By The Coffee Shops™. 

The CRRC is pairing research, digital resources and industry outreach to help professionals better understand cool surfaces and heat resilience. 

Building on its recent program enhancements, the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) is also investing heavily in education designed to make cool roofing information easier to find and apply. 

One of the organization’s newest resources is the Cool Surfaces Toolkit microsite, a dedicated platform created to connect contractors, homeowners, policymakers and other stakeholders with educational content. According to Audrey McGarrell, the site serves as a streamlined resource hub focused specifically on cool roofs, cool walls and cool pavements. “What they're gonna find is first and foremost, there's kind of a curated collection of CRRC educational resources that already exist,” Audrey said. 

The site also includes a searchable Knowledge Base containing more than 600 publications related to cool surfaces, energy efficiency and heat resilience. Users can filter materials by topic and identify resources that are publicly available at no cost. 

In addition, the microsite features the Cool Reflections blog, which expands on content from the organization’s newsletter with accessible articles and new perspectives on cool surface technologies. 

The educational effort extends beyond digital resources. Audrey noted that the CRRC regularly attends industry events such as the International Roofing Expo (IRE) and METALCON, where direct conversations often help address questions that cannot always be anticipated through publications alone. “I have found that one of the best ways that we can educate industry is when we get to have one-on-one conversations with folks,” Audrey said.  

Those conversations frequently center on urban heat islands, which Audrey describes as areas where cities become significantly warmer than surrounding regions because of factors such as limited vegetation, dense development and heat-absorbing building materials. 

The organization also continues promoting educational materials addressing rooftop solar and cool roofs, as well as resources explaining how CRRC ratings can help fill information gaps following the sunset of the ENERGY STAR roofing certification program. 

Looking ahead, the CRRC plans additional educational projects while continuing to support contractors, manufacturers and building professionals through research-backed information and direct outreach. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about cool roofing education, heat resilience and industry resources. 

Industry insight and innovation shape the road ahead

METALCON marked its 35th anniversary in Orlando by bringing together manufacturers, contractors, architects, installers and other professionals from across the metal construction industry.

Held October 7–9 at the Orange County Convention Center, the event featured 273 exhibiting companies, a 9.2% increase over 2025. Verified on-site attendance rose more than 5%, while total registration, including all participant categories, increased 9 percent.

“It’s a great place to meet people, make connections, and for us as a business, generate leads,” said Tim Lindquist, regional director of FRAMECAD Americas.

Construction outlook points to uneven conditions ahead

Economic keynote speaker Kermit Baker, former chief economist for the American Institute of Architects, provided a data-driven look at a construction market facing considerable uncertainty and significant differences among sectors.

He cited inflation, elevated borrowing costs, workforce constraints, project delays and rising material costs as ongoing pressures. Construction input costs increased nearly 9% over the previous year, with particularly steep increases in metals including steel, copper and aluminum.

Labor remains a major concern. Baker noted that 35% of the construction workforce is foreign-born, exceeding 50% in several trades, including roofing, while the workforce continues to age.

“Probably the greatest challenge facing the industry at present is the labor outlook,” Baker said.

Uncertainty is also affecting the project pipeline. Architecture-firm data showed that roughly 30% of project volume had been delayed, stalled or canceled in the preceding six months, driven largely by client indecision, changing market conditions, insufficient budgets and financing challenges.

Opportunities, however, vary considerably by sector. Data centers remain one of the strongest areas of construction activity, fueled in part by investment in artificial intelligence.

“Data centers have been going nowhere but up; the sky seems to be the limit,” Baker said, noting that data-center spending is expected to surpass traditional office construction spending by year-end.

Looking toward 2027, Baker offered a more measured outlook for construction overall. “These forecasters are projecting no increase in construction spending this year, only a modest gain next year,” he said, adding that the projected gain would likely not keep pace with inflation.

Former MLB pitcher shares lessons in creativity, accountability and trust

Jim Abbott brought a different perspective to the keynote stage, sharing lessons from his career centered on three principles: creativity, accountability and trust.

Born without a right hand, Abbott learned early that achieving his goals often required a different approach. He connected creativity to finding another way when the conventional approach doesn't work. “You can do things differently in this world, and you can do them just as well as anybody else,” he said.

