Coming to you from Day 2 of METALCON 2019 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA. Non-stop action continued as thousands of professionals in the metal design and construction industry gathered to network and learn from each other and experts. The day began with a Keynote Address from former professional ice hockey center and seven-time Stanley Cup champion, Bryan Trottier. Trottier spoke to a packed theatre about finding strength in teamwork and diversity. The keynote address was sponsored by Pittsburgh based premier sponsor, PPG.
For the first time in METALCON’s 29 year show history, the largest show in North America dedicated to metal in design and construction is meeting in the “Steel City!” While exhibitors and show management were putting the finishing touches on the show logistics and booths, attendees were registering and taking advantage of special programs such as the popular Metal Roof Installing Training Course.
The excitement built as the registration area got packed with attendees eager for the show to open. Rocky Bleier, former NFL and Pittsburgh Steeler legend as well as Vietnam veteran, took the stage at the PPG Theatre at 11:00 AM to officially open the show. After a moving introduction by a representative from sponsor United States Steel, Bleier was warmly greeted by the crowd. As he wove personal stories into his presentation, he spoke on the many ways you can lead with perseverance, teamwork and hope.
Once the exhibit hall opened, it was non-stop action with attendees networking with exhibitors, learning from industry experts at General Sessions and at the Learning Centers, visiting METALCON’s new CONTECH hub to learn the latest in how technology will move the industry forward, playing the Innovation Scanner Hunt, “giving back” to the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, and enjoying Oktoberfest beverages. At the end of the day, we raffled off four prizes, including a signed NFL Jersey by Rocky Bleier, a signed NHL Pittsburgh Penguin Jersey, two signed NFL footballs by Rocky Bleier along with two signed copies of Bleier’s book. We also had our first $500 cash prize winner for the Innovation Scanner Hunt which was presented by sponsor DesignandBuildwithMetal.com.
With only three (business) days to go until we officially open METALCON 2019, here are some exciting show updates regarding the CONTECH technology hub, conference schedule and the METALCON APP. METALCON 2019 is taking place in the “Steel City” of Pittsburgh next week, October 16-19, 2019!
CONTECH
We are excited to announce that technology companies, Dronegenuity and Felux, have been added to further enhance this new feature at METALCON.
As a leading industry voice, PSMJ Founder and CEO Frank A. Stasiowski examines the state of our industry today and reveals the disrupters that will radically alter it by 2030. Just as a far-off earthquake can cause a Tsunami, forces and trends building now will shake the traditional design industry. In his best-selling book, IMPACT 2030, Frank outlines how demographics, globalization, government expansion, and technology advances can benefit firms that plan ahead — and be devastating for those that don’t prepare.
What could be more magnificent (for Magnificent Metal Monday) then being ONE WEEK AWAY from METALCON 2019? It’s only the largest event in North America dedicated to metal and design in construction! For the first time in its 29 year show history, we will be convening in the “Steel City” of Pittsburgh, PA. There is still time to REGISTER and join us next week!
In three action-packed days, you will have the opportunity to visit over 250 exhibits showcasing the latest in innovative solutions, attend sessions presented by leading industry experts and discover emerging trends that will help you stay ahead of the competition.
Continuing METALCON’s 20-year history of “giving back ,” this year’s fundraising efforts at METALCON 2019 will benefit the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania (VLP) , a 501c(3) veteran-centric nonprofit organization headquartered in Pittsburgh. VLP’s mission is to empower veterans to navigate life’s transitions. While at METALCON, make a donation of $20 or more and be eligible to win one of the awesome prizes that will be given away (must be present to win).
The following news was released to the national media this week. A special panel discussion featuring women in metal and roofing will be held on Wednesday, October 16 at 1:00 pm at METALCON 2019, taking place at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center. For the full news release, see below or click HERE.
MMM (Magnificent Metal Monday) has its “eye” on the future. Designed by Killa Design and scheduled to open before the end of the year, the Museum of the Future is a complete deviation from the Dubai skyline filled with skyscrapers. The Museum has a torus shape (a donut shape) – a gleaming silver oval with an open center. As stated in an article published by Redshift by Autodesk, “The building looks almost like an eye keeping watch over this growing city, the largest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).”
The following news was released to the national media this week announcing METALCON’S Keynote Presenters as Pittsburgh sports icons, former Pittsburgh Steeler Rocky Bleier and former Pittsburgh Penguin Bryan Trottier. Presentations are being brought to METALCON by long-time partners’ United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) and PPG, both title sponsors headquartered in Pittsburgh.
