from submitted projects that highlight specific products used to enhance the design of a building. Design Award Winners will be showcased at METALCON 2023 in Las Vegas October 18 – 20. All submitted projects must include materials provided by an MCA member.

Download the entry form here.

TODAY on METALCON Live! — Special Presentation on Mergers & Acquisitions

REGISTER HERE FOR TODAY’S FREE WEBINAR AND EARN 1 AIA LU

What can you be doing now to improve the value of your business and enhance your exit options? When is the time right to move into a new market and secure an acquisition? What is more important when selling, acquiring, or merging with a firm — a like culture or similar product offerings? What are the industry norms for valuation and deal structure? What are the critical milestones in the M&A process? Can a sale process facilitate retirement exits while allowing some shareholders to remain in the ownership group and maintaining a path to ownership for key employees?

Spend an hour TODAY at 1:00 pm EST with mergers and acquisitions expert, Karl Wohler, to get answers to your M&A questions.

Tomorrow on METALCON Live! Special Presentation on Mergers & Acquisitions

Karl Wohler, Mergers & Acquisitions and Valuation Advisory Services at PSMJ Resources, Inc., brings his 40+ years of experience to METALCONLive! tomorrow as he provides answers to some of the most common M&A questions. It will also serve as a “preview” for a special 8-hour workshop taking place at METALCON 2023 in Las Vegas in October. Karl’s diverse experience in operations management, finance, M&A deal structuring, and process management offers a unique perspective when assisting company leaders in developing effective growth, transition, and exit strategies.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Perforated Metal Panels

Perforated metal panel systems are allowing architects to push boundaries and transform their visions into new landmarks …

Legacy Pavilion for The Equal Justice Initiative depicts the iconic images of several local civil rights activists that inspire hope for equal justice. (Credit: Zahner)

In a recent article by Eric Baldwin in Architizer Magazine, he provides “An Architect’s Guide To: Graphic Perforated Metal Panels.” He writes, “Architectural innovation and creativity go hand in hand. Designers are constantly seeking new ways to push boundaries, challenge norms, and create buildings that resonate with places and people. One material that is increasingly being harnessed to this end is perforated metal, with a multitude of high-tech systems now available to architects looking for customizable wall and façade solutions.”

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Magnificent Metal Monday – Metal Roof Selected for Caribbean Resort Restoration

With each passing hurricane season, designers, builders, homeowners and business owners are constantly seeking ways to fortify structures to withstand the growing number and severity of these storms. With this year’s hurricane season upon us, we travel to the Caribbean island of St. Thomas, USVI, an island prone to hurricanes, to spotlight a resort that selected a metal roof design for its restoration after being destroyed by two back-to-back Category 5 storms in 2017.

Photography: brianadamsphoto.com

After Hurricanes Irma and Maria ripped through the island, the former Bluebeard Beach Club, was left barely standing. They lost the roofs on all seven of its guestroom buildings with several smaller structures so badly damaged they needed to be demolished. According to an article in DesignandBuildwithMetal, “Club Wyndham, operators of the timeshare property, along with its homeowners association, decided to see the destruction as an opportunity to rebuild better and rebrand the development with a more upscale appearance.” The renamed Limetree Beach Club reopened just over two years ago with new amenities and upgraded metal roofs featuring Petersen’s PAC-CLAD Tite-Loc Plus panels.

2023 Metal Construction Hall of Fame

According to Metal Construction News, this year’s three honorees to the 2023 Metal Construction Hall of Fame were announced at the 54th annual conference of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA), held jointly with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), which took place last month.

Tomorrow! METALCON Live! and RAINA Present – “NFPA 285 & Other Fire Considerations”

REGISTER TODAY AND EARN 1 AIA LU HSW

According to the Metal Construction Association, “Fire Safety is an important responsibility of the building designer and owner. Even if individual elements of a wall assembly are not combustable, the assembly must be tested. NFPA-285 is an important test that measures for vertical and lateral flame spread of the geometry and layers in a wall panel.” Don’t miss this FREE opportunity to learn more about the exterior wall assembly fire performance code with industry expert, Steve Gaynor, co-founder of RAiNA and Principal of PIVOTH.

NFPA 285 IS THE CRITICAL TEST FOR EXTERIOR WALL ASSEMBLIES.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Fire Resistance Ratings

This Wednesday, June 7th, Steve Gaynor of RAiNA and PIVOTH, will share important information about the exterior wall assembly fire performance code during our next METALCON Live! webinar. In addition to understanding the exterior wall assembly, knowledge about construction types is vital for firefighters and anyone in the construction industry. Thanks to BigRentz, here’s a look at the five building construction types and their respective fire resistance ratings.

At the IBHS facility in South Carolina, Daniel Gorham and his colleagues test building materials in a wildfire simulation. Engineers designed and built a full-size duplex home. On one side, the house has cedar siding, vinyl gutters, single-pane windows and bark mulch around the foundation. On the other side, the house is designed to be fire-resistant, with cement siding, metal gutters, double-pane windows and gravel around the foundation.
Credit: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

METALCON Keynote Speaker Wins Indy 500!!

Congratulations to METALCON ’22 keynote speaker Josef Newgarden and Team Penske for winning the Indy 500 this past Sunday. Just as the thrilling finish was a race highlight, so was Josef’s talk on teamwork at last year’s show.

2023 METALCON Top Product Awards – Nominate Your Product Today!

METALCON, the metal construction industry’s only global event for metal construction and design products, technologies and solutions, launches its 2023 Top Product Awards.

This year’s exhibitors are invited to nominate their top metal product in one of 15 categories. To be eligible for consideration, a product must have been introduced to the market after Jan. 1, 2022, and its manufacturer must be a 2023 METALCON exhibiting company.

Metal product categories include:

• Walls
• Roofs
• Structures
• Paint & Coatings
• Windows & Doors
• Accessories
• Lighting
• Technology
• Insulation & Weather Barriers
• DayLighting
• Contractor Tools & Equipment
• Safety
• Alternative Energy
• Rollforming Equipment
• Other

A simple Top Product Awards application form is available at http://www.metalcon.com/tpa, and submissions are due June 30, 2023. METALCON show management, along with industry leaders, will review applications, and those that meet all requirements will be eligible for public voting  via an online form.  Attendees may vote only once but are eligible to vote for multiple products in different categories. Up to 15 winners will be determined.

Award winners will be announced on September 6, and winners will be invited to showcase their top products with special recognition at their booths in Las Vegas. 

SUBMIT A PRODUCT

METALCON People’s Choice Awards

Show attendees will be invited to vote on-site in Las Vegas for their favorite three Top Product Award winning products via the show app.  Special recognition for the METALCON People’s Choice winners will take place on the show floor.

METALCON  takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Wednesday, Oct. 18 – Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, with pre-show workshops beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 17.  Registration is now open!

“We know most  METALCON attendees want to see what’s new and exciting, and the Top Product Awards are a great way to showcase the industry’s top products and technologies while recognizing the most innovative exhibitors,” says Judy Geller, METALCON Show Director. 

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, METALCON’s success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. This is the event’s sixth time in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.

Magnificent Memorial Monday

Marine Corps War Memorial – “In honor and in memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since November 10, 1775.” (Photo Credit: NPS)

While there are several military holidays, Memorial Day began in 1868 as a way to pay respect to those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally celebrated on May 30 (regardless of what day of the week it fell on), since 1971, the holiday has been celebrated on the last Monday of May.

7 Facts About Memorial Day (Source: Better Homes & Gardens)

Memorial Day Was Unofficially Started by Women

Before the Civil War ended, women’s groups gathered to decorate the graves of the soldiers who had passed away. On April 12, 1886, the Columbus Ladies Memorial Association in Columbus, Georgia, announced they would dedicate one day a year to decorating graves as a way to remember fallen soldiers. This was one of many events put on by local Ladies Memorial Associations that eventually led to the federal holiday.

