By Metal Construction Alliance.

Join us to learn design‑focused, technical and practical tips from three experts, including an award-winning architect and an industry-leading specifier!

You're invited to earn up to three continuing education (CE) credits at a new, half-day educational program on May 29, 2026 in Chicago. Form, Function, and Finish: Designing with Metal is being developed and delivered by the Metal Construction Association (MCA)—the industry authority on the use of metal in the building envelope. Breakfast is included, and you can make new connections with time to network with attendees and vendors.

The details

When: Friday, May 29, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 633 North St. Clair Street, Chicago
What: Earn three (3) CEs in one morning
Why: Level up your skills and network

Registration is free for architects, designers and specifiers from throughout the Chicago area, Milwaukee and northwest Indiana.

What you'll learn and from whom

Designing with Metal: Performance, Resilience + Architectural Expression
Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder and principal of ISTUDIO Architects
An architect will discuss how metal systems reduce long-term operational costs, streamline construction and support resilient design via four award-winning projects. 

Designing With Metal Composite Materials
Samuel Chastain, director of commercial operations at Alfrex, Inc
Learn about flexibility, sustainability, energy efficiency and visual appearance designing with metal composite materials from an experienced industry professional who co-invented a composite building panel with improved resilience.

Insulated Metal Panels: Performance, Sustainability, + Design
Kyle Ferenc, CSI, district sales manager, ATAS International and VP of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute
A specifier will explore various uses for insulated metal panels in creative design, and the benefits of long-term sustainability. 

Companies you can connect with

In addition to learning, you can network with other attendees and meet leading suppliers for the metal building envelope. These companies include McElroy Metals, ATAS International, Sheffield Metals and more. The entire event is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. Make new connections and find products to help you achieve your goals!

Save your seat today! 

By Metal Roofing Alliance. 

The Metal Roofing Alliance kicked off Q1 of 2026 with a well-rounded list of new members. 

As the residential roofing market continues to grow and see consistent success, many roofing brands are branching out to find new ways of connecting with their market. This has led to a significant gain in memberships for organizations like the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), which has seen several new members join so far this year! As the leading nonprofit trade organization for the metal roofing industry in North America, being connected with the MRA is a wise investment for building a strong network and gaining relevant industry insights.  

MRA is pleased to announce the latest brands additions to their membership list, including:  

• Sheffield Metals, MRA Manufacturer Member, based in Sheffield Village, Ohio. A leading standing seam metal roof and wall products supplier, providing contractors, manufacturers and wholesalers with the complete package of high-quality metal roofing and wall materials.  
• New Tech Machinery, MRA Supporting Member, based in Aurora, Colorado. Providing the world’s finest portable roll forming machines, New Tech Machinery offers seamless gutter, metal roof and wall panel machines.  
• Sheridan Sheet Metal, MRA Manufacturer Member, based in New Hope, Minnesota. Sheridan Sheet Metal produces high quality architectural sheet metal products for residential and commercial gutters and roofs.  
• Metal Exteriors, MRA Manufacturer Member, based in Shiloh, Ohio. Metal Exteriors manufactures roofing panels (standing seam, exposed fastener panels and metal shingles) as well as siding panels ranging from traditional ag panels to shiplap, clapboard and the company’s signature board and batten styles. 
• BlueScope Coated Products, MRA Supplier Member, based in Middletown, Ohio. BlueScope Coated Products is a leader in metal coil coating, including high quality coated steel and aluminum.  
• ASC Building Products, MRA Manufacturer Member, based in West Sacramento, California.  ASC Building Products is a leader in metal roofing and siding for the residential, agricultural and building industry.  
• AEP Span, MRA Manufacturer National Member, based in West Sacramento, California.  AEP Span offers a full line of performance-rated architectural metal roofing and siding.  
• Steelscape, MRA Supplier Member, based in Kalama, Washington. Steelscape is a leading manufacturer of painted and steel coated products.  
• Copper Craft, MRA Manufacturer Member, based in Fort Worth, Texas.  Copper Craft offers a range of copper solutions for residential and commercial builds, including high quality copper roofing, gutters, fascia, coil and decorative accents.  
• FBI Supply Outlet, MRA Manufacturer Member, based in Northfield, New Hampshire. Serving homeowners as well as the construction industry, FBI Supply Outlet fabricates seamless gutters onsite and precise metal flashing of all shapes.  

In addition to welcoming these fantastic manufacturers and industry leaders, MRA has also added eight new contractor members this year.

Original article source: MRA

By Emma Peterson. 

Join The Coffee Shops™ crew and our industry partners in Sacramento for four days of education, innovation and industry connection. 

The Coffee Shops™ crew is putting the finishing touches on our travel plans to get to Sacramento, California March 12–15, 2026 for the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)’s International Convention and we want to see you at our booth and soundstage, sponsored by Western Colloid!  

This year’s show is predicted to host “1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other experts” for four days of learning, networking and more! With national sponsors like Carlisle, Elevate™, GAF, IB Roof Systems™, Johns Manville, Polyglass USA Inc., Sika Corporation, SOPREMA and Versico, this show is a must-attend for professionals in all parts of the roofing world.  

Expert-led education  

This show gives attendees a chance to learn from a variety of industry leaders and experts through their cutting-edge education sessions. Here are some of the incredible presenters that will be at this year’s show:  

• Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese will be hosting a “State of the Industry” session that will explore contract provisions and other emerging regulatory trends.  
• Darren Perry of SOPREMA has a session that discusses how low slope roofing can be enhanced in response to severe climate risks. 
• Amrize’s National Technical Manager Victor Rosenthal and Project Manager Rachael DeMeio will be teaching about trends in roof re-cover applications this year. 
• Jennifer Stephan from Benchmark’s session will dive into the world of Refrigerated Processing and Cold Storage Operations in relation to industrial roofing projects.  

Check out the full speaker list online!

An expo floor route 

The Coffee Shops crew will be on the expo floor hosting a soundstage at booth #1113! Here’s just a few of the other Coffee Shops friends and partners that can be found on IIBEC’s 2026 International Convention expo floor:  

• All Weather Insulated Panels (booth #1216) 
• Anchor Products (booth #907)  
• ATAS International (booth #728)  
• BITEC Inc. (booth #1023) 
• Brava Tile (booth #208) 
• CertainTeed (booth #227)  
• General Coatings Manufacturing (booth #926) 
• H.B. Fuller (booth #113) 
• ICP Building Solutions Group (booth #133) 
• IKO Industries (booth #426) 
• Leister (booth #619) 
• Malarkey Roofing Products (booth #213) 
• MuleHide (booth #814) 
• Roof Hugger (booth #707) 
• S-5! (booth #1019) 
• Sheffield Metals International (booth #625) 
• Sherwin Williams Roofing Solutions (booth #422) 
• Tremco (booth #321) 
• USG Securock (booth #401) 
• Western Colloid (booth #923) 
• Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions (booth #433) 

Explore the full expo floor map!

Register today and make sure you stop by to say hi to us and our industry friends at the IIBEC’s 2026 International Convention!

Lee Ann Slattery will be first female chair.

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is pleased to announce its new officers for 2026. Elected by MCA members, the board will be led by Lee Ann Slattery of ATAS International, the organization’s first female chair.

Slattery joins executive committee members:

• Vice chair: Bill Hartford, Sherwin-Williams
• Treasurer: David Stermer, Metal Sales
• Secretary: Chandler Barden, CIDAN Machinery
• Past chair: Brian Partyka, Carlisle Companies Inc
• Market development chair: Jules Dekovics, OMG
• MRA president: Todd Miller, Isaiah Industries, Inc.

Slattery joined the MCA board in 2020 and quickly became an officer, serving as chair of the market development committee. In 2023, she received MCA’s Patrick R. Bush Service Award. She serves on the education committee for the National Women in Roofing and is also a founder and a director of the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls. In 2020, she was inducted as a Fellow of the Construction Specifications Institute, where she served on its national board for four years. 

“I am excited about the upcoming growth and innovation for MCA and I believe we will reach new milestones with such a talented team of industry leaders on the board and staff,” said Slattery.

Slattery will succeed Chandler Barden, who most recently served as chair. Barden will continue serving as the association's secretary. The organization extends special thanks to him for his ongoing dedication to the industry.

The executive committee works alongside MCA directors, which include:

• RC Antal, ATAS International 
• Michael Beck, Accurate Perforating
• Mark Carlisle, US Steel
• Dustin Haddock, S-5!
• Jessica Haddock, S-5!
• DJ Highnote, RoofHugger
• Jeff Hock, Sheffield Metals
• Sean McCue, Precoat Metals
• Ken McLauchlan, Carlisle Building Products
• Karan Patel, Applied Fabricators
• John Trifonoff, East Coast Metals 
• Jodi Wagoner, Steel Dynamics
• Mike Weis, Petersen Aluminum Corp.

The board members are elected by the MCA members from the slate recommended by the nominating committee, with each serving a three-year term.

About the Metal Construction Association

Founded in 1983, MCA represents over 100 member companies that manufacture and distribute products for the metal construction industry. The association’s mission is to promote the use of metal in the building envelope. Member volunteers collaborate on projects to educate contractors and architects about best practices for metal design and installation, while also ensuring compliance with evolving building codes and standards that support safety, sustainability and performance. Companies involved in MCA benefit greatly from activities focused on research, codes and standards, market development and technical programs. For more information, visit metalconstruction.org.

By Emma Peterson. 

Don’t miss the largest international event in the metal industry – METALCON 2025! 

Every year, METALCON brings professionals from around the world and the metal industry together for three incredible days of networking and learning. Attendees can look forward to networking with like-minded professionals, seemingly endless roofing innovations to explore and education that will help make their business more competitive, efficient and profitable. Keep reading to learn more of what to expect from this year’s show, happening October 21-23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Two inspiring keynotes 

This year’s show will feature two incredible keynote presentations! The first will be hosted at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21 by Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha. Clinton served in the 14-hour Battle of Kamdesh — one of the deadliest engagements of the Afghan War — and received the Medal of Honor. He has shared his story in a New York Times bestselling book (Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor), which inspired the critically acclaimed film The Outpost, starring Scott Eastwood and Orlando Bloom. In his talk, “Always Forward – Lessons in Leadership and Resilience,” Clinton will share about leading with purpose and persevering under pressure.  

The other keynote will be presented by Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting at the Bundy Group, on Wednesday, October 22 at 9:00 a.m. Alex brings over two decades of experience in market research and analysis. Having consulted with and advised companies across North and South America, Europe and Asia, Alex’s keynote, “Economic and Labor Market Update – What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond,” is the perfect resource for professionals looking to learn more about "time-sensitive economic events of concern such as inflation, interest rates, tariffs, immigration, labor market conditions, consumer spending, business investment and industrial activity.”  

Learn more about the keynote speakers!

Eight in-depth workshops 

Looking for a way to level up your practical skills while at METALCON? Make sure to register for some of these expert-led workshops: 

• Metal Roof Installation Training: Part 1 – Certificate Course: Hosted October 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. by the Metal Construction Association, this workshop promises to help you master the basics of substrates, safety, sealants and more!  
• Metal Roof Installation Training: Part 2 – Certificate Course: The second part of the October 20 course, this session will be hosted on October 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and builds on the learning from Part 1. 
• Roll Forming for the Metal Construction Industry – Part 1: Also hosted on October 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this workshop offers a series of presentations from roll-forming experts, Shawn Huffman, Josh Beck, Andy Allman and Steve Ebel.  
• Advanced Metal Exterior Installation Techniques for Roofing & Building Contractors: If you’re looking for a hands-on experience that will sharpen your metal roofing and building skills, you don’t want to miss this workshop, happening October 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
• Metal Roofing from A (Aluminum) to Z (Zinc): Hosted from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on October 21, this workshop is led by Rob Haddock of S-5! and is a crash course in everything metal! 
• Low Slope Detailing Workshop – Certificate Course: Happening in the afternoon of October 21 (1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.), this is the opportunity to learn all about installing low slope metal roofing.  
• The Blueprint to Back Office Success – Managing Credit and Collections in Construction: And for those looking for some office help, this session on October 21 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. will cover everything from setting credit terms to developing policies and handling collections.  
• Roll Forming for the Metal Construction Industry – Part 2: Last but not least is the second part of the October 21 rollforming workshop. This one, hosted on October 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will cover the same topic with two new experts, Brian Rogers and Paul Williams. 

These workshops are designed to help both beginner and advanced professionals to learn, earn credentials and work with industry professionals. 

Get more details about the workshops!

35+ educational sessions 

In addition to the more in-depth, hands-on workshops, there are a over 35 education sessions across six different tracks: 

1. Business growth and innovation: The sessions in this track help you find practical, expert-tested strategies that will help you run a smarter and more profitable business. 
2. Building performance: Designed for anyone involved in the design, construction or code compliance of metal buildings, this session delivers targeted, expert-led education about risk mitigation in the face of extreme weather events.  
3. Installation and techniques: Sponsored by CIDAN Machinery Group, sessions in this track aim to provide installers and contractors with the knowledge to improve their build practices.  
4. Masterclass: Sessions in the masterclass track are designed to help experienced professionals deepen their expertise by going beyond the basics and diving into critical, real-world strategies. 
5. Design District: The Design District @ METALCON was created specifically for architects, designers, specifiers and engineers. Sessions taught here deliver the inspiration, knowledge, connections and credits needed to help design professionals excel with metal. 
6. Metal mastery clinics: Hosted in the exhibit hall, these sessions feature Metal Construction Association and Metal Roofing Alliance experts and are the perfect resource for contractors and installers looking to improve their metal installation technique.  

These sessions are included in your registration and designed to connect you with the industry’s foremost experts in metal construction and design. Whatever role you hold in the industry, there’s a session that will help you. 

Check out the full list of sessions!

275+ trade show booths 

Last but not least, the show will feature an incredible expo hall with over 275 booths to explore! This is a great opportunity to learn about the newest innovations and solutions that are being developed in the roofing industry from leading companies like AkzoNobel (Booth #5005), Cougar Paws (Booth #7104), H.B. Fuller (Booth #3035), New Tech Machinery (Booth #4027), Sheffield Metals (Booth #4033), Unified Steel (Booth #7098) and Van Mark Products (Booth #4104). The Coffee Shops™ crew will be there (Booth #2001), so make sure to stop by, say hi and check out our soundstage, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams!  

Explore the full trade show map!

Register now for METALCON 2025 using this registration link and receive $30 off registration costs! Or use code 30MCS for the same discount!

By Dani Sheehan. 

With a packed schedule of educational sessions and networking events, make sure you plan ahead for IRE 2025! 

You probably already have your walking shoes and business cards on your packing list for the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2025 – but have you packed your peppermint mints? No, we’re not subtly suggesting anything about your breath! Peppermint is known to boost alertness and memory, helping you stay sharp while navigating the packed schedule of educational sessions, networking events and product showcases at this year’s show. 

This year, The Coffee Shops will be right in the heart of the action! Be sure to swing by our booth in Alcove 1, just to the right of the Hall 2 Entrance. Grab some swag and say hello as you gear up for a full three days of roofing innovations, business development opportunities and worldly connections. 

Then, make your way to Tremco Roofing at booth #2202 to learn about their latest innovations and solutions! Look out for more information about the Tremco reception after the expo floor closes on Thursday. 

