Construction Dive reported last week, “The U.S. is one step closer to a massive, much-needed infrastructure spending package.” The Senate voted last Wednesday to advance a bipartisan bill, which includes $550 billion in new federal funding for infrastructure. The bill will now enter a process of debates and amendments. Should the bill pass, it would inject funding into transportation, utilities and broadband spending. Senators voted to advance the package 67-32, with 17 Republicans joining all 48 Senate Democrats — and two Independents who caucus with the Democrats — in favor of advancing it.
STEELDAY IS TODAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020! AISC and the rest of the Structural Steel Industry will still be celebrating SteelDay2020, but with some changes this year! Due to the current restrictions caused by the COVID-19 virus, AISC’s events will be 100% virtual this year.
Pittsburgh (site of METALCON 2019!) is now home to the largest single sloped solar array in the United States thanks to a collaborative effort led by the city’s Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC), a private nonprofit company bringing large, obsolete, unused properties back to life to benefit the companies that occupy them as well as the communities in which they are located. RIDC saw an opportunity at the site of one of Pittsburgh’s very last operating steel mills, the LTV (J&L) Coke Works, which closed in 1998.
The following news was released to the national media yesterday reporting on the recent METALCON event that took place last month in Pittsburgh. This year’s Total Experience included more than 250 leading companies exhibiting the latest metal construction industry products and technology along with education and training sessions―all located on the show floor. For the full release, see below or click HERE.
METALCON 2019 truly shined in the “Steel City” as it wrapped up its 29th year! With only three hours on the final day, attendees made their final visits with exhibitors and made time for the show’s newest feature, CONTECH.
CONTECH was buzzing with attendees checking out the latest in construction technology. Premier sponsor, United States Steel, gave a presentation at 11:00 am on their “Construction Portfolio,” and Solution Huddle presented on the “Fundamentals of Modernizing your Customer Experience” at 11:30 am.
As the show wrapped up, two additional prizes were raffled off including original artwork by photographer J.P. Diroll (inspiration for this year’s show graphics) and the grand prize drawing for a trip to Las Vegas including 3-night accommodation at the Westgate Resort and Casino, limo airport transfer, show tickets and a $400 food and beverage credit. Congratulations to ALL of the winners throughout the show and thanks to all who gave this year to METALCON’s annual fundraising campaign. With your generous support, we presented a check in the amount of $8000 to the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania.
Mark your calendars for METALCON’s 30th Anniversary in Las Vegas, October 21-23, 2020!
On a more personal note, this show marked the last for vice president of trade shows, Claire Kilcoyne, who announced her retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to the metal construction industry. Her keen leadership and ability to build long-lasting relationships has been key to her many successes. Click HERE for the full press release on Claire’s retirement. On behalf of your METALCON team, we will miss you … but know you won’t be far away!
Thank you Claire for your years of service!
Thank you Pittsburgh for a fantastic show!
Cheers and thanks from the METALCON Team!
Be sure to stay tuned to our METALCON Blog and METALCONnection monthly e-newsletter for industry news, updates and other interesting stories.
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.
METALCON 2019 will meet in Pittsburgh, “the Steel City,” for the first time in its 29 show history this week! Once known as the gritty, albeit even “dirty” city … now known for its picturesque, foodie, techie, artsy, progressive and sporty vibe! I rarely get personal in these blog posts but having been to Pittsburgh several times within this past decade, I can tell you it’s all true and I cannot wait to see our METALCON attendees enjoy the city!
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.
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.
As the expression goes, “timing is everything!” Published this week by ArchDaily.com in partnership with Metropolis, they provide us with an in-depth look at Pittsburgh … home of METALCON 2019! In two weeks, thousands of exhibitors and attendees in the metal construction industry will gather in the “Steel City” for the first time in its 29 year show history. Chosen for its illustrious history in the steel and metal making industry, Pittsburgh was also selected as this year’s show location based on many of the items cited in this article. In their latest volume of Imagining the Modern: Architecture and Urbanism of Pittsburgh Renaissance, editors Chris Grimley, Michael Kubo, and Rami el Samahy explore the reasons behind the Pittsburgh’s revival earning a status of “renaissance“.
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.
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.
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.
Steeling the spotlight in the “Steel City” October 16-18, 2019 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. For more information visit: https://www.metalcon.com. REGISTER TODAY!
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 …
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.
We all know that Pittsburgh carries the moniker “Steel City,” but, did you know that Pittsburgh was the first city to build an all aluminum building? According to “Historic Pittsburgh,” the Alcoa Building, located at 425 6th Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh, used aluminum wherever possible including aluminum furniture, aluminum piping and wiring, and aluminum air-conditioning ducts. Its thirty-story tower is lighter and more efficient than buildings of comparable size at the time of its construction.
Registration news coming soon! Click HERE to be the first to know!
METALCON 2019 is less than 6 months away so make your plans today to attend. We are headed to the “Steel City” for the first time which will only enhance the number one show for metal construction and roofing.
Sponsor Update: Sherwin Williams is back as a title sponsor, proudly sponsoring the METALCON APP. The METALCON APP is an excellent tool to navigate the show once you are on-site. Instructions on how to download the APP will be available closer to show time.
An exciting NEW feature this year will be the USS Technology Hub! Check out the Exhibit Floor Plan to see where it will be located. With United States Steel (USS) being headquartered in Pittsburgh, the METALCON Team couldn’t be more thrilled to have them sponsor this new show feature. With the changing demands of technology in the industry, this will be the “hub” to visit for learning how technology can meet your business needs.
In addition to previewing the Exhibit Floor, you can also preview METALCON’s Product Gallery. View product information that exhibitors plan to showcase at METALCON 2019. Click HERE for a sneak preview. And if you are an exhibitor, LOG IN to your account to upload your product information and increase your exposure opportunities.
HOUSING is OPEN! Make your hotel reservation today to secure the best room at the best rate with METALCON’s exclusive travel partner, Globetrotter Travel. There are already a couple of sold out hotels so don’t miss your opportunity to be in the METALCON room block and in a hotel that is walking distance from the convention center.
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA; Photo courtesy of The KMA Group
It’s a sports lovers week! First the NCAA Basketball Championship Game and now onto the Stanley Cup ice hockey playoffs. Why would we cover this for our METALCON readers you ask? If you haven’t already heard, METALCON 2019 is headed to Pittsburgh in October for the first time in its 28 year show history. There are a lot of factors that go into the decision of where the show will take place year over year. Given Pittsburgh’s illustrious history in the steel industry, along with the ongoing development of its downtown and convention district, selecting it for the 2019 show was an easy decision.
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.”
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.
Three Sister Bridges beautifully captured by Dave DiCello@davedicello
With METALCON 2019 heading to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in October, we couldn’t be more excited to feature some of the city’s rich history in the steel industry, starting with its bridges. With more than 440 bridges to choose from, we turn to VisitPITTSBURGH and a Pittsburgh Magazine article for their favorite five. Did you know that Pittsburgh has more bridges than Venice, Italy?
Both! Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has long been known as the “Steel City” for its more than 300 steel-related businesses, but with its 446 bridges connecting the city together, it’s also known as the “City of Bridges.”
METALCON 2019 is proud to announce that it will be heading to Pittsburgh next October 16-18, 2019! A show all about metal meeting in a city known for its steel history and its metal bridges? Seems all together fitting! Continue reading →
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!
Photo provided by 
METALCON Blog 