A Peek into METALCON 2023’s Education Program

With only 5 months to go before the metal construction industry convenes in Las Vegas for METALCON 2023, the education program is shaping up to be one of the best in the show’s history. From Keynote addresses to Super Sessions, to 35+ FREE sessions in learning centers strategically located on the show floor, you will learn from some of the best the industry has to offer including Ken Simonson, Chief Economist with The Associated General Contractors of America, Steven Gaynor, Principal Consultant for PIVOTH and co-founder of RAiNA and Justin Ganschow, Business Development Manager with Caterpillar Safety Services, Caterpillar Inc.

Here’s a sneak peek into METALCON 2023’s Education Program:

Grooming the Next Gen! MCA and METALCON’s Future Leaders Program

Thank you Building Enclosure for featuring the Future Leaders Program! Now in its second year, the Metal Construction Association (MCA) and METALCON have been collaborating to offer several opportunities for the next generation. Any industry is only as good as its people. Sustaining success requires experienced industry veterans as well as the ability to attract, educate and develop a younger and more diverse workforce to eventually move into leadership roles within their companies and industry. Like a lot of industries, the metal construction industry is facing the challenge of retiring leaders with not enough replacements waiting in line to fill that void. Innovative ideas from future leaders have to be a valuable asset when making a difference in the continuing growth of the metal construction industry.

In 2 Weeks – METALCON Live! and RAINA Present – “NFPA 285 & Other Fire Considerations”

REGISTER TODAY AND EARN 1 AIA LU HSW

NFPA 285 IS THE CRITICAL TEST FOR EXTERIOR WALL ASSEMBLIES.

According to the Metal Construction Association, “Fire Safety is an important responsibility of the building designer and owner. Even if individual elements of a wall assembly are not combustable, the assembly must be tested. NFPA-285 is an important test that measures for vertical and lateral flame spread of the geometry and layers in a wall panel.” In two weeks, you won’t want to miss this FREE opportunity to learn more about the exterior wall assembly fire performance code with industry expert, Steve Gaynor, co-founder of RAiNA and Principal of PIVOTH.

Magnificent Metal Monday – The Importance of Rainscreens

Image credit: RAiNA

The rainscreen is the first line of defense against the effects of moisture on the wall detail. According to the Rainscreen Association in North American (RAiNA), “A rainscreen is defined as an assembly applied to an exterior wall which consists of, at minimum, an outer layer, an inner layer, and a cavity between them sufficient for the passive removal of liquid water and water vapor.” Given their importance and their relationship with cladding, fire safety, codes, energy efficiency, and more, METALCON has partnered with RAiNA to not only feature an exclusive installer training workshop at METALCON 2023 but also have its co-founder, Steve Gaynor, present the next METALCON Live! on June 7.

ONLY at METALCON 2023 will you have access to RAiNA’s Rainscreen Assemblies Installer Training featuring a comprehensive all-day session comprised of both a knowledge component and a hands-on component. And on June 7, join Steve during METALCON Live! for “NFPA 285 & Other Fire Considerations,” when he shares information about the exterior wall assembly fire performance code.

Metal Construction News’ 2023 Top Metal Builders Report

MCN’s 2023 Top Metal Builders report is a tale of “yin and yang” showing a clear “return to growth” yet still showing labor shortage to be the biggest challenge among top metal builders. According to the results this year, the list of top metal builders shows a growing industry with the largest contractors and erectors reporting significant growth in the average tonnage and square footage of the metal buildings they constructed between 2021 and 2022.

Note that MCN breaks out the list of 20 top erectors from the list of 100 top contractors, so that they don’t end up counting work on the same building twice, once for the contractor furnishing the metal building system and again for the erector putting up the steel. Knowing that some companies furnish and erect, but also are contracted to only erect a building, making them both contractors and erectors. Rather than separate those numbers out in the same entity, MCN identifies those companies as contractors.

METALCON Live! TODAY at 1:00 pm EST – Important Air Leakage Testing Information and a Net Zero Passive House

REGISTER TODAY — EARN 1 AIA LU

In a few hours, join METALCON and the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) as they discuss the importance of air barriers on a building, now being recognized as more than simply saving energy. Industry expert, Adam Ugliuzza, ABAA Director of Sustainable Building Partners and Region Manager for Intertek Building Science Group in York, PA, will review why an air tight building is a key to moisture management in the building envelope, proper operation of mechanical equipment, reduction in dust, odors such as second hand cigarette smoke and cooking smells. He will also cover how it plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving the industry to a Net Zero Passive House building.