Day two, Thursday, February 20, 2025, starts off strong with the Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition. And when you’re ready to drop from attending educational sessions and walking the expo floor, join the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) for their awards ceremony from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  

With so much happening, it’s essential to plan ahead. Some key presentations on Thursday, February 20, 2025, you won’t want to miss include: 

• Heat Smart, Safe Workers: Heat Illness Prevention in the Roofing Industry | 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Presented by Cheryl Ambrose, vice president and enterprise risk management at NRCA 
• It’s All About the Testing! A Technical Understanding of Codes and Standards in the Roofing Industry | 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Presented by Jacqueline LaDuke, field testing engineer at Elevate, and Rodrigo Maese, lead project engineer, codes department at Elevate 
• Seven (7) Sales Training Basics Beginners Must Master | 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Presented by John DeRosa, director of contractor training at SRS Distribution, Inc. 
• NRCA’s Roundtable Discussion: Preparing for a New Generation | 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Speakers include Wendy Marvin, president of Matrix Roof & Home, Geoff Mitchell, CEO of Mid-South Roof Systems, Bob Morgan, owner of Upstate Roofing & Painting, David Sanders, sales training and development at Beacon Building Products, JJ Smithey, president and owner at Frost Roofing Inc., and Brad Sutter executive vice president at Sutter Roofing Company 
• Blueprint for Excellence: Building a Thriving Maintenance and Repair Department | 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Presented by Tracey Donels, CEO/Founder of Service First Solutions 
• Critical Choices: Managing Air/Vapor in Low-Slope Roof Systems | 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Presented by Scott Wood, senior building scientist at VaproShield 
• Standing Seam Installation | 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Presented by Jason Ayres, technical services manager at Sheffield Metals, Andy Lesmeister, weathertight warranty inspector at Sheffield Metals and David Stubbs, assistant technical director at Sheffield Metals 
• 52 Weeks, Engaging Sales Meetings for a Winning Culture | 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Presented by Greg Bjornson, CARE business growth lead at GAF 
• Rooftop Equipment Securement: Codes and Solutions | 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Presented by Joel Stanley, CEO and founder of Anchor Products 
• From Leaks to Likes: How Software Secrets Can Turn Your Roofing Business into a 5-Star Experience | 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. | Presented by Adam Keys, vice president of product at JobNimbus 

Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, explore new technologies or connect with the industry’s top experts, IRE 2025 has something for everyone. See you on the expo floor!

Looking to attend sessions on other days of the event? Check out what’s going on during day one and day three of IRE 2025!  

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The first day of IRE is packed with industry expertise and innovation. 

Roofing professionals from across the country are gathering for a full day of insights, networking and forward-thinking strategies at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2025. With sessions covering everything from safety leadership to sustainable practices, this event promises to equip attendees with the tools they need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. 

Before exploring the packed schedule of educational sessions, be sure to stop by The Coffee Shops booth in the lobby to say hi, check out our soundstage and get some fun swag. Then make your way onto the show floor to explore the latest tools, trends and insights from hundreds of vendors, including Roof Scout in booth #27116.  

Day one of IRE has a variety of sessions available. Make sure you plan ahead to find the sessions that best align with your interests and business goals. 

Featured sessions for Wednesday, February 19

• NRCA 2025 Safety Leadership Workshop | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Room 225D - An intensive workshop covering risk management, safety culture, legal updates and regulatory concerns for industry leaders presented by experts from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese. 
• Best Practices and Solutions in Attic Ventilation | 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.| Room 206AB - Explore the importance of balanced attic ventilation and installation techniques to prevent callbacks with Paul Scelsi from Air Vent. 
• Is That Leak Really the Roof? | 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. | Room 214CD - Investigate common causes of water infiltration that are often mistaken for roofing issues with Glen Clapper from the NRCA. 
• So, you Want to Recycle a Roof? | 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. | Room 207AB - Join Robert Anderson from Elevate and Jules Endres and Sherrie MacWilliams from Holcim for a discussion on the challenges and solutions in roofing material recycling. 
• Up Your Game: Successfully Recruiting and Retaining Women in the Industry | 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. | Room 008AB - Kristin Case of Hi-Peak Staffing Solutions, Rae Fistonich of Chinook Building Envelope Services and Shelby Smith and Lindsey Switzer of Owens Corning share strategies to attract and retain women in roofing and address labor shortages. 
• Is the American Dream Dead? | 9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. | Lila Cockrell Room - Former NRCA CEO Reid Ribble examines the state of the American dream and what it means for today’s professionals. 
• Leveraging Sustainability to Win Work | 11:00 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. | Booth #19060 - Jennifer Keegan of GAF shares case studies on how sustainable roofing solutions can be both cost-effective and competitive. 
• Don't Scrimp on Scrim | 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Booth #36115 - An in-depth look at PVC roofing membrane durability and performance standards with Chis Mahon of Holcim. 
• Shingle Recycling: Why we Should all Care | 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Booth #36090 - Owens Corning experts discuss efforts to reduce shingle waste and improve recycling processes. 
• In-home Sales, The Power of a Sales Process | 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Booth #19060 - Learn from Greg Bjornson of GAF how a structured sales process can enhance customer trust and drive business growth. 
• Top 5 Reasons Salespeople Lower Their Price | 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Booth #6077 - John DeRosa of SRS Distribution shares insights into pricing strategies and how to maintain profitability without unnecessary discounts. 
• Advanced Pricing Strategies to Drastically Improve Sales | 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Booth #33096 - Learn from John DeRosa of SRS Distribution about how Roof Hub Estimator can streamline pricing and bidding processes. 
• Roof and Building Restoration is More Than Just Repairs | 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. | Booth #36090 - Hear from a panel of experts from Polyglass about critical topics such as labor shortages, the decision-making process between restoration and new construction, and when restoration is the right choice for your project.
• Standing Seam Installation | 1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Booth #10141 - Best practices for standing seam metal roof installation from industry leaders at Sheffield Metals. 
• New Rules for New Roofs: The Evolving Landscape of Roofing Insurance Claims | 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Booth #19060 - Mike Thomas of GAF explains changes in homeowner insurance policies and their impact on roofing claims. 
• 5 Crucial Reasons Contractors Must use Roof Hub Estimator | 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Booth #36115 - John DeRosa of SRS Distribution will share how the Roof Hub Estimator helps contractors maximize profitability, improve accuracy and reduce proposal turnaround time.
• Retrofit With Metal Systems | 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Booth #10141 - Charlie Smith of McElroy Metal, Jason Kaiser of Vogler Sheet Metal and DJ Highnote of Roof Hugger share the nuances of retrofitting over various roofing systems and facilitating the installation of photovoltaic systems
• From Leaks to Likes: How Software Secrets Can Turn Your Roofing Business into a 5-star Experience | 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. | Booth #36105 - Adam Keys of JobNimbus shares strategies for improving customer trust and enhancing business reputation.  
• Low-slope Roofing and Photovoltaics | 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. | Booth #36115 - Rob Hughes of Johns Manville provides an introduction to rooftop PV systems.
• Find Your Value Proposition (presented in Spanish) | 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.| Booth #19060 - Learn how to position your company beyond price competition and highlight true value to clients from Alan Lopez of GAF. 

With such a diverse lineup of educational and technical sessions, IRE 2025 is shaping up to be an essential event for roofing professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're interested in safety leadership, sustainability, sales strategies or cutting-edge roofing innovations, there’s something for everyone. 

Don't forget to explore the exhibition hall and connect with leading industry vendors throughout the day. See you at the sessions! 

Looking to attend sessions on other days of the event? Check out what’s going on during day two and day three of IRE 2025!

The MCA looks forward to a productive year under its new leadership and is committed to advancing the industry through collaboration and innovation.

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is proud to announce the results of its 2025 board of directors and executive committee elections, held during the 2025 MCA Winter Meeting in Cape Coral, Florida.

Chandler Barden of CIDAN Machinery is the new chair of the board. He joins executive committee members:

• LeeAnn Slattery, ATAS International, vice chair
• Bill Hartford, Sherwin-Williams, treasurer
• David Stermer, Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation, secretary
• Brian Partyka, Carlisle Architectural Metals, past chair
• Mark Carlisle, US Steel, market development chair
• Todd Miller, Isaiah Industries, Inc., MRA president

New members to the board of directors include:

• Sean McCue, Precoat Metals