You’ve been hearing us mention it lately and it’s regularly mentioned in the industry trades, but what is it? Quite simply defined as CON – Construction … TECH – Technology! It is the “wave of the future” and it will be featured up close and in depth at METALCON 2019! This new technology hub on the show floor is being brought to you byUnited States Steel Corporation.
With less than five weeks to go, REGISTER TODAY to join us in Pittsburgh, October 16-18, 2019 and participate in the largest event in North America dedicated to metal in design and construction!
METALCON 2019 will roll into the “Steel City” in five weeks for the first time in its show history and be welcomed by Pittsburgh-based industry giants and this year’s premier sponsors, United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) and PPG. Their names are permanent fixtures in the city and also in the skyline. In an article by Bright Hub Engineering, “Today taller buildings have emerged in the city, yet these two buildings remain popular because of their unique design and engineering material, and the material used for their construction and energy efficient design continues to make them popular among engineers and architects.” Magnificent Metal Monday (MMM) takes a deeper look at both of these buildings.
The following news was released to the national media this week announcing CONTECH, METALCON’s new construction technology hub, sponsored by United States Steel Corporation.
While I was picking my daughter up at the gym the other night, it dawned on me that we have spent countless hours in metal buildings over the past 7 years. With approximately 400 hours of practice per year times nearly 7 years plus gym meets, we are talking nearly 3000 hours! Then I began to realize that these metal buildings are everywhere and truly woven into people’s everyday lives. From gymnasiums, churches and schools, to sports arenas, warehouses, airplane hangars, and retail infrastructures (cue: Amazon distribution centers) … so for Magnificent Metal Monday today, let’s explore what makes these metal structures so functional.
Leading Industry Experts Speak to Latest Business Trends and Tactics at METALCON 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Newton, Mass., – August 13, 2019) — Up and coming industry experts present the latest business trends and techniques at METALCON 2019, the metal construction industry’s largest international event for metal construction products, technologies and solutions taking place in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Oct. 16 – Friday, Oct. 18. Claire Kilcoyne, METALCON Show Director, says, “We have a solid line-up of educational sessions featuring industry-related topics and overall A/E/C business advice.”
Metal roll forming might not be as simple as you may think; machines can come in a variety of sizes, product outputs, uses, speeds, and more. Our friends with New Tech Machinery break it down with their Rollforming Learning Center. “Whether you notice it or not, products made using the process of metal rollforming are everywhere. Items could include something as visible as metal roofing or garage doors, or products working behind the scenes, like pipes, window frames, and countless others.”
According to the Metal Construction Association (MCA), roll forming is defined as: “A continuous bending operation in which a strip of metal, typically coiled steel or aluminum, is passed through consecutive sets of rolls, or stands, each performing only an incremental part of the bend until the desired cross-section profile is obtained. Portable roll forming is ideal for producing parts with long lengths or in large quantities and are designed so they can be moved easily to various locations or job sites.”
The history of roll forming is an interesting one. Dating back as early as 600 B.C., this archaic rollforming typically involved hammering ductile metals found in the earth, including copper and gold, with hard objects until they were flattened or formed into a shape. More advanced forms of rollforming developed over time with one of the earliest known designs of a more modern rollformer belonging to Leonardo da Vinci with a 1480 sketch of a “rolling mill” depicting a material passing through cylindrical rollers to be flattened. The first actual industrial rollforming/metal working plant on record launched in the early 1600s in the United Kingdom.
With over 25 years fabricating and producing portable metal roll forming equipment, New Tech Machinery knows the importance of education on how metal roll forming began and why it’s still so important to this day, especially if you work in the metal fabrication industry. If metal roll forming machinery didn’t exist, humans would have to put forth significant extra labor using press brakes, folders, and other equipment to make metal products. Instead, machines produce and roll thousands of pounds of metal per day significantly increasing productivity.
ROLL FORMING EDUCATION AVAILABLE AT METALCON 2019
If you’ve come to METALCON shows in the past, you know that it is more than just exhibits. Attendees have the opportunity to learn from key industry experts on important topics. At METALCON 2019, one of these topics includes a special two-part program on Roll Forming for the Metal Construction Industry.
The first of the two-part program will be held on Wednesday, October 16 from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm and led by the following industry experts: Ryan Durst, Vice President Sales & Marketing, The Bradbury Company and Joe Beck, President, Beck Automation, Brian Rodgers, Sr. Application Engineer, Formtek, Inc., Andy Allman, President, AMS Controls Inc., and Steve Ebel, President, Roll Form Solutions Inc. They will cover the following topics:Considerations for Metal Building Roll Formers, Utilizing Exiting Capital Equipment and Tooling, Improve Profitability & Competitiveness through Computer Integrated Manufacturing and Proper Roll Form Tooling Setup and Troubleshooting. For details on Part I, please click HERE.
The second of the two-part program will be held on Thursday, October 17 from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm and led by the following industry experts: Brian Rodgers, Sr. Applications Engineer, Formtek, Inc., Paul Williams, Director of Sales, Hill Engineering, and Chuck Summerhill, Technical Sales/Engineer, TEKFAB. The following topics will be covered: Material and How it Affects Metal Building Products in the Roll Forming Process, Creative Options for Punching/Shearing/Cutoff Challenges in the Metal Building Industry, Advanced Roll Forming of Steel Framing Components, and Automation and Material Handling for Roll Formed Products – Emphasizing Operator Safety, Labor Reduction & High-Speed Production. For details on Part II, click HERE.
Part I is Session Number: SP4 on Wednesday, October 16, 2019: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and Part II is Session Number: SP8 on Thursday, October 17, 2019: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM; Cost is $160 for each part. REGISTER TODAY.
Legendary NFL star and former Pittsburgh Steeler, Rocky Bleier.
The wait is over! The National Football League (NFL) will kick off its 100th season tonight with the first round of preseason games. Pittsburgh … not only home to METALCON this year, but also home to the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the oldest football franchises in NFL history. Steeler legend Rocky Bleier, who first played in 1968 and then again from 1971- 1980, will speak at METALCON 2019 on Leadership through Teamwork, Perseverance & Hope. Hosted by U.S. Steel, this Keynote Address will take place on Wednesday, October 16 from 11:00 am – 12:00 in the main theatre on the show floor.
METALCON 2019 is a “one-stop shop” for key training, education and one-on-one time with industry experts and exhibitors. It is a critical addition to any “punch list” for a roofing job. Recently featured in Metal Construction News, having a punch list is necessary in any metal roofing job whether it is a roof retrofit or new construction. The information that can be obtained at METALCON this year will give you the tools to complete a job accurately.
According to Danny Kerr, Co-Founder of Breakthrough Academy and METALCON guest speaker, “Summer is the time to produce, but your crew members may have other things on their mind.” In an article that appeared in the July issue of Metal Construction News, Danny explains, ” It’s the dead of summer. The days are as long as they are hot. You and your team are doing your darndest to keep up with an insanely busy production season.” He calls it the “midsummer stutter” … a name he uses to describe the nose dive in productivity that seems to plague teams in late June and July.
The moment you’ve been waiting for (and that we’ve been blogging about) … METALCON REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 95 days until we all convene in Pittsburgh, PA, October 16-18! Industry icons, U.S. Steel and PPG Industrial Coatings, call Pittsburgh home and they are this year’s premier corporate sponsors alongside Metal Construction News. Come join us to see how America’s “steel city” will make the perfect backdrop for METALCON 2019. Continue reading to learn why you should be at METALCON 2019 …
In a city where “encores” are a nightly occurrence, Magnificent Metal Monday takes us to New York City where PPG has received their own “encore” at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Featured in a recent issue of one of METALCON’s partner publications, DesignandBuildwithMetal.com, “PPG Duranar® coatings were selected to reprise their role as the metal coating of choice for the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.”
Our friends with MBCI shared in a blog post, “Just because you’ve been installing roofing for 30 years, doesn’t mean installer training and certification isn’t necessary. From a bottom line perspective, it’s important for companies to be proactive in making sure there is always someone on their team who is a certified installer for the products they use—or might use.”
With the knowledge that comes with certification, you’ll be able to assist contractors and consumers alike in choosing the right metal roof for their needs. Being a certified provider, homeowners, design professionals and contractors will be able to clearly differentiate quality levels of steep slope metal roofing by applying industry performance standards.
The award recognizes a Woman of Outstanding Roofing Leadership Distinction (W.O.R.L.D.).
Do you know someone who leads by example, with passion, strength and integrity? A true champion for women in the roofing industry as well as her local community and family?
The National Women in Roofing Organization’s mission is to support and empower women in our industry through education, mentorship, networking and recruiting, and our growing membership is filled with outstanding women who fulfill our mission on a daily basis nationwide! The organization focuses on connecting and empowering women so that their training and leadership skills can help drive the overall betterment and professionalism of the roofing industry.
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.
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 historyin 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.
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.
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.”
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:
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!
