CONTECH Update for 2023

Taking a look at what’s new in the world of CONTECH for this year, ConstructionDive reports new releases including new products and updates from eTakeoff, eMod, Topcon, RedTeam and AirBolt, all aimed to help contractors keep construction projects running on time and on budget. In their 2023 outlook, Associate Editor, Matthew Thibault says, “Technology will be a key driver of progress and efficiency in 2023, and experts believe that the benefits are too useful to ignore in such tumultuous times.”

2022 MBMA Annual Report and Results of 1st Annual Student Design Competition

Our friends with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) have released their 2022 annual report, “From Form to Function.” It focuses on the growing popularity of metal building systems and how the organization and its members are serving the needs of this vital industry. DOWNLOAD IT FOR FREE.

MBMA Chair Tom Boal says, “2022 has seen tremendous growth in the industry despite ongoing supply chain, labor and pricing challenges. With the need for metal building systems growing, MBMA continues to lead the industry through advocacy, working with building officials and steel suppliers, and providing educational resources.”

Outlook for Construction in 2023

According to Construction Dive, “The industry will continue to face labor shortages, high materials costs and other headwinds, but infrastructure will be a bright spot.” Top construction economists say much like in 2022, signals are mixed. In a recent article, they took a look at five key indicators and what they suggest for contractors in the year ahead.

METALCON 2022 TOP PRODUCT AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Now in its second year, METALCON is thrilled to announce this year’s TOP PRODUCT Award winners. This year’s exhibitors were invited to nominate their top metal products introduced to the market after Jan. 1, 2021 in one of 15 product categories, “We are very excited to announce our METALCON Top Products Award winners and showcase the industry’s top products and technologies at our show in Indianapolis,” says Judy Geller, METALCON’s Vice President of Tradeshows. Winners were determined by an electronic vote and all winning manufacturers are exhibiting at METALCON ’22.

Award winners are invited to showcase their top products with special product recognition at their booths next month at METALCON. Attendees will be given the chance to vote on-site for their top three choice products and the METALCON People’s Choice award winners will be announced at “The Deck” (show management booth) on Friday, Oct. 14 at 12:30 p.m.

METALCON ’22 EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT – PRESSING TECHNICAL ISSUES TACKLED

For over 30 years, METALCON has been a place for new ideas, inspiration, connections, and most importantly, ANSWERS to the questions that keep you up at night. Code compliance? Fire prevention? Rain Screen Assembly? Air Flow? These topics and more will be tackled in our Technical Know-How Learning Center. Conveniently located on the show floor, respected thought leaders will share proven strategies and technical how-to’s to address the challenges impacting your business right now (and help you sleep better at night!).

FINAL DAYS TO VOTE FOR METALCON’S TOP PRODUCT!

VOTE TODAY | DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 5

It is time for YOU to vote for the 2nd annual METALCON Top Product Awards!  Its simple and the survey will take less than 5 minutes. Select your favorite top product in each category at the bottom of each page of the survey. Categories include: accessories, insulation and weather barriers, paint and coatings, roll forming equipment, roof product, safety products, structures product, technology, walls product, and construction tools and equipment.

VOTING FOR METALCON’S TOP PRODUCT IS OPEN!

VOTE TODAY

The nominations are in for the 2nd annual METALCON Top Product Awards. METALCON 2022 exhibitors were invited to nominate their top metal products in a variety of categories and now it’s time for YOU to vote!  Its simple and the survey will take less than 5 minutes. Select your favorite top product in each category at the bottom of each page of the survey. Categories include: accessories, insulation and weather barriers, paint and coatings, roll forming equipment, roof product, safety products, structures product, technology, walls product, and construction tools and equipment.

“Rev Up” Your Knowledge at METALCON ’22 with Credit Earning Education

Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Make an investment in your future by attending METALCON ’22 for its extensive education program including workshops, keynotes and free learning sessions.

Get a preview of one of this year’s Keynote speakers TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 22 at 1:00 pm, when Dr. Melissa Furman presents a “Special Edition” of METALCONLive! — Personal Branding: An Important Skill for Professional Success. This course is eligible for 1 free AIA LU. REGISTER NOW.

Sponsored by CIDAN Machinery

METALCON LIVE! MCA AND THE MCM ALLIANCE PRESENTS: CLADDING SAFETY IN LIGHT OF GLOBAL FIRES – TOMORROW, 4/20 AT 1:00 PM

ELIGIBLE FOR 1 AIA LU HSW– REGISTER NOW

Join us tomorrow as this panel of experts takes a “deep dive” into why Engineering Evaluations (EE) could be an acceptable alternative to running an NFPA 285 wall assembly test. This course will show how this evaluation process can be used as a viable path to evaluate wall assemblies to the requirements of the International Building Code. The baseline information required and the “layer-by-layer” analysis used will be reviewed by a qualified fire professional to demonstrate that a specific wall assembly meets the intent of the code. This approach should make the expected performance of the wall assembly clear to the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) so that an informed decision can be made on the acceptance of the proposed wall assembly.

MCN 41st Annual Contractor Survey Results

“Across the board, metal construction projects increased in number and size from 2020 to 2021.“

Photo Credit: Metal Construction News

Published on March 1, the MCN 41st Annual Contractor Survey sees a robust market environment in the metal construction industry, comparable to the overall construction market. Metal builders, roofers, wall panel contractors and light-gauge steel contractors all report that 2021 was better than 2020 and they anticipate 2022 being even better. According to survey respondents, MCN reports that metal building construction increased 12.9% in 2021, seeing a metal roofing 9.3% increase, metal wall panels 2.5% increase and light-gauge steel framing up 9.5% for exteriors and 3% for interiors.

53rd Annual MBCEA Conference and MBMA Spring Meeting – April 27 – 29

TODAY is the last day to make a hotel reservation at the host hotel! Conference Attendee Registration deadline is approaching soon – REGISTER by April 13! 

Network and learn IN PERSON as members and leaders of these two industry associations come together and meet jointly for MBCEA’s 53rd Annual Conference and MBMA’s Spring Meeting at the beautiful Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona at the end of the month.

SAFETY FIRST! Back by Popular Demand – METALFOCUS® Safety Training Program

“This course provided me with a better understanding of the safety related intricacies in metal building construction.” – Steve Wykoff, TKS Contracting

Back by popular demand, the inaugural METALFOCUS® Safety Program is available ONLINE for you to use as a valuable training tool for you and your employees. Safety is a priority for every metal business but how do you prove it to your employees, your customers and your insurance company? How do you ensure your entire team is aware of the latest metal safety rules, tools, trends and techniques to avoid costly or potentially fatal accidents? This series of 10 one-hour virtual courses goes beyond traditional OSHA-10 safety training to address situations that are unique to metal job-sites.

All 10 METALFOCUS training courses are now available for you or your staff to access On-Demand. Each course earns you 1 AIA HSW LU and certificate. Earn 10 AIA HSW LU Credits by taking the full program!

Magnificent Metal Monday – Top 10 Construction Industry Trends for 2022

According to BigRentz, Inc., the largest equipment rental network in the nation, “2022 will be a year of reemergence and growth in the construction industry despite rising construction costs and labor shortages.”

They added, “Since last year, the COVID-19 pandemic changed how the construction industry does business, from scheduling and closing projects to hiring workers to meeting with clients. Looking forward, many industry trends will be affected by the fallout from the pandemic. New technology continues to change the construction site, improve the ability to win projects, and increase profit margins. Trends and movements are changing the roles of industry professionals and frontline workers.”

Here are their top 10 must-watch construction industry trends for 2022 to help you stay competitive in the New Year –

MCN Reader’s Choice Awards 2021 Announced

Now it’s in 9th year, Metal Construction News (MCN) announced their 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards for top products in the metal construction industry. The top product for this year goes to Milwaukee-based Xena Workwear Inc. for their Omerga EH Safety Boot. The other products selected were incredibly varied and showed no clear pattern of preference. Ranging from insulated metal panels and perforated screens to curtainwalls and louvers, the products identified by MCN’s readers touch on every facet of the metal construction industry and show the breadth of the industry’s building product needs.

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  Omerga EH Safety Boot by Xena Workwear

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  Aluminum Stationary Awnings by Feeney, Inc.

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  TotalClad MW Insulated Metal Panels by CENTRIA

METALCON 2021 – HEALTH AND SAFETY MESSAGE

METALCON is dedicated to making 2021 the safest event you attend all year.

We are only 14 days away from bringing the metal construction industry back together for the first time in two years and want you to know the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, partners and staff is our top priority. 

We are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation and working with the city of Tampa and the Tampa Convention Center to follow best practices and recommendations from public health officials, as well as national, state, regional, and local authorities including the CDC. As such, and in following CDC guidelines, METALCON strongly recommends all individuals, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, to wear a mask, maintain social distancing, regularly clean hands, and mask regardless of vaccination status when you are in large gatherings.

Today at 1:00 PM EST — METALCONLive! Presents “Cladding Safety in Light of Global Fires”

FREE WEBINAR – REGISTER NOW — GET 1 FREE AIA LU!

In 2017, when the Grenfell Tower made history as the deadliest fire in modern British history, it brought the issue of combustible exterior wall assemblies into the spotlight. According to a NFPA Journal article, “The problem of combustible exterior wall assemblies isn’t new — fires involving these types of assemblies have occurred all over the world, including the United States — but Britain’s recent experience illustrates a new global urgency behind the issue.” Join the members of MCA’s MCM Alliance today at 1:00 pm as they discuss NFPA 285’s role in understanding and getting it right for North American facades.

MCN Issues Special Report on Construction Industry Post-Pandemic

Metal Construction News presents their special report on the construction industry post-pandemic in their August issue. This special report looks at the effect this pandemic has had on the construction industry and what we can expect the future to look like. The report is broken into three segments: Post Pandemic Survey, Construction and COVID-19: Adaptation, Action, Aftermath, and Continuing Safely.

METALCON Live! FREE WEBINAR TODAY AT 1PM — Metal Building Industry Setting the Bar with AC478

REGISTER NOW

Industry leaders, Art Hance and Jen Heimburger (bios below), will present and answer questions about the Metal Building Assemblers Inspection Accreditation AC478. They will provide an overview of this important accreditation program that will improve the quality of work in the metal building industry. Both Art and Jen are currently serving in leadership roles with the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA). This accreditation program is recognized as a measure of quality endorsed by the MBCEA, the North American Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor-Management, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) and the International Code Council (ICC).

Next up on METALCON Live! Important Metal Building Accreditation Program Reviewed by Industry Leaders

METALCON Live! Presents … Metal Building Industry Setting the Bar with AC478

REGISTER NOW FOR AUGUST 11

This presentation will provide an overview of the important accreditation program that will improve the quality of work in the metal building industry. Industry leaders, Art Hance and Jen Heimburger (see bios below), will present and answer questions about the Metal Building Assemblers Inspection Accreditation AC478. Both Art and Jen are currently serving in leadership roles with the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA). This accreditation program is recognized as a measure of quality endorsed by the MBCEA, the North American Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor-Management, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) and the International Code Council (ICC).

Magnificent Metal Monday – Knowledge is POWER at METALCON – and CREDITS Too!

METALCON’s Extensive Conference Program Offers More Education and CEUs than Ever Before

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Benjamin Franklin

Introducing METALCON’S best education yet! Learn from the industry’s top technical whizzes, business experts, design professionals, and industry insiders. From intensive pre-show Workshops to Keynotes, Super Sessions and 40+ FREE educational sessions conveniently located inside the exhibit hall, METALCON has it all.  Best of all … you’ll earn valuable credits while you learn!

You can customize and organize your daily education schedule by clicking on the favorite “star” button by the sessions you want, then clicking on the tab “My Sessions.” You can then export your show schedule. Read on for details on Keynotes, Super Sessions, Workshops, and the Education Sessions.

Magnificent Metal Monday – Top Products Award

Don’t miss the opportunity to submit your company’s top product for METALCON’s New Top Products Award!

NOMINATIONS ARE STILL OPEN!

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES TODAY!

Applications are Due July 1.

Don’t miss the chance for bragging rights in the hottest new recognition program in the metal construction industry!  To be eligible for consideration, a product must have been introduced to the market after January 1, 2019, and its manufacturer must be a 2021 METALCON exhibiting company. Exhibitors are eligible to nominate more than one top metal product but not more than one product per category.

Nominations are accepted in the following categories:

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

CLICK TO NOMINATE TODAY!

METALCON 2021 will take place at the Tampa Convention Center, Wednesday, October 6 – Friday, October 8, 2021 with pre-show workshops beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 5. Registration is now open!

METALCON is produced by PSMJ Resources Inc. and sponsored by the Metal Construction Association.

National Roofing Week Continues with a Focus on Employee Training

All this week, the NRCA is celebrating National Roofing Week. Today’s theme is employee training. How do you train your workers? Share your stories and photos to #NationalRoofingWeek. Check out one of the posts made by NRCA member Columbia Roofing & Sheet Metal celebrating their training. Post yours today!

As a dedicated partner to the metal construction industry, METALCON offers year-round training opportunities through our virtual programming as well as on site at METALCON 2021, scheduled for October 6-8 in Tampa, Florida. This year, we launched three new programs: METALFOCUS® Safety Program, METALCON Business Academy “MBA” Program and Metal Architecture at METALCON Live!. In addition to this virtual programming, join us IN PERSON at METALCON 2021 to take advantage of a full schedule of education and training. As an added bonus, most of the sessions will qualify for Continuing Education Credits (Including: AIA, CSI,ICC and more). REGISTER TODAY!

