METALCON is employing the slow-drip technique to build excitement for its upcoming annual conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center this fall, October 18-20, and unveiled its program line-up in a news release on July 21. 

From intensive pre-show workshops beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 16, to more than 35 free educational sessions inside the exhibit hall and inspiring keynotes, top industry experts will share their knowledge with attendees; those eligible may earn nearly a year’s worth of continuing education credits, including AIA learning units, among others. 

This year’s METALCON sponsors include the Mill Steel Company at ‘premier’ level; CIDAN Machinery Inc. at ‘platinum’ level; US Steel at ‘diamond’ level; and others, along with its longtime partner, the Metal Construction Association. 

Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers for this year’s show include contractor and Denver-based business owner Rico León, host of HGTV’s “Rico to the Rescue," presenting: “HGTV’s Rico to the Rescue: Real Life Scenarios – From Nightmares to Dreams Come True,” at 10 a.m., on Wed., Oct, 18. León will share some of his most “unforgettable experiences,” and lessons learned from residential construction projects gone wrong and then turned around. 

On the following day, Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors of America, who has more than 40 years of experience analyzing and communicating about economic and tax issues, will explore the outlook for construction in his keynote, “Construction Outlook for 2024: Forbidding or Reason for Cheer?” 

A variety of other ‘special focus’ areas are planned. 

The Architect’s Experience 

Back for a third year and sponsored by PPG Industries, this “show-within-a-show” is focused on using metal as a design and construction component, specifically to help architects, designers, specifiers and engineers solve tough architectural, structural, environmental and building performance challenges.  

Offering exclusive education sessions specific to design professionals, attendees will hear from respected thought leaders, award-winning architects and industry experts, including featured keynote morning kick-off sessions. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 18, beginning at 8.30 a.m., Christopher Sotiropulos, vice president of Stadium Operations, joins Gary Edgar, manager of Architectural Specifications and Industrial Coatings of PPG, presents “Designing for Las Vegas: A Full House of Finishes for Allegiant Stadium to Enhance, Protect & Cool.” 

Sotiropulos will share what it took to build and maintain this $1.9 billion stadium and its ongoing sustainability initiatives. 

The following day, beginning at 8:30 a.m., architect and author Stefan Al will delve into the world of architectural innovation and its impact on skylines worldwide in his keynote, “Steel and Skylines.”  Drawing from his acclaimed book “Supertall,” Al will share insights from the realm of skyscrapers, shedding light on the emergence of a new generation of towering structures that defy conventional limits in height and design. 

Additionally, he will highlight the unceasing evolution of Las Vegas Boulevard as he explores the developments of resort design contributing to the city’s distinctive character. Based on his book “The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream,” he uncovers the dynamic changes that have shaped this iconic destination while contemplating the importance of sustainability in its ever-evolving architectural landscape. Registrants of the Architect’s Experience can stop by the pavilion lounge area. 

METALCON Training Zone

This year, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, the METALCON Training Zone provides a hands-on demonstration area for contractors, remodelers and others who want to sharpen their skills when installing various metal roof offerings and systems. The Training Zone will feature mock-ups and materials, including aluminum, copper, painted steel zinc, and some exotic materials; training will focus on properly detailing and utilizing the right tools. Presentations will be offered in English and Spanish. [Booth No. 6071]

Women of Metal Construction 

Also new this year, “women of metal construction” are welcome to join their peers before the show kicks off that Wednesday for a morning filled with breakfast, networking and discussion at the ENVY at the Renaissance Hotel. Gather alongside inspiring women, listen and learn from peers shaping the industry. “Metal and Mimosas” is sponsored by ATAS International, CIDAN Machinery, MetalCoffeeShop, the Metal Roofing Alliance and METALCON. 

Metl-Span Las Vegas Plant Tour

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Thurs., Oct. 19, Metl-Span, a Nucor company, invites general contractors, installers and architects to an exclusive plant tour at its Las Vegas facility. Learn from this leading North American manufacturer of insulated metal panels how they are made; transportation is provided. This experience includes breakfast, networking, a plant tour and an education session, “Designing with Commercial/Industrial Insulated Metal Wall Panels,” presented by industry expert Kira Rogatnik; earn 1 AIA HSW credit. Register here.  

The IMP Alliance Education Center

The MCA IMP Alliance (leading manufacturers, material suppliers, and resellers) presents a special seminar, “Insulated Metal Panels – Installation and Handling Best Practices,” on best practices and common mistakes made while unloading, staging and storing bundles. [Booth No. 1115] 

NRCA ProCertification Demo

NRCA’s demo will introduce what metal panel and metal shingle roof system hands-on assessments look like in NRCA’s national certification initiative, which certifies experienced installers in specific roof system installations. Click here for more information. [Booth No. 7077]

Learning Centers 

Check out METALCON’s FREE education sessions. These 60-minute sessions, from 11:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, are organized into three centers on the show floor: Best Practices, Technical Know-How and Sustainability.  

Attendees can earn up to 12 hours of CEUs. Additionally, METALCON continues to offer in-depth workshops this year on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the show to provide cutting-edge education and training. For a small fee, attendees will be armed with new information, fresh ideas and strategic direction to address some of the significant issues facing the construction industry today, including: 

• Metal Roof Installation Training Certificate Program  
• Rollforming for the Metal Construction Industry  
• Metal Roofing from A (Aluminum) to Z (Zinc) 
• Low Slope Detailing Workshop – Certificate Course 
• Mergers & Acquisitions Essentials Workshop  
• RaiNA Installer Training for Rainscreen Assemblies 
• And in the Best Practices Learning Center, a special “State of the Industry” panel, a presentation led by MCA members, will take place at 3:45 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 19; current and future opportunities and challenges facing the metal construction industry will be topics of discussion.  

Community Outreach

METALCON gives back to the local community where the show occurs each year. This year, METALCON is partnering with America’s Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans in all military branches.  

The program was created to direct urgently needed resources and financial support to injured and critically ill US Armed Forces members and their families. It is a self-funded program of the Semper Fi Fund. To donate, click here: