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?

METALCON LIVE – It’s a Wrap!

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

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

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

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

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

 

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!

 

METALCON LIVE TV Recaps Day One

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

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

LIVE from METALCON 2018 – 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.

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?

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

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

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. 

Keynote Speakers at METALCON 2018

Steve Smith, former Carolina Panthers star and Dan DiMicco, former CEO of NUCOR Steel will lead the Keynote Addresses at METALCON 2018

Join us at the redesigned METALCON show October 10-12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and be among the largest number of metal professionals in the industry.  Your Total Experience will include the exhibits along with the education sessions ALL located on the show floor.  Key industry topics will be presented at the new METALCON Theatre including two keynote addresses along with multiple general sessions.

Wednesday, October 10, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm:
Steve Smith, NFL star formerly with the Carolina Panthers, will be speaking on perseverance, teamwork and overcoming obstacles.  Mr. Smith and his wife now head their non-profit organization called the Steve Smith Family Foundation, dedicated to providing hope and inspiration to those in need while promoting family health & wellness as well as the awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

Thursday, October 11, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm:
Dan DiMicco, retired CEO, current Chairman Emeritus of NUCOR Steel, and author of the book, “American Made,” will be speaking on “The Good the Bad and the Ugly on Steel Tariffs.”  Mr. DiMicco not only revived a major US manufacturing firm during a recession, but helped galvanize the flagging domestic steel industry when many of his competitors were in bankruptcy or headed overseas. NUCOR is the largest producer of steel in the United States and also consider themselves North America’s largest recycler.

We are thrilled to have these two giants in their respective industries – Steve Smith, NFL star, and Dan DiMicco, steel industry icon – lead the METALCON Keynote Addresses at this year’s show.  With our new Total Experience package, there is no need to pay extra to attend these sessions and no need to go searching for them.  The METALCON Theatre will be located directly on the show floor.  All located in one place, for one price.

REGISTER TODAY! And INVITE A COLLEAGUE to register too!

METALCON’s Long Standing Tradition of “Giving Back”

Just as important as the networking, the education, and learning about the latest in the industry, METALCON has “given back.”  For over 20 years since the “Give Back” program began in 1994, METALCON has proudly donated upwards of a half a million dollars in goods, services and/or funds to non-profit organizations and worthy causes serving local host communities.

METALCON continues to “give back” this year by raising money for the Steve Smith Family Foundation.

Magnificent Metal Monday

METALCON 2018 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!  

Join us October 10-12 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Reserve your place at METALCON’S TOTAL EXPERIENCE today!  Experience the redesigned METALCON this year with everything in one place!  We know that “time is money” so the goal is to maximize efficiency along with your return on investment by minimizing the time you spend trying to find everything.  ALL exhibits …. ALL education …. ALL keynote addresses … plus the extras you have come to love including the Metal Roofing Championship Games, The Deck, Innovation Stations Scanning Scavenger Hunt, and Oktoberfest … will ALL be located in one place on the trade show floor.  AND … for one price!

METALCON’s Total Experience will feature one inclusive cost of $95 for all three days. Experience the exhibit hall, keynote and general sessions, learning centers, Metal Roofing Games and more for one price!  REGISTER TODAY!

While you are registering, we encourage you to “Invite a Friend” to join you at METALCON.  Click on the link and send your friend or colleague all the information they need to register.

Special programs are also being offered at METALCON 2018 including Metal Roof Installation Certification Training, Best Practices for Installing and Bidding on Insulated Metal Panels, Roll Forming for the Metal Construction Industry Part I and II, MBCEA’s Controlled Decking Zone (Train the Trainer), and Soldering Techniques.  These can be selected in the registration process and if selected, include the Total Experience package.

We look forward to seeing you in Charlotte in October!

METALCON is Buzzing with News!

METALCON is buzzing with excitement to announce NEW dynamic changes to create a more interactive event – a Total Experience.  METALCON is going to Charlotte for the first time in 28 years and it is time for a change! Show leaders have been hard at work designing a new and more engaging show format with everything located in ONE place! Once you start your day on the show floor, you stay there. No running around looking for classrooms. With everything and everyone moving at a faster pace in today’s world, this format will offer greater efficiency for an attendee.

3D Printing is Scaling Up

Photo Credit:  METALCON/AMIE on display at METALCON 2016

We continue to explore how 3D printing has the potential to “remodel the construction industry.”  As featured in Monday’s blog post, Amsterdam is poised to install the first 3D printed bridge made entirely from steel in 2019.  Structures built with 3D printing are popping up in locations such as Dubai, China, Italy, Russia and El Salvador.  It is also a subject that is appearing with more regularity in construction and technology trades and in mainstream news sources.  As reported by the Wall Street Journal just this month, “3-D printing is scaling up. All over the world, an impressive diversity of people and organizations, ranging from startups and hobbyists to construction and engineering firms, are successfully prototyping 3-D-printed buildings.”

Magnificent Metal Monday

NASCAR Hall of Fame; Photo Credit: nascarhall.com

Located about a minute walk from the Charlotte Convention Center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame opened its doors to the public in May 2010. Charlotte, dubbed “NASCAR Valley,”  has been intertwined with the day-to-day dealings of NASCAR from the beginnings of stock-car racing. Designed by the esteemed architectural firm known for their award-winning designs, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, used steel and glass throughout in their design of the building.  

3D Printing, Construction and the Millennials

3D printing, construction and the Millennials, yes we’ve grouped all three together for a reason. We’ve touched a bit on how 3D printing will change the construction industry for the better. Yes I said it for the better; I look at it as a huge opportunity for both manufacturers and the people out in the field. Now how does the millennial generation fit into the equation?

Magnificent Metal Mondays

Another episode of Magnificent Metal Mondays is upon us and today we travel to Lubbock, Texas. Yes you guessed it The Steel House designed by steel sculptor Robert Bruno.

Book your Hotel for METALCON now

You heard us right, housing is OPEN! We’ve opened it earlier this year so that you can take advantage of the early bird pricing on the official hotels