METALCON International is the only annual trade show and conference focused on the application of metal in industrial, institutional, light commercial and residential construction. Each year it brings together 8,000 builders, designers, specifiers, developers, building owners, government officials and manufacturers from more than 40 countries. The 2008 event features 350 companies, including 50 new companies, a 47-session education program and three days of new live-action demos.

Each year METALCON offers something new and innovative. For 2008 it is: a new location – METALCON’s first time in Baltimore; 23 new education programs, including a new series of business management and a special series on gutter business management; the Gutter Pavilion, a show within a show; Product Harbor featuring products introduced since METALCON 2007; a drawing for a new Harley Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle.

Since it began in 1991, METALCON has been a leading force in bringing new products and techniques to the growing metal construction market. The event has enjoyed very high exhibitor satisfaction with more than 85 percent of the companies returning each year. At the same time the show attracts a high percentage of new exhibitors each year. This year 50 new companies have joined the ranks. METALCON’s consistent 12 percent growth rate brings new products, ideas and industry experts to every annual show. For the fourth consecutive year, metal’s role in the green building movement is highlighted by Green Island, a special area of the exhibit floor featuring metal-related products used in building energy-saving structures.

METALCON’s 47-session education program combines general topics with specialty programs offered by various industry groups, including: The Aluminum Association; Copper Development Association, Inc.; Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International; The Metal Initiative; The Metal Roofing Alliance; Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association; Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association; Steel Framing Alliance; and the U.S. Green Building Council.

Each year new topics are added to the education program while the popular basics return to serve the needs of those new to the industry. In addition to the new series on business management and gutter business management, the 2008 conference features an expanded basic program about metal roofing, sessions on new techniques, retrofit, green building, metal interiors, effective rainscreen techniques and business management. Codes, insulation, fasteners, steel framing, and onsite and factory fabrication are the focus of several special programs.

METALCON’s Steel Structure

Each year since 1994 a steel-framed structure has been built inside the exhibit hall to show the benefits of steel framing. Industry associations and exhibitors donate time, resources, and materials to METALCON’s steel framed home. After the show materials from the structure have been donated to a non-profit or educational organization.

For the third consecutive year the structure is designed as an ADA-compliant home to be donated to Taunton, MA-based Homes for Our Troops. This non-profit organization will reconstruct the home in the Baltimore area for U.S. Army Specialist David Battle, a husband and father of four, who was seriously injured in while serving in Iraq in 2007.

Interactive Demonstrations

Products and ideas come alive in a series of moderated, live-action demonstrations at METALCON. The programs are created by members of the Metal Construction Association councils and supported by exhibiting companies who donate time, personnel and materials to make them happen. The demos cover new products and techniques for residential and commercial roofing as well as wall panels.

This program again includes an interactive Tool Day where attendees can test their skills on the latest tools for drilling, driving, swinging, bending, cutting and fastening for all types of metal applications.

All demos are held inside the exhibit hall in the MCA Demo area, booth 2508.

Industry Support

METALCON International is sponsored by the Metal Construction Association, headquartered in Glenview, IL. In addition, 60 participating associations representing various industry segments and 25 industry publications support METALCON through their promotional efforts.

Show Management

METALCON is produced by Newton, MA-based PSMJ Resources Inc., a widely recognized information resource for the A/E design industry.

Future Dates

October 6-8, 2009, Tampa Bay Convention Center October 20-22, 2010, Las Vegas Convention Center

October 4-6, 2011, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta