With attendance of 6,127, the show attracted visitors from nearly 40 countries worldwide.

The metal-in-construction industry’s flagship event, MetalCon International, was held Oct. 1-3 in Rosemont, Ill., near Chicago. With attendance of 6,127, the show attracted visitors from nearly 40 countries worldwide. More than 350 of the industry’s leading companies offered the latest products, services, technology, and peripherals.

“We had more comments this year than ever on the high quality of attendees. People came to buy,” said Claire Kilcoyne, show manager. “Exhibitors weren’t just getting leads, but orders. Knudson, for example, sold everything they had on the floor.” Knudson Manufacturing Inc. of Broomfield, Colo., makes portable and in-plant roll-forming equipment.

Along with the exhibits, a 30-session educational program and a series of live-action demonstrations completed the learning experience at MetalCon. Leading industry associations added their support, materials and expertise to the sessions, which were led by a line-up of well-known industry experts. Topics ranged from the basics of using and understanding metal to complex field techniques, legal issues and sales skills. Trends in building materials, codes, construction methods and tools, as well as success stories and trends related to environmentally conscious “green buildings” were also discussed.

Several associations, including the Copper Development Association, Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International, the Light Gauge Steel Engineers Association, and the Steel Framing Alliance, offered special programs during MetalCon on the latest design, manufacturing and field techniques.

Concepts from the conference program and products from the exhibits were put into live-action demonstrations on the exhibit floor. Councils of the Metal Construction Association, sponsor of the show, presented demos on techniques for horizontal and vertical integration of wall panels, retrofit roofs and vertical and horizontal applications of metal shingle products. A steel-framed structure built inside the exhibit hall showed a variety of techniques and applications for metal in construction. Each year industry groups and exhibitors donate time, materials, and labor toward creating MetalCon’s steel framed structure.

MetalCon International is sponsored by the Metal Construction Association, whose mission is to expand the use of metal in construction through education, technical guidance and marketing. The event is also supported by 35 participating associations representing various industry segments, and more than 25 industry publications. Next year’s show will be held Oct. 28-30, 2003, at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida.