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!
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?
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 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!
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.
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, Continue reading →
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 Continue reading →
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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. Continue reading →
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.Continue reading →
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” Continue reading →
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 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. Continue reading →
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. Continue reading →
“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. Continue reading →