The question is — How do I know my building is airtight? The answer is — Whole building airtightness testing. Register NOW to learn about this testing.

What’s NEW for METALCON 2023?

Make your plans today to attend the ONLY global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction! Registration is open for METALCON 2023, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 18 – Friday, Oct. 20, with pre-show workshops beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Check out what’s NEW for 2023, what’s returning, and pricing information (special note: the sooner you register, the more you save).

NEW FOR 2023

METALCON Training Zone – Sponsored by Sherwin-Williams

Led by John Sheridan of Sheridan Metal Resources and his team of experts, the training zone will provide hands-on training featuring demonstrations and education (in both

METALCON Announces 2023 Advisory Council

METALCON, the metal construction industry’s only global event for metal construction and design products, introduces its 2023 advisory council to help shape the educational programming for the show, ensuring it represents all factions of the metal construction and design industry and its major attendee groups.

“We are pleased to announce the 2023 METALCON Advisory Council, an esteemed group of industry leaders who are dedicating their time to making the educational programming better than ever,” says Judy Geller, METALCON’s Vice President of Tradeshows.

“Representing all facets of the industry, these volunteers are generous with their time, insights and ideas, helping to ensure that METALCON is a vibrant and relevant educational event that meets the ongoing needs of the industry.”

New council members for 2023:

• Chandler Barden, President, CIDAN Machinery Inc.
• Steven Gaynor, Principal Consultant, Pivoth Corp.
• Judith Kleine, Architect, Judith Kleine Architect, LLC
• Jerry Iselin, Retired, Metal Roof Specialties, Inc.
• Andrew Else, Division Manager, Canadian Metal Buildings
• Alan Scott, Director of Sustainability, Intertek Group plc

Returning council members:

• Brent A. Schipper, Founding Principal, ASK Studio
• Art Hance, Founder & President of Hance Construction, Inc., and National President, MBCEA
• Heidi Ellsworth, Partner, RoofersCoffeeShop & Owner HJE Consulting
• Todd Miller, President, Isaiah Industries, Inc.
• Rich Pontius, VP of Design, Marker, Inc.
• Jeff Irwin, President, JH Irwin Consulting LLC
• Paul Deffenbaugh, Editorial Director, Modern Trade Communications
• Tony Bouquot, General Manager, MBMA & VP at Thomas Associates, Inc.

“We have a solid board of industry leaders comprised of key exhibitors, industry experts, associations and attendees who bring their knowledge and expertise to create new and different programming,” says Geller. “We appreciate their volunteer time and contributions to making METALCON a quality event each year.”

Advisory council members represent those in metal construction, metal building systems, metal building contracting and erecting, insulated metal panels, architecture, contracting, roofing, roll forming, key associations and industry trade press.

METALCON 2023 takes place Wednesday, Oct. 18-20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

METALCON Advisory Council 2023

METALCON Live! THIS Wednesday, 5/17 – Important Air Leakage Testing Information and a Net Zero Passive House

REGISTER TODAY — EARN 1 AIA LU

Join METALCON and the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) as they discuss the importance of air barriers on a building, now being recognized as more than simply saving energy. Industry expert, Adam Ugliuzza, ABAA Director of Sustainable Building Partners and Region Manager for Intertek Building Science Group in York, PA, will review why an air tight building is a key to moisture management in the building envelope, proper operation of mechanical equipment, reduction in dust, odors such as second hand cigarette smoke and cooking smells. He will also cover how it plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving the industry to a Net Zero Passive House building.

