Magnificent Metal Monday

World’s longest sea-crossing bridge opens between Hong Kong and China

Built to withstand a magnitude 8 earthquake, a super typhoon and strikes by super-sized cargo vessels, this 55-kilometer (34 mile) bridge incorporates 400,000 tons of steel — 4.5 times the amount in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and 60 times more steel than used to build the Eiffel Tower.

Opened last month, the $20-billion bridge connects Hong Kong and Macau to the mainland Chinese city of Zhuhai, marking the completion of the longest sea-crossing bridge ever built, nine years after construction began.

Magnificent Metal Monday

Among the 275 exhibitors at METALCON 2018 was CertainTeed, a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall and ceilings.  METALCON attendees were  offered an exclusive preview of their impressive Matterhorn® Metal Roofing collection and what contractors, architects and building owners will soon see in expanded markets nationwide.

METALCON LIVE – It’s a Wrap!

METALCON LIVE reporting from Day 3 of METALCON 2018, held October 10-12 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

METALCON 2018 was filled with 3 jam-packed days of non-stop action.  Celebrating its 28th year, attendees and exhibitors were treated to a new and exciting “Total Experience.”  METALCON LIVE features insight into this new design with Claire Kilcoyne, METALCON Show Director.  In the video she explains, “The decision to create the ‘Total Experience’ came from wanting to give the attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to experience it all.” With everything located on the show floor, attendees and exhibitors alike could take mini breaks to learn from industry experts.

The Metal Roofing Championship Games wrapped up its 5th year and awarded a total of $8,500 to its winners.  Eight teams of two competed in five “competitions” inspired by this year’s theme “The MCA Rev ‘Em Up Championship Roofing Games.”  Each competition paid $500 to the winning team. Top awards each day included a “daily points award” of $750.  The winner on Wednesday was Matt Cox and Justin Hopta of Thomas Phoenix International and on Thursday, Joe Arnold and Mike Milligan, also of Thomas Phoenix International.  On Friday, both teams came together in a face-off where Cox and Hopta, last year’s championships, were victorious once again in taking home the MCA METALCON National Metal Roofing Championship title and $2,000.  Thank you to all who participated and spectated.

Now that METALCON 2018 has wrapped up, show designers are already busy working on plans for next year’s METALCON 2019, set to take place in the “Steel City,” Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 16 – 18, 2019.

If you joined us at METALCON this year, please share your experience at #METALCON18!

 

METALCON LIVE TV Recaps Day One

METALCON LIVE reporting from Day 1 of METALCON 2018, held October 10-12 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Highlights from the first official day of METALCON 2018 are featured in the video including a peek into the “METALCON Hive” where NFL star, Steve Smith, Sr., delivered his Keynote Address, the non-stop action in the Exhibit Hall, Oktoberfest, Innovation Scanner Hunt and a look at a METALCON first – a panel discussion led by all leading women in the roofing and construction industry.  Exclusive interviews with Smith, a few attendees and exhibitors and Heidi Ellsworth with Roofers Coffee Shop, who led the all female panel session, are featured as well.

LIVE from METALCON 2018

METALCON 2018 IS HERE!

CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER, CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

We have arrived!  Finishing touches are being done to the show floor!  On-site registration has officially opened!

The show opens tomorrow, Wednesday, October 10, as Steve Smith Sr., former NFL Pro Bowler with the Carolina Panthers, delivers his Keynote Address on “Perseverance, Teamwork and Overcoming Obstacles” at 11:00 am.  The Exhibit Hall opens from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Your TOTAL EXPERIENCE includes a 3 day Exhibit Hall pass, education sessions, access to MCA’s Metal Roofing Championship Games, Oktoberfest and more!

On-site registration opens at 8:00 am tomorrow morning. Come join the largest (and best) cross-section of metal professionals in the industry at one event!

Magnificent Metal Monday – Top 10 Reasons to be at METALCON THIS Week!

1. The NEW Total Experience – Pay one price and get it all AND in one place!  Exhibit Hall for 3 days, non-stop education, Keynote Address, Oktoberfest, Roofing Games, and more. LASTCHANCE to save $40 by registering on line TODAY ONLY.  Registration increases to full price on-site starting tomorrow, Tuesday, October 9 at 12:00 noon at the Charlotte Convention Center.  
   
2. Iconic Keynote Addresses – INCLUDED in your Total Experience registration! NFL icon, Steve Smith Sr., will deliver his Keynote Address on “Perseverance, Teamwork and Overcoming Obstacles” on Wednesday, October 10 at 11:00 am. Steel icon, Dan DiMicco, will deliver his Keynote Address on “The Economic Plan for Growth and Global Competitiveness in the US – Implications for Steel” on Thursday, October 11 at 11:00 am. Both Keynotes will take place in the NEW METALCON Theatre located on the show floor.
3. Dynamic Exhibit Hall – Over 250 top manufacturers on hand exhibiting their latest products and industry solutions. Celebrate “Thinking in Color” with Sherwin Williams and their newly acquired company and long-time METALCON exhibitor, Valspar (Booth #1307), at their social open to all attendees, on Thursday, October 11 from 4:00 – 6:00!
4. 2018 MCA Metal Roofing Championship Games “REV EM’ UP” FOR THE CHARLOTTE METAL SPEEDWAY!” – Watch non-stop action on the show floor as contractors compete for cash prizes! Click HERE for the schedule of events.  
5. The Deck – Stop by to meet METALCON’s show management team, snap a photo at the photo booth, enjoy a cold beer and “give back” for a chance to win awesome raffle prizes!
6. GIVE BACK to children this year! Join us as we raise money for the Steve Smith Family Foundation, dedicated to the health and wellness of children. For a minimum donation of $25, you’ll be entered to win raffle prizes, including a Steve Smith autographed Carolina Panther Jersey or NFL football, or two tickets to the Carolina Panthers game with a two-night hotel stay.  DONATE on-line or in person at The Deck.
7. Learning Centers (Booths 1813 and 1837) – INCLUDED in your Total Experience registration. Offering you flexibility of choice, all-day education on a variety of topics including: Growing Your Business, Ownership/Leadership Transition, Field Techniques, Safety and much more. Click here for the full schedule.
8. Innovation Scanner Hunt – Download the METALCON APP for a chance to win cash prizes by scanning ALL 10 Innovation Stations on the show floor. Daily cash drawings will be held at The DECK (Booth #1005), provided once again by DESIGNANDBUILDWITHMETAL.COM
   
9. Metal Roof Installation Training – A METALCON Exclusive! Receive MCA’s Metal Roofing Certificate of Completion after taking this 8-hour training course offered ONLY at METALCON. Course starts tomorrow, Tuesday, October 9 at 1:00 pm.  REGISTER today!
10. Oktoberfest @ METALCON –  Enjoy a cold beer with exhibitors Wednesday & Thursday afternoons from 1-5pm!  Click HERE for a full schedule.  

 

JOIN US THIS WEEK AT THE CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA!  

REGISTER TODAY!

Innovation Scanner Hunt at METALCON 2018

Following its successful debut last year, METALCON attendees will once again have the chance to win CASH PRIZES by playing the Innovation Scanner Hunt!

Standing kiosks will be located throughout the show floor highlighting a company’s “innovative” product. The METALCON APP will be your key to winning cash prizes. All you do is scan each (and every) Innovation Station for a chance to win $500! Read on for the rules.  

Giving Back Means Winning!

METALCON WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN IN ONE WEEK IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA!

REGISTER TODAY FOR YOUR TOTAL EXPERIENCE!

METALCON continues to GIVE BACK this year by raising money for the Steve Smith Family Foundation with a focus on promoting child health and wellness.

Charlotte is ‘Revving’ up for METALCON

METALCON will take place in Charlotte as planned October 10-12, 2018.  In the wake of Hurricane Florence, there has been no damage or interruption in services reported at the Charlotte airport, hotels, and Convention Center. “Charlotte weathered Hurricane Florence and is doing well,” says Charlotte Regional Visitor Authority (CRVA) Director of Communications, Laura White.  Our thoughts and sympathies are with those affected by the terrible devastation caused by the hurricane. By attending METALCON, you can help North Carolina with its rebuilding efforts.

Charlotte’s Thriving Business Community

 

Among the many reasons, METALCON named Charlotte as the location of choice this year because of its metal manufacturing industry base. More than 600 regional companies employing nearly 16,000 employees comprise related industries. Nucor Corporation is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Charlotte, with $16.2 billion in annual revenues and a profit of nearly $800 million. It is the largest U.S.- based steel manufacturer and the 12th largest steel producer in the world.

Local North Carolinian companies that will be exhibiting and attending the show include: 3A Composites; Betco, Inc.; Cape Fear Automation; IMS USA LLC; Metal Fastening Systems Inc.; RCI, Inc.; Union Corrugating and Wuko, Inc.

Getting to Charlotte

By car, plane, train or bus, ease of accessibility is another reason why Charlotte is an excellent location for METALCON. Air service in and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is exceptional. Nine major airlines operate at CLT, offering over 700 daily flights with nonstop service to 165 destinations and 33 international destinations. The airport is located only 7 miles away from the Charlotte Convention Center and Downtown hotels, about a 15 minute ride away!  Visit Charlotte’s website for detailed information on travel to the city. Once you arrive at the airport, ShuttleFare is offering a $5.00 discount for roundtrip airport shuttles.  Click HERE to book your shuttle.

Networking After-Hours … Charlotte’s Dining is Fit for a Queen

Home to culinary incubators like Johnson & Wales University, the Queen City draws innovative chefs who, inspired by their own backgrounds, rethink local and regional delicacies. Visitors can eat, drink and tour Charlotte’s culinary scene by taking advantage of unique tour options via segways, bicycles, or by foot. Check out some of Charlotte’s most popular eats on Charlotte NC Tours’ Taste and Glide Segway Tour or for our “foodies,” you may want to check out FEAST Food Tours. The Taste of Carolina Gourmet Food Tour offers chef creations coupled with learning about the history of the Queen City or if museums are your thing, check out the Taste of the Mint!

Outside of METALCON Show Hours … Charlotte’s Top 5!

Here are the top 5 things (plus a bonus) to do while visiting the “Queen’s City!” Appropriately named for its 325 foot peak, conquer the twists, turns and drops aboard Fury 325, the world’s tallest and fastest giga roller coaster located at Carowinds. Just steps away from the convention center, the heart of racing beats at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. If water is your thing, head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC), home of the world’s largest man-made whitewater river and an official Olympic Training Site. You can pay your respects to the late Reverend Billy Graham at The Billy Graham Library. Born in Charlotte in 1918, the renowned evangelist was raised on his family’s dairy farm, just miles away from Charlotte’s Airport.

In less than two weeks, the metal construction industry’s largest international event for metal construction products, technologies and solutions takes place October 10 – 12 at the Charlotte Convention Center.  

REGISTER before September 30 and receive a $40 discount off registration.  

Safety Party!

Safety in the metal building and roofing industry is always of top priority.  According to CPWR, Center for Construction Research and Training, “Between 2011 and 2015, the annual number of fall fatalities in construction increased by 36%, exceeding the growth in employment and total fatalities in this industry.”  Falls are a common cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in the construction industry.

Magnificent Metal Monday

With the NFL season officially underway, METALCON is thrilled to have one of its stars as a keynote speaker at this year’s show.  Steve Smith, Sr., a 16-year NFL veteran and former five-time pro bowl, three-time all-pro receiver for the Carolina Panthers, will present “Perseverance, Teamwork and Overcoming Obstacles” in a keynote address on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 11.00 a.m., at METALCON 2018 in Charlotte, N.C., sponsored by the Steve Smith Foundation.

Magnificent Metal Monday

“Get with the program” at METALCON 2018!  As summer 2018 officially winds down and the new school year begins, take advantage of METALCON’s limited time BACK TO SCHOOL offer and save $40 off registration (now through September 30).  In less than 30 days, the largest international event for metal professionals will convene in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 10 – 12, so now is the time to finalize your plans to attend.

A Match Made in Charlotte

Two Industry Events – One Location – Perfect Timing! 

METALCON and Retrofit Magazine are co-locating next month for the first time in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 9–12.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity. Come early for METALCON, attend Retrofit Magazine’s one-day conference, and then stay for 3 jam-packed days of exhibits, top named speakers and networking. 

Magnificent Metal Monday

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity.”  Martin Luther King

Labor Day is the annual holiday in the United States that celebrates the achievements of workers. Labor Day has its origins in the labor union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.

The METALCON community wishes you a restful and meaningful Labor Day.

And P.S. – Only 6 weeks to go until METALCON 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 10-12, 2018!  REGISTER today!

 

IoT – Have you heard of it?

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As we move closer to METALCON 2018 (the not-to-be-missed event of the year of course!), we will continue to feature show highlights, including speakers, education sessions, and key events that will take place during the jam-packed show days. METALCON’s goal is to provide you with in-depth education opportunities in addition to the networking time with exhibitors.  One important topic being covered is the ever-changing use of technology in the metal roofing and building industry.

METALCON’S Total Experience is all the BUZZ!

Check out the METALCON 2018 Total Experience gone live!  Pay one price and get access to nearly 300 exhibitors, Keynote Addresses, non-stop education, chances to win cash prizes at the Innovation Stations, MCA Metal Roofing Championship Games, Oktoberfest, and more!  All at one price and all in one place – on the show floor!

Only 45 days until the the metal construction industry’s largest international event for metal construction products, technologies and solutions convenes at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina October 10-12, 2018!  Make your plans to join us!

REGISTER TODAY!

Magnificent Metal Monday

Know what’s MAGNIFICENT?  The future of women in the roofing and construction industry!  While women make up almost 50% of the US workforce, they represent only 9% of the construction industry proving there is a huge growth opportunity for women.  From summer camps for high school girls to women in construction being featured at METALCON 2018, steps are being made to increase the numbers.

Today we shine a light on a recent Metal Construction News article about a Summer Camp designed for high school girls to learn about metal roofing installation and careers in construction. And this year at METALCON 2018, catch one of the general sessions led by a panel of leading women professionals in the construction industry.

Magnificent Metal Monday

On the List of Coolest Offices …

… the Association for Iron & Steel (AIST), located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, recently completed a major renovation of their office and made the list of “cool offices” as rated by the Pittsburgh Business Times.  Given its steel constituents and being headquartered in “the Steel City,” it’s clearly no wonder that AIST used steel as its primary material for the renovation!  Pittsburgh has fondly been known as “the Steel City” for over a century, named for its more than 300 steel-related businesses.

Industry experts will lead Education Sessions at METALCON 2018

METALCON’s commitment to the metal industry goes beyond the exhibits.  The annual trade show aims to provide you with an overall experience, including education and training programs.  Most of the education sessions are included in your new Total Experience registration with a handful of more extensive special programs available at an additional cost.

As previously announced, METALCON will launch a redesigned show this year with everything located in one place – on the show floor!  The Keynote addresses, General Sessions and Learning Centers will be included in your registration so, as an attendee, it will be more convenient to take advantage of these education opportunities in between visiting with exhibitors.  Conveniently located off the center aisle, it will be easy to locate the new METALCON Theatre and Learning Centers.  Check out our new FLOOR PLAN.

Magnificent Metal Monday

Daniel Acker | Bloomberg | Getty Images

It’s a Bird!  It’s a Plane!  No …. It’s a Drone!

CNBC recently reported how drone photography has carved a niche in the construction industry.  Drone use is skyrocketing in construction work, at a rate even higher than agriculture and manufacturing, data shows. Construction drone usage has increased by 239 percent year over year, compared to 198 percent in mining and 172 percent in agriculture, according to a May report on commercial drone trends by DroneDeploy, which provides mapping solutions for drone users.

2018 Metal Construction News Contests

Our friends at Metal Construction News are currently running two industry wide contests:  Metal Construction News Building and Roofing Awards and Metal Construction Hall of Fame.  Deadlines are quickly approaching on August 23 and September 4, respectively.  

Magnificent Metal Monday

GLOBAL INSULATED METAL PANELS MARKET RESEARCH REPORT 2018 SHOWS GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

Insulated metal panels are making headlines with the release of the Global Industrial Insulated Metal Panel Market Research Report 2018.  The report studies the global Insulated Metal Panels market status and forecast, categorizes the market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region and focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China and other regions (India, Southeast Asia, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa).  While actual numbers have not been released to the media, the report shows anticipated growth through 2023. 