He also emphasized accountabilitym, making the most of what you've been given and trusting in your preparation and abilities when the pressure is greatest.

Live Build Connects Innovation, Collaboration and Giving Back

The Design-to-Manufacture-to-Build Live experience brought participating manufacturers together to construct the frame of a 490-square-foot tiny home on the show floor in just three days, drawing attendees as the project progressed from design and engineering through automated manufacturing and live assembly.

The project showed what the industry can accomplish through collaboration while connecting design, manufacturing and construction in a real-world application. The home will be donated to a new Tunnel to Towers Veterans Village, reflecting METALCON’s annual commitment to giving back. The show community also presented a $4,000 donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in support of its work serving injured veterans, first responders and families of fallen service members.

METALCON expands practical education and access

New this year, the Latino Track brought Spanish-language education to a lineup of more than 35 credit-earning sessions, with technical, business and leadership programming supported by Spanish-language hands-on demonstrations in the METALCON Training Zone.

“METALCON created a stronger space for Latino contractors through Spanish-language education, networking and greater industry representation,” said Amparo Sancen, founder of Latinos en Roofing and Sancen Contracting LLC. “Contractors from across the U.S. and Latin America came to learn about metal roofing, explore business opportunities and connect with manufacturers and industry leaders. It was an important step in introducing more Latino contractors to the metal industry and helping them grow, diversify and better serve their customers. I’m excited to see the Latino Track grow even bigger next year in Louisville!”

FORGE builds connections across the industry

FORGE, METALCON’s expanded program for women in the industry, brought together professionals at different stages of their careers for leadership insight, candid conversation and networking.

“In an industry where we’re often the only woman at the table, connecting with dozens of women at FORGE who’ve faced the same challenges, celebrated the same wins and understood the world of metal construction was energizing,” said Lee Ann Slattery, sales support manager at ATAS International and the first woman to chair the Metal Construction Association. “The conversations were honest, the connections genuine, and I left with fresh perspectives and a network I’m already leaning on.

40 Under 40 looks ahead to 2027

The inaugural Metal Construction 40 Under 40 Recognition Program honored 40 professionals whose work is influencing jobsites, fabrication, engineering, design and other areas of the industry. Honorees were recognized onsite and connected during the Future Leaders Happy Hour. METALCON plans to bring 40 Under 40 back in 2027

“METALCON’s strength is bringing the people who design, manufacture, specify and install metal construction products together under one roof,” said Judy Geller, vice president of trade shows at PSMJ, producers of METALCON. “After 35 years, learning from one another, finding solutions and building business relationships continues to make the show valuable.”

METALCON 2027 takes place Oct. 26-28 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville offers plenty to explore beyond the show floor, from iconic Churchill Downs and Kentucky bourbon experiences to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, METALCON brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction industry to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business and education summit - where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.

METALCON has announced the winners of its sixth annual Top Products Awards, recognizing product innovations showcased at its 35th anniversary event, held Oct. 7–9 in Orlando, Florida.

Products were evaluated through public electronic voting before the show and attendee voting onsite, giving metal construction industry professionals a voice in recognizing products, technologies and solutions designed to address the evolving needs of metal construction with improved performance, efficiency and installation.

The 2026 METALCON Top Products Award winners are:

First Place

Company: Progressive Foam

Category: Insulation

Product: Progressive Foam ReadyClad®
 

Progressive Foam ReadyClad® combines continuous insulation with built-in treated plywood furring strips for exposed perimeter foundation applications. By integrating the fastening surface directly into the insulation panel, ReadyClad eliminates the need to install separate furring strips, helping reduce labor, materials, installation time and opportunities for error. Its Graphite Polystyrene (GPS) core delivers R-values up to R-9.2, while its vapor-permeable construction supports fast drying and moisture management.
 

Second Place

Company: BH-USA/Elite Fans

Category: Accessories

Product: Elite Electric Fans
 

BH-USA/Elite Fans offers industrial ventilation solutions for commercial, industrial, agricultural and manufacturing applications. Its Elite Electric Products line includes belt-driven cabinet exhaust fans, wall-mount panel exhaust fans, exhaust shutters and electric motors in multiple sizes.

Designed for demanding environments such as fabrication shops, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, agricultural buildings and equipment storage, the fans are engineered for long-term durability, powerful airflow and ease of maintenance.
 

Third Place

Company: PPG

Category: Coatings

Product: AQUACRON® Waterborne Shop Primers (WSP) for Structural Steel
 

PPG AQUACRON® Waterborne Shop Primers (WSP) are designed to help structural steel fabricators improve throughput while reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The primers deliver a smooth finish and are formulated to cure in approximately two minutes under standard heat, helping reduce drying and curing times and the space required for production. Factory-applied to beams, purlins, joists and framing components, the primers also help protect steel against flash rust and corrosion during transportation, storage and construction.

“METALCON’s 35th anniversary gave us an opportunity to reflect on how far the industry has come, but the METALCON Top Products Awards are really about what comes next,” said Judy Geller, vice president of trade shows at METALCON. “This year’s winners demonstrate how manufacturers are addressing real-world challenges through improvements in performance, efficiency and installation. We look forward to seeing how these innovations continue to shape the industry as we look ahead toward METALCON 2027 in Louisville, Kentucky on October 26-28.”

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit—where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. METALCON 2027 takes place Oct. 26–28 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.

Por The Coffee Shops®, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Realizar la fabricación fuera del lugar de trabajo mejora la eficiencia de la mano de obra, permite crear calendarios más confiables y ayuda a proteger los márgenes de ganancia del proyecto. 

Los sistemas prefabricados de edificios metálicos están dando a los contratistas un mayor control sobre tres de los retos más constantes de la construcción: tiempo, mano de obra y costos. También conocidos como edificios metálicos prediseñados (PEMBs), estos sistemas se diseñan, desarrollan y fabrican fuera del lugar de trabajo antes de llegar al proyecto listos para su ensamblaje. 

Según este artículo de METALCON,

una de las principales ventajas es la posibilidad de fabricar los componentes estructurales mientras se realizan la preparación del terreno y los trabajos de cimentación. Este proceso simultáneo puede reducir los tiempos del proyecto y permitir que las cuadrillas comiencen directamente con la instalación cuando llega el paquete del edificio. Debido a que las columnas, vigas, paneles de techo y sistemas de muros están prediseñados y precortados, los contratistas también pueden reducir los cortes, la soldadura, los ajustes y el retrabajo en el lugar de trabajo. 

Realizar el proceso de fabricación bajo techo reduce las interrupciones en la producción causadas por las condiciones climáticas. Una fabricación más predecible y entregas mejor coordinadas pueden ayudar a los contratistas a organizar los calendarios de los subcontratistas, el equipo y las actividades de instalación, al mismo tiempo que reducen los tiempos de inactividad entre las diferentes etapas de la construcción. 

El impacto en el negocio puede reflejarse directamente en los márgenes de ganancia del proyecto. Los calendarios prolongados, las horas extra, el retrabajo, las cuadrillas inactivas y los problemas de coordinación pueden generar costos ocultos durante todo el proyecto. La prefabricación permite que las cuadrillas especializadas dediquen más tiempo al ensamblaje de los sistemas y menos tiempo a modificar componentes en el lugar de trabajo. Según Metal Construction News, los edificios metálicos prediseñados (PEMB) generalmente pueden generar ahorros de entre un 25% y un 30% en comparación con la construcción tradicional. 

Proyectos recientes demuestran cómo estas ventajas se reflejan en el campo. Después del incendio forestal de Pacific Palisades de 2025, un propietario utilizó un sistema prefabricado de acero para completar la primera reconstrucción residencial del vecindario. En Springdale, Arkansas, Central States Inc. inauguró una planta de estructuras de acero de 105,000 pies cuadrados para ampliar su capacidad de fabricación automatizada y mejorar la producción de paquetes para edificios metálicos prediseñados. 

Para los propietarios, terminar un proyecto más rápido puede permitir que el edificio se ocupe antes y comience a generar ingresos con mayor rapidez. Para los contratistas, entregar los proyectos de manera confiable puede liberar cuadrillas y equipo para comenzar el siguiente trabajo. En conjunto, estos beneficios están convirtiendo la prefabricación en una herramienta estratégica para controlar los riesgos y mantener el avance de los proyectos. 

Para conocer más sobre los sistemas de construcción prefabricados y las soluciones para la ejecución de proyectos, lee el artículo completo.

No olvides registrarte para METALCON, que se llevará a cabo del 7 al 9 de octubre de 2026 en Orlando, Florida.

Rex joined EXCEPTIONAL Metals in 2022 and has demonstrated a strong ability to identify opportunities, understand evolving market needs and turn ideas into practical solutions.

EXCEPTIONAL Metals, part of the Duro-Last® family of brands under Amrize Building Envelope, is proud to announce that Travis Rex, director of sales operations, has been named a 2026 METALCON 40 Under 40 honoree.

METALCON's inaugural 40 Under 40 program recognizes emerging leaders who are making an impact on the metal construction industry through achievement, leadership, innovation and industry involvement. The honorees represent professionals who are helping shape the future of the industry.

Rex joined EXCEPTIONAL Metals in 2022 and has demonstrated a strong ability to identify opportunities, understand evolving market needs and turn ideas into practical solutions. His experience spans product management, market research, go-to-market strategy and sales operations.

Throughout his career, Rex has brought a fresh perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing the metal construction industry. He has a talent for connecting customer needs, market trends and business opportunities while identifying ways to improve processes and strengthen collaboration.

In his current role, Rex leads sales operations for EXCEPTIONAL Metals and supports strategic growth across key areas of the business. He has also helped identify opportunities for greater collaboration and efficiency across the broader Amrize organization to strengthen how the business serves its customers.

"Travis brings curiosity, strategic thinking and a strong focus on execution to everything he does," said Kevin Blaesser, EXCEPTIONAL Metals general manager. "He consistently looks for opportunities to improve, challenge conventional thinking and bring people together to find solutions. We are proud to see his leadership recognized by METALCON and the metal construction industry."

The 2026 METALCON 40 Under 40 honorees were recognized during METALCON, which took place Oct. 7-9 in Orlando, Florida.

About EXCEPTIONAL Metals

EXCEPTIONAL Metals is a leading manufacturer of edge metal, drainage and accessory solutions for the commercial roofing industry. With extensive custom capabilities, EXCEPTIONAL Metals manufactures high-performance, precision-crafted products designed to meet the unique specifications and demands of each project. EXCEPTIONAL Metals also offers a complete line of metal roofing and wall panel products, providing customers with a comprehensive selection of solutions for both performance and aesthetics. Known for its quality craftsmanship, customization and exceptional customer support, EXCEPTIONAL Metals delivers durable, dependable metal solutions for commercial construction projects. EXCEPTIONAL Metals is a brand of Amrize Building Envelope LLC. For more information on EXCEPTIONAL Metals, call 866.337.4599 or visit exceptionalmetals.com.

About Duro-Last

Duro-Last is a leading manufacturer of custom-fabricated thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems based in Saginaw, Michigan, with eight manufacturing locations across the U.S. Known as the “World’s Best Roof® ”, Duro-Last’s factory-controlled custom-fabrication can eliminate up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. Duro-Last’s roofing systems are sustainable and durable. More than 2 billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is a brand of Amrize Building Envelope LLC. For more information on Duro-Last, call 800.248.0280 or visit duro-last.com.

About Amrize

Amrize (NYSE: AMRZ) is building North America, as the partner of choice for professional builders with advanced building solutions from foundation to rooftop. With over 1,000 sites and a highly efficient distribution network, we deliver for our customers in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Our 19,000 teammates uniquely serve every construction market from infrastructure, commercial and residential to new build, repair and refurbishment. Amrize achieved $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange. We are ready to build your ambition. Learn more at amrize.com.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Shifting fabrication off-site improves labor efficiency, creates more reliable schedules and protects project margins. 

Prefabricated metal building systems are giving contractors greater control over three of construction’s most persistent pressures: time, labor and cost. Also known as pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs), these systems are designed, engineered and manufactured off-site before arriving at the jobsite prepared for assembly. 

According to this article by METALCON, a key advantage is the ability to manufacture structural components while site preparation and foundation work are underway. This parallel process can compress schedules and help crews move directly into installation when the building package arrives. Because columns, beams, roof panels and wall systems are pre-engineered and pre-cut, contractors can also reduce field cutting, welding, adjustments and rework. 

Moving fabrication indoors further limits weather-related production interruptions. More predictable manufacturing and coordinated deliveries can help contractors align subcontractor schedules, equipment and installation activities while reducing downtime between construction phases. 

The business impact can extend directly to project margins. Extended schedules, overtime, rework, idle crews and coordination problems can create hidden costs throughout a project. Prefabrication allows skilled crews to spend more time assembling systems and less time modifying components in the field. According to Metal Construction News, PEMBs typically offer cost savings of 25% to 30% compared with traditional construction. 

Recent projects demonstrate how these advantages translate into the field. Following the 2025 Pacific Palisades wildfire, a homeowner used a prefabricated steel system for the neighborhood’s first completed residential rebuild. In Springdale, Arkansas, Central States Inc. opened a 105,000-square-foot steel frame plant to expand automated fabrication capacity and improve production of PEMB packages. 

For owners, faster completion can support earlier occupancy and revenue generation. For contractors, reliable turnover can free crews and equipment for the next job. Together, those benefits are making prefabrication a strategic tool for managing risk and maintaining momentum. 

To learn more about prefabricated building systems and project delivery solutions, read the full article.  

Don’t forget to register for METALCON, October 7-9, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.

Por The Coffee Shops®. 

Expertos de la industria explorarán cómo el roofing de metal contribuye a la sustentabilidad, el valor a largo plazo y la resiliencia en la construcción residencial. 

La sustentabilidad es cada vez más importante para los propietarios de viviendas y profesionales de la construcción al evaluar diferentes opciones de roofing. El jueves 8 de octubre, en METALCON, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) presentará “Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice”, una sesión enfocada en las ventajas ambientales, de desempeño y a largo plazo del roofing de metal. 

La sesión analizará cómo el roofing de metal puede ayudar a reducir el consumo de recursos, disminuir los costos durante su ciclo de vida y mejorar la eficiencia de los edificios. Los asistentes conocerán cómo características como el contenido reciclado, la reciclabilidad, la durabilidad, la larga vida útil y el desempeño de ahorro de energía contribuyen a la sustentabilidad general de un techo. 

La conversación también definirá qué es la sustentabilidad y por qué es importante para los propietarios de viviendas. Los presentadores abordarán características específicas del roofing que pueden influir en el desempeño ambiental, desde el contenido reciclado utilizado en los productos de roofing de metal hasta la posibilidad de reciclar el material al final de su vida útil. 

Más allá de los materiales, la sesión explorará los beneficios ambientales relacionados con el roofing de metal, incluyendo aplicaciones solares, captación de agua y posibles ahorros en los costos de calefacción y enfriamiento. Los speakers también explicarán cómo se desempeña el roofing de metal durante eventos climáticos extremos, como granizo, vientos fuertes y huracanes. 

El panel de presentadores reúne experiencia en los sectores de metales, roofing, manufactura, ventas y sustentabilidad. Los speakers incluyen a Melissa Dunson, vicepresidenta de ventas de Central States; Renee Ramey, directora ejecutiva de MRA; Brian Smallwood, marketing manager – construction de Steel Dynamics Inc.; Mitch Heitsch, director de ventas de Westlake Royal Building Products; y Lauren Rogers, global sustainability manager del equipo de Sherwin-Williams Coil and Extrusion. 

Los asistentes se llevarán recomendaciones prácticas para comunicar las ventajas sustentables del roofing de metal a propietarios de viviendas, desarrolladores, arquitectos, propietarios de edificios y facility managers. 

Asegúrate de agregar esta sesión a tu calendario para conocer cómo posicionar el roofing residencial de metal como una solución de construcción sustentable, duradera y de largo plazo. 

Por The Coffee Shops® 

Asegúrate de incluir estas sesiones y expositores en tu lista de prioridades para METALCON.  

Del 7 al 9 de octubre en Orlando, Florida, la industria se reunirá para tres días de educación, innovación y networking. Con más de 60 sesiones educativas y 250 expositores, es importante que los asistentes planifiquen su agenda con anticipación. Desde nuevos productos y servicios hasta soluciones innovadoras, no querrás perder la oportunidad de conversar con estos socios de The Coffee Shops®: Carlise Architechtural Metals, Central States Manufacturing, Malco, Roof Huger, Van Mark, ATAS International, Inc., Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings y muchos más. Además, no olvides visitar el stand 408 para conocer al equipo de MetalCoffeeShop®.

Conferencia Magistral: Nada Puede Detenerte 

El exlanzador de las Grandes Ligas Jim Abbott compartirá su extraordinaria historia, desde Flint, Michigan, hasta lanzar un juego sin hit ni carrera en el Yankee Stadium. Nacido sin mano derecha, Jim encontró formas creativas de perseguir sus metas mientras aprendía la importancia de la responsabilidad y la confianza. Su inspiradora conferencia explora cómo la mentalidad adecuada puede transformar la adversidad en crecimiento personal, ayudando a los asistentes a reconocer sus propios desafíos como oportunidades para desarrollar resiliencia y adaptarse al cambio. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Conferencia Magistral: Construyendo en la Incertidumbre: Perspectivas del Mercado para las Industrias de la Construcción y el Diseño 

¿Qué factores económicos influirán en la construcción y el diseño durante los próximos 12 meses? El execonomista en jefe del American Institute of Architects, Kermit Baker, analizará los indicadores que afectan la actividad de los proyectos, el crecimiento de los distintos sectores y las prioridades de los clientes. Los asistentes obtendrán una perspectiva basada en datos sobre las tendencias del mercado, las diferencias regionales y las oportunidades emergentes que les ayudarán a tomar decisiones informadas en un entorno de constante cambio. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Perspectiva de la Industria: Actualizaciones de Códigos para la Construcción Metálica: Qué Cambió y Qué Significa 

Los cambios en los códigos pueden provocar retrasos en permisos, rediseños y problemas de cumplimiento cuando no se conocen o se interpretan incorrectamente. Los expertos Bill Beals, Paul Deffenbaugh y Bob Zabcik analizarán las actualizaciones recientes y futuras que afectan a la construcción metálica. La sesión abordará aspectos relacionados con el diseño, las especificaciones, la fabricación y la instalación, ayudando a los asistentes a comprender los requisitos actuales y prepararse para las tendencias que podrían influir en futuros proyectos. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Perspectiva de la Industria: 2027, el Futuro de la Construcción Metálica 

Líderes de la industria examinarán las fuerzas económicas, regulatorias, de materiales y de obra que darán forma a la construcción metálica rumbo a 2027. Los panelistas Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry, Vincent Sagan y Benton Trotter conectarán la realidad actual del mercado con los desafíos y oportunidades que se avecinan. Los asistentes explorarán cómo las condiciones de suministro, la evolución de los códigos y las presiones en la construcción están influyendo en los costos, los métodos de entrega y las prácticas del sector. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Las sesiones educativas son solo una parte de la experiencia. Los asistentes también podrán recorrer una enorme área de exhibición para establecer contactos, descubrir nuevas soluciones y aprender directamente de profesionales de toda la industria. Asegúrate de incluir el stand 408 de MetalCoffeeShop® en tu recorrido. 

Mientras visitas la expo, también encontrarás a varios socios de The Coffee Shops®, entre ellos Western States Metal Roofing, BITEC, Franklin International, Giddy Up, H.B. Fuller / GSSI, Latinos en Roofing, MARCO Industries, Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), McElroy Metal, MetalForming Inc., MFM Building Products, RoofScope y muchas otras empresas destacadas del sector.

No te pierdas el evento metalero del año. Regístrate para asistir a METALCON y utiliza el código 30MCS para obtener $30 de descuento en tu pase. 

Por Jesse Sanchez, traducido por Jessica Bravo.  

Capacitación práctica, tecnología emergente y más oportunidades para establecer conexiones ofrecerán a los asistentes una mirada a lo que viene para la industria de la construcción con metal. 

METALCON se prepara para celebrar su 35.º aniversario con un evento enfocado tanto en reconocer los cimientos de la industria como en explorar hacia dónde se dirige la construcción con metal. En este episodio de MetalCast™, la conductora Karen Edwards conversó con Judy Geller, vicepresidenta de trade shows de PSMJ Resources y show director de METALCON, sobre lo que los asistentes pueden esperar del 7 al 9 de octubre de 2026 en el Orange County Convention Center de Orlando, Florida. 

