Theater Education Schedule Announced for METALCON 2019

• 

• 

METALCON’s commitment to the industry goes far beyond exhibits. The show not only offers one on one interactions with exhibitors, but also offers opportunities to learn from industry experts. The METALCON team is excited to announce this year’s “line-up” for the PPG Theatre, sponsored by PPG which is headquartered in the host city, Pittsburgh. In addition PPG is sponsoring Bryan Trottier, former professional ice hockey player for the Pittsburgh Penguins and seven-time Stanley Cup winner, as one of the keynote speakers. A full schedule of general sessions on key industry topics will be available throughout the show in the PPG Theatre.

METALCON: HOT OFF THE PRESS – KEYNOTE SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED

You’ve all heard the expression “When in Rome” … so it is only fitting that “while in Pittsburgh,” we will pay homage to the city’s rich history in sports by having two of their sports icons at METALCON 2019 which will be held in the “Steel City,” October 16-18, 2019. The METALCON team is thrilled to announce that former NFL Pittsburgh Steeler champion, Rocky Bleier, and former Pittsburgh Penguin superstar, Bryan Trottier, will take center stage as this year’s Keynote Speakers.

Steel Tariffs — Hot Topic at METALCON 2019

Although imposed over a year ago, steel tariffs are still making headlines in today’s news. How have they affected your business this past year? Earlier today, Bloomberg News reported that after one year since the tariffs were imposed that it’s had mixed results. They are reporting that while the steel industry saw some growth in job creation, it was at a cost of approximately $900,000 per job to the taxpayer. And while American steel producers of materials like nuts and bolts saw significant gains in sales as a result of increasing their prices, large American steel companies like NUCOR and U.S. Steel saw their overall shares slump in the past year.

Construction Safety Week 2019

The Construction Industry Safety (CISI) group, comprised of more than 70 national and global construction firms, and the Incident and Injury Free CEO (IIF) Forum have joined forces with a single aim: to inspire everyone in the industry to be leaders in safety. The Construction Industry Safety Initiative (CISI) includes twelve major contractors who come together every other year for a two-day meeting to discuss only one thing – SAFETY. CISI holds a Safety Summit that includes over 30 major contractors in the United States. The CEO Forum is led by a group of senior construction industry leaders who are committed to sharing Incident and Injury-Free™(IIF™) safety best practices. They have met bi-annually since 2009 with the objective to both sustain and recreate their present IIF™ journeys while at the same time creating the possibility of an industry-wide safety transformation.

METALCON 2019 Announces Premier Sponsors for Pittsburgh, PA!

For the first time in METALCON’s show history, it will take place in the birth-place of steel. Given Pittsburgh’s illustrious history in the steel and metal industry, the METALCON team is extremely proud to announce that this year’s premier sponsors are Pittsburgh-based and long time standing partners, PPG Industries and U.S. Steel Corporation. “With Pittsburgh’s two iconic companies serving as METALCON’s premier sponsors, we couldn’t feel more welcomed in the “steel city,” said Claire Kilcoyne, METALCON Show Director.

PPG Industries will be sponsoring the “PPG Theatre,” and U.S. Steel will be sponsoring a brand new and highly innovative area of the show floor called the “U.S. Steel Tech Hub.”

A Fresh Look at Stone Coated Steel Tiles

Gerard stone-coated steel-tile roof – Barrel Vault Profile; photo credit Roofingcalc.com

Dating back to the days of World War II when the British demanded a stronger roofing product to protect themselves against bombings, stone coated steel roofing tiles have played an important part of roofing history. It wasn’t until a few years ago that the industry saw a surge in their popularity and usage.

Women in Construction Week Highlights Push for More Diversity in the Workplace

In a traditionally male-dominated field, the numbers are starting to show a changing trend. Women represent only 9 percent of the construction jobs within the industry, according to the United States Department of Labor. But by next year that number is expected to double to more than 25 percent. WIC (Women in Construction) Week,  sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), provides an occasion for firms to raise awareness of the growing impact women have on the industry, as well as the myriad of opportunities available to them, either in the field or in the office. Read on for a round up of some of the stories highlighting Women in Construction Week around the country and how local groups are building greater awareness:

A Year in Review …

It’s been one year as your METALCON “blogger” bringing you, our readership, a wide range of interesting topics and stories. Looking back over the year, here are the top five that seemed to spark more interest with you yielding the highest views:

Coming in at #5 … Magnificent Metal Monday posted on August 13, 2018, featured the cool refurbished office by the Association of Iron and Steel, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which happens to be the site of METALCON 2019!

Women Could Play Key Role in Industry Labor Shortage

Labor shortages across various industries are making headlines lately, including the construction industry.  One article in Curbed.com cited “immigration crackdowns, economic after-effects of the recession, and a lack of interest on the part of millennials as some of the reasons why the field may be down by 275,000 workers. That’s affecting housing costs, at a time when the country is already suffering from rising housing prices. National Association of Homebuilders economist Stephen Melman predicts growth of 4-5 percent in housing starts next year, and an increase in construction-labor positions to the tune of 12 percent between 2016 and 2026.”

Could women be the solution to the construction industry’s labor shortage?

Magnificent Metal Monday

METALCON LIVE reporting from Day 2 of METALCON 2018, held October 10-12 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

If you weren’t at METALCON this year, you will feel like you were after watching METALCON LIVE’s recap of Day Two! Live action from the Exhibit floor, education sessions, Metal Roofing Games, interviews with speakers, attendees and exhibitors and more are all featured.

The day kicked off with a topical and interactive Keynote Address by Dan DiMicco, former CEO of NUCOR Steel and Senior Trade Adviser to the Trump Campaign. Mr. DiMicco shared his perspective on supporting the new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.  He commented that “America is open for business again! Tariffs are part of an overall effort to reform the global trading system so it works for everyone.” You can READ MORE in the press release posted on METALCON’s website.

METALCON’s Exhibit Floor “by the numbers” occupied over 76,000 square feet of space with 250 companies exhibiting in 525 booths.  It is the only annual trade show and conference devoted entirely to the application of metal in industrial, institutional, light commercial and residential, making it THE place to be to get business done.  Todd Andrews with Classic Metals, commented,” If you are in the metal roofing business and manufacturing of metal buildings, the show is a must! I try and buy one or two machines while at the show each year.”

The video recap goes on to highlight some of the engaging educational sessions led by key industry experts and footage from the second day of competition in the MCA Metal Roofing Games where more teams took home $500 in cash prizes with two teams advancing to Friday’s final competition.

The second day culminated with a special check presentation to the Steve Smith Family Foundation.  Gerard Littlejohn, Executive Director, was on hand to accept the $3,000 check and remarked, “We are so thankful to METALCON; the funds will go directly to the Smith Family Wellness Center which gives free medical and counseling care to underserved families and help them get the care they need.”

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

 

Magnificent Metal Monday … METALCON 2018 Post Show

re·cov·er·y /rəˈkəv(ə)rē/  – noun  1. a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength

After a week-long post-show recovery and reprieve, blogging is back in action with exciting METALCON 2018 updates!  Despite Hurricane Michael “breezing” by Charlotte, METALCON attendees and exhibitors were treated like royalty in the “Queen’s City.”

METALCON 2018 offered attendees and exhibitors three jam-packed days of networking, learning, spectating, photo-snapping, donating and overall, celebrating an industry “built by hand.” Launching a new format can be risky, but METALCON show director, Claire Kilcoyne, “felt it was time to shake things up.” Claire explains, “With all of the exhibits

LIVE from METALCON 2018 – Day 2

As Hurricane Michael blew passed Charlotte today, METALCON continued to “Buzz!”  Dan DiMicco, former CEO of NUCOR Steel and trade advisor to the Trump Administration, kicked things off this morning with a lively Keynote Address to over 200 engaged attendees interested in learning about the state of the US economy,

LIVE from METALCON Day 1

…. and NFL Football

Raffling off the signed NFL Jersey

Our 1st cash prize winner!

Coming to you live from the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina where METALCON was all “a buzz!” While the forecast outside may be rainy, it was bright and sunny inside the convention center at the show, celebrating its 28th year!  Sixteen-year NFL veteran and former five-time pro bowl, three-time all-pro receiver for the Carolina Panthers, Steve Smith Sr. kicked things off this morning when he presented

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.

Magnificent Metal Monday

Exhibitors Set to Put the Pedal to the Metal at METALCON 2018

METALCON is the one event that attracts the most metal professionals in the industry. Over 250 exhibiting companies will be on hand next week at METALCON 2018 eager to share their new product information with show attendees. Your “Total Experience” registration includes entrance to the Exhibit Hall for all three days of the show. The redesigned FLOOR PLAN features a new “power aisle”

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.

Looking for a “Few More Good Teams” to compete in METALCON Roofing Games

Show off your roofing skills at METALCON 2018 and you will have the chance of winning up to $8,500!  The MCA Metal Roofing Games take place directly on the show floor at METALCON so conveniently located near all of the exhibits and education sessions.  Join us at this year’s “Total Experience” in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 10-12, 2018.  Click HERE to register your team to compete in the Roofing Games.

Take advantage of our current “BACKTOSCHOOL” offer and receive 40% off registration.  Click HERE to register.  Good through September 30 so register today!

 

 

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.

IoT – Have you heard of it?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

Magnificent Metal Monday

You know what’s magnificent?  Winning cash prizes, that’s what is!

Innovation Stations will make a return appearance at METALCON 2018!

The rules are simple:

1. Download the METALCON app (available soon)

2. Scan all 10 Innovation Station’s located on the exhibit floor

3. Listen for your name during the cash prize drawings announced from The Deck, and you may be a winner!

We make it easy (and fun) to win money for simply walking through the Exhibits!

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.

How do you get OUT of the Day-to Day in your Business?

Danny Kerr with BreakThrough Academy – METALCON 2018 Speaker

Most construction professionals are experts in their field but often lack the guidance and systems required to get themselves out of the day-to-day and into a more strategic role so they can grow their business to its full potential.  Co-founder and Managing Partner of BreakThrough Academy, Danny Kerr, will be on hand at METALCON 2018 to offer solutions to the biggest challenges faced when trying to grow your business. Mr. Kerr will lead the session, The 3 Keys To Getting Out of the Day-to-Day in Your Business, on Wednesday, October 10 from 2:00 – 2:45 pm in the new METALCON Theatre. As with all education sessions this year at METALCON, this is included in your new Total Experience registration.

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.

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.