The question is — How do I know my building is airtight? The answer is — Whole building airtightness testing. Register NOW to learn about this testing.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Repurposed Steel Frame Used for Award Winning Office Project

Photo: Patrick Tang, Take Flyt Imaging, Building Design + Construction

Located in the redeveloped Hayden Tract neighborhood in Culver City, California, this three-floor office building offers about 25,000 sf of office and amenity spaces, as well as a variety of sustainable and energy-efficient components. Situated in a former industrial zone that has become a technology and corporate hub, Del Amo Construction has completed the adaptive reuse of 3516 Schaefer St and has been given the top Gold award in the commercial office category by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

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Magnificent Metal Monday – MRA’s Best Residential Metal Roofing Contest Q1 Winner

As announced by DesignandBuildwithMetal, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) has named a beautiful copper metal re-roofing project, installed by Istueta Roofing and manufactured by Metal Master Shop, as the winner of its Best Metal Roofing Project competition for the first quarter of 2023.

METALCON Live! and FMA Present “Roll Forming Safety” TODAY, May 3 at 1:00 PM EST

Join us in 4 hours and get your continuing education credit with this FREE webinar.

Whether you’re a fabricator with multiple machines or a contractor using a portable hand brake on the job site, maintaining a safe work environment is your top priority. With labor shortages as challenging as ever, how do you get your employees to eat, breathe and sleep safety while still meeting your production deadlines? Industry leaders from two companies with exemplary safety records, voestalpine Roll Forming, and AMS Controls, will lead the discussion on roll forming safety in today’s METALCON Live! presented by METALCON Live! and The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International^® (FMA).

Safety on Our Mind – FMA Announces 2023 Safety Award Winners

Experts say safety should never be an afterthought. The set-up, operation and maintenance of roll forming equipment requires a keen safety awareness for anyone working in the same facility. Creating a safe place for employees should be at the top of the list.

The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International®, (FMA), puts safety  as one of the organizations’ top priorities with their annual Safety Awards and Annual Safety Conference. Announced last month in the fabricator, “The Safety Awards program are open to all FMA Business members and acknowledges metal fabrication companies for achieving safety records better than the OSHA recordable rate for their North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Sponsored by CNA Insurance, the awards will be presented at next week’s FMA’s Annual Safety Conference.”

Magnificent Metal Monday – Roll Forming Safety

When it comes to practicing roll forming safety, look no further than AMS Controls and voestalpine Roll Forming Corporation, both industry leaders in their respective markets. In a “don’t miss” METALCON Live! this Wednesday, the President of AMS Controls, Andy Allman, along with the Safety and Training Manager of voestalpine, Patty Sweasy, will be LIVE presenting their best practices and innovative ideas used in their respective companies to create a safety-centered culture. Read on to learn more about both of these companies.

Take the Mid-Year Survey by Shield Wall Media

Shield Wall Media is conducting their mid-year survey and every voice counts. The survey will take you about 5 minutes and will contribute greatly to their “Mid-Year State-of-the-Industry” article, which aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the construction industry.

TAKE THE SURVEY

TAKE THE SURVEY BY MONDAY, MAY 1, AND GET 50% OFF YOUR 2023 METALCON REGISTRATION!

METALCON Live! and FMA Present “Roll Forming Safety” Next Wednesday, May 3 at 1:00 PM EST

Get your continuing education credit with this FREE webinar – RESERVE your virtual seat TODAY!

Whether you’re a fabricator with multiple machines or a contractor using a portable hand brake on the job site, maintaining a safe work environment is your top priority. With labor shortages as challenging as ever, how do you get your employees to eat, breathe and sleep safety while still meeting your production deadlines? Industry leaders from two companies with exemplary safety records, voestalpine Roll Forming, and AMS Controls, will lead the discussion on roll forming safety in next Wednesday’s METALCON Live! presented by METALCON Live! and The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International^® (FMA).

Magnificent Metal Monday – Cuba’s Corrugated Metal

Photo Credit: Tara O.

If you have ever traveled to the Caribbean, especially to some of the more impoverished islands, it is common to see homes resembling “sheds” versus sturdier structures. It’s not often I get “personal,” but having just returned from Cuba, I thought I would take a deeper “dive” into the history of corrugated iron, given its prevalence in island construction.

While most of my time was spent exploring Cuba’s underwater life, I got a glimpse of “life on land” while traveling from Camaguey to the port village of Jucaro (about a 3 hour drive). Mostly a rural area, it was easy to see the wide use of corrugated metal for the roofs and sometimes the siding.