METALFOCUS Safety Program Now Available On Demand

“This course provided me with a better understanding of the safety related intricacies in metal building construction.” – Steve Wykoff, TKS Contracting

At METALCON, we’re on a mission to provide the latest ideas and expert advice to help all kinds of metal businesses be more efficient and more profitable. Our recently completed inaugural METALFOCUS Safety Training program is a valuable tool for you and your company. Program participant Brian Gray with Architectural Building Systems says, “It’s a great refresher. I can continue to pass this information down to the 50-100 employees we have on our crew.”

METALCON Now Accepting Top Products Award Nominations

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With METALCON’s anticipated return to an in-person event in October, a new Top Products Award program is underway. Get bragging rights at this year’s show along with special product recognition in your booth. Get your nomination in today!

METALCON 2021 Exhibitors are invited to nominate their top metal products in a variety of 15 categories (see below). To be eligible:

• A product must have been introduced to the market no sooner than January 1, 2019.
• The product’s manufacturer MUST be a 2021 METALCON exhibiting company.
• Exhibitors are eligible to submit products in more than one category but not more than one product per category.

In Less than 3 Hours … Learn How to Manage OSHA Inspections TODAY at 4:00 pm EST

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METALCONFOCUS® Managing OSHA Inspections Webinar TODAY at 4:00 PM EST – REGISTER HERE

Wayne E. Pinkstone, labor and employment attorney with Fox Rothschild LLP, says, “An employer can best handle an OSHA inspection by following two simple rules. First, BE PREPARED for the possibility of an OSHA inspection, no matter how properly your business is operated. Second, if and when an OSHA inspector does arrive at your business, DON’T PANIC.”

Don’t be afraid of OSHA knocking at your door — be prepared! REGISTER and attend today’s METALFOCUS Safety Training course and learn:

– What triggers an OSHA inspection 
– How to be prepared 
– How to handle the arrival of inspector & opening conference 
– Tips on what to do and not do during the inspection tour
– The closing conference and inspection follow-up

Magnificent Metal Monday – NEW METALCON Top Products Award Announced

METALCON, the metal construction industry’s only global event for metal construction and design products, technologies and solutions, announces its new Top Products Award. 2021 exhibitors are invited to nominate their top metal products in a variety of 15 categories. To be eligible for consideration, a product must have been introduced to the market no sooner than Jan. 1, 2019, and its manufacturer MUST be a 2021 METALCON exhibiting company. Exhibitors are eligible to nominate more than one top metal product but not more than one product per category. For a current list of 2021 METALCON exhibitors, click HERE. Deadline to submit is July 1, 2021.

Join us in 3 Hours for Safety Training Course on Incident Reporting

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Incident Reporting and Investigation Training TODAY at 4:00 PM EST – REGISTER HERE

EHS Today, the leading US magazine for environmental, health and safety management professionals in the manufacturing, construction, and service sectors, says, “Incident reporting doesn’t only benefit an organization by improving safety. It’s a vehicle for all-encompassing growth and improvement.”

Today’s METALFOCUS Safety Training course will provide:

– Purpose & value of incident reporting & investigation 
– What incidents must be reported to OSHA 
– Questions that your report needs to answer 
– Processes of information gathering & storytelling 
– Analysis unsafe acts: multiple causation theory and contributing factors

METALFOCUS® Safety Training Continues TODAY at 4pm EST with Incident Reporting and Investigation – REGISTER NOW

REGISTER NOW FOR METALFOCUS® AND EARN 1 AIA HSW LU CREDIT

METALFOCUS® is a series of 10 one-hour safety training virtual courses to address situations unique to metal construction job sites. REGISTER NOW for the remaining two courses AND watch past ones ON DEMAND. Here is what you can expect from today’s course on incident reporting and investigation:

Magnificent Metal Monday – RAiNA

Newly Formed RAiNA Offers Many Benefits to Construction Industry

Just over a year ago, the Rainscreen Association in North America (RAiNA), an international not-for-profit industry association dedicated to serving the rainscreen market in North America, was founded, and is now the leading authority on rainscreen assemblies.

RAiNA provides a forum for designers, trades, test agencies, and material suppliers to gather to determine best practices, interpret and inform codes, as well as educate and address technical concerns in the industry.

4 Hours until METALFOCUS – Learn How Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Can Save Lives at your Workplace

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The purpose of a job safety analysis (JSA) is to identify the dangers of specific tasks within jobs in order to reduce the risk of injury to workers. The key benefits of JSA’s include meeting safety standards, improving communication, aiding in training, and preventing hazardous conditions. Learn the importance of having a JSA from expert industry trainer TODAY at 4:00 pm EST. CLICK HERE for details on how to register! One hour of your time may help to save several lives later.