METALCON will expand its education and training offerings for its 35th anniversary event, scheduled for Oct. 7-9 in Orlando, Florida, organizers announced.

The annual metal construction trade show will feature hands-on training, economic outlook presentations, continuing education opportunities and a new Spanish-language Latino Track aimed at contractors, installers and other industry professionals.

"METALCON is more than a trade show — it is the metal construction industry's annual business and education summit," said Judy Geller, vice president of trade shows for METALCON. "This year's education program reflects the issues professionals are navigating every day, from workforce development and field installation challenges to codes, building performance, technology, economic uncertainty and business growth."

Keynote speakers include former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott, who will discuss leadership and resilience, and economist Kermit Baker, who will provide a market outlook for the construction and design sectors.

METALCON also plans industry outlook sessions focused on the future of metal construction, material costs, supply chain conditions and code changes affecting design, fabrication and installation.

METAL Mastery Clinics, presented by the Metal Construction Association and Metal Roofing Alliance, will take place on the show floor and feature industry best practices for the installation of standing seam metal panels, metal shingles and metal roofing retrofit systems. The clinics will help contractors better understand material selection, panel forming and proper installation techniques that improve efficiency, quality and building owner satisfaction.

The METALCON Training Zone, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams | MetalVue, will feature hands-on demonstrations using mock-ups and materials including painted steel, aluminum, zinc, copper and other specialty materials. Led by John Sheridan of Sheridan Metal Resources and his team of experts, demonstrations will be offered in English and Spanish, with tools available for audience testing and purchase.

A new Latino Track will provide Spanish-language educational sessions and training demonstrations, expanding access to technical and business-focused instruction for Spanish-speaking professionals in the industry.

METALCON will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, with pre-show workshops beginning Oct. 6. Registration is open.