Magnificent Metal Monday

 

We travel again to the site of METALCON 2018 to highlight our host city of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Located in the heart of downtown and standing at 60 stories and 871 feet high is the Bank of America Corporate Center.  It is the most widely known building in the Charlotte skyline and best known as the world headquarters for Bank of America.  When it was completed in 1992, it was and still remains the tallest building in Charlotte. It is among the tallest buildings on the East Coast behind buildings in New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.

METALCON Partner Selects Metal Construction for New Headquarters

Convention Data Services Headquarters in Bourne, Massachusetts

Aesthetics, construction time and costs were key factors when METALCON‘s long standing partner, Convention Data Services (CDS), made the decision to use metal for building their new 30,000 square foot headquarters.  CDS has been one of METALCON’s business partners since the show’s inception providing registration and lead retrieval services.  Having outgrown their former office space, CDS turned to the industry they have worked with for over 25 years to construct their new Headquarters in Bourne, Massachusetts.

Magnificent Metal Monday

The new Port House in Antwerp, Belgium, which opened in 2016, repurposed, renovated and extended a derelict fire station into a new headquarters for the port – and brought together the port’s staff that previously worked in separate buildings around the city.  Renowned architect, Zaha Hadid’s design of the Antwerp Port Authority’s head office puts the Port of Antwerp on the architectural world map. The structure is an amazing story of steel and glass working together to make a future-proof, sustainable architectural phenomenon.  Built between 2009 – 2016, the building will also be known as Zaha Hadid’s final project as she died unexpectedly soon after its completion.

Metal Roofing Championship Games at METALCON 2018

Be a part of the 5^TH Annual National Metal Roofing Championship Games competition to be held this October at METALCON in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 10-12, 2018.  The MCA Metal Roofing Games Task Force is now taking contestant registrations.  Ten teams of two participants each are needed for the competition. Teams should consist of players from the same company and who are planning to attend METALCON all 3 days of the event.  Deadline to pre-register is August 1!

Magnificent Metal Monday

 

On a recent trip to New Jersey, I had the distinct pleasure of crossing the Hudson River on the NEW $3.98 billion Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge!  The new bridge replaces the former Tappan Zee Bridge, which was built between 1952 and 1955 and served as one of New York’s primary crossings north of the city.  This new lasting icon is 3.1 miles long and is the largest single design-build contracts for a transportation project in the United States. Located less than 20 miles north of New York City, the cable-stayed span crosses one of the widest parts of the river and will be the largest bridge in New York State history.

World Cup … and Stadium Fever!

Luzhniki Stadium – location of the first and final games of this year’s World Cup

The World Cup is the globe’s biggest sporting event, with 3.4 billion people expected to watch the month-long, quadrennial tournament. Russia is hosting the event and has spent an estimated 10 billion dollars in both building new arenas, and refurbishing their existing facilities. The 2018 tournament will host 65 matches across 11 cities in 12 of the most modern stadiums in the world.  The tournament kicks off today with the first match between Russia and Saudi Arabia being played in Russia’s largest stadium, the Luzhniki Stadium, located in Moscow, with a capacity of 80,000 spectators.  

Magnificent Metal Monday

The Hoover Sportsplex in Hoover, AL was named MBCEA’s 2018 Building of the Year.  Photo credit: DesignandBuildwithMetal.com.

At its 49^thAnnual Conference held last month in San Antonio, TX, the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) named the Hoover Sportsplex in Hoover, AL, 2018 Building of the Year in its annual Building of the Year Awards competition.

Steel Tariffs – Ongoing Negotiations

On May 1, the Trump administration extended negotiations on steel and aluminium tariffs for 30 days with Canada, the EU and Mexico, and reached a deal in principle with Argentina, Brazil and Australia.  With the extension now over, US companies buying EU steel will now have to pay a 25% tax, while aluminum has a 10% tariff after the Trump Administration cited national security interests.  The EU has decided to launch counter-tariffs on US products, including bourbon whiskey, jeans, Harley Davidson motorcycles and steel, starting from the end of June. And while the United Kingdom is currently included in the EU tariffs deal, they hope to negotiate an exemption once Brexit is finalized.