Judy explicó el enfoque de este año y señaló, “Es nuestro 35.º aniversario, lo cual es un hito muy emocionante. Pero este no es un evento retrospectivo”. Este enfoque hacia el futuro estará presente en todo el piso de exhibición, las sesiones educativas y las oportunidades para establecer conexiones. 

Entre las nuevas incorporaciones se encuentra Forge, una versión ampliada del programa Metal and Mimosas para mujeres en la construcción con metal. El programa de medio día se llevará a cabo el martes 6 de octubre y contará con speakers, panelistas y oportunidades para establecer conexiones, seguido de una recepción patrocinada por National Women in Roofing (NWIR). Al explicar por qué se amplió el programa, Judy dijo, “Ya se estaba quedando pequeño. Necesitábamos darle más espacio y había mucha demanda”. 

La capacitación seguirá siendo uno de los principales enfoques, con más de 35 sesiones programadas en el piso de exhibición, junto con aproximadamente 263 expositores. Un nuevo Contractor Business Success Center se enfocará en ayudar a los contratistas a incorporar el metal a sus negocios y hacer crecer sus operaciones, mientras que Training Zone y Metal Mastery Clinics ofrecerán más oportunidades de aprendizaje. 

La tecnología también ocupará un lugar central a medida que la automatización, la inteligencia artificial y los flujos de trabajo digitales se convierten en herramientas cada vez más prácticas para los contratistas. Al reflexionar sobre este cambio, Judy dijo, “Creo que los asistentes verán en el piso de exhibición y en las sesiones educativas cómo la tecnología realmente ha evolucionado, pasando de la teoría a la automatización práctica, la inteligencia artificial y los flujos de trabajo digitales”. 

Otros aspectos destacados incluyen una activación de U.S. Steel para celebrar su 125.º aniversario, la construcción en vivo de una tiny house de 480 pies cuadrados por parte de FrameCat y sus socios, presentaciones principales de Jim Abbott y Kermit Baker, speed networking, una recepción para contratistas, un happy hour para futuros líderes y el reconocimiento del grupo inaugural 40 Under 40. 

Escucha el podcast o mira la conversación para conocer más sobre la capacitación, tecnología, experiencias prácticas y oportunidades para establecer conexiones que los asistentes pueden esperar en METALCON 2026. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Industry experts to explore how metal roofing supports sustainability, long-term value and resilience in residential construction. 

Sustainability is increasingly important when homeowners and construction professionals evaluate roofing options. On Thursday, October 8 at METALCON, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) will present “Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice,” a session focused on the environmental, performance and long-term advantages of metal roofing. 

The session will examine how metal roofing can help reduce resource consumption, lower lifecycle costs and improve building efficiency. Attendees will learn how attributes such as recycled content, recyclability, durability, longevity and energy-saving performance contribute to a roof’s overall sustainability. 

The discussion will also define sustainability and understand why it matters to homeowners. Presenters will address specific roofing characteristics that can affect environmental performance, from the recycled content used in metal roofing products to the material’s recyclability at the end of its service life. 

Beyond material considerations, the session will explore environmental benefits associated with metal roofing, including solar applications, water catchment and potential heating and cooling cost savings. Speakers will also cover how metal roofing performs during extreme weather events such as hail, high winds and hurricanes. 

The presenter lineup brings experience from across the metals, roofing, manufacturing, sales and sustainability sectors. Speakers include Melissa Dunson, vice president of sales at Central States; Renee Ramey, executive director of MRA; Brian Smallwood, marketing manager – construction for Steel Dynamics Inc.; Mitch Heitsch, director of sales at Westlake Royal Building Products; and Lauren Rogers, global sustainability manager for the Sherwin-Williams Coil and Extrusion team. 

Attendees will leave with practical guidance for communicating metal roofing’s sustainable advantages to homeowners, developers, architects, building owners and facility managers. 

Make sure to add this session to your calendar to learn about positioning residential metal roofing as a sustainable, durable and long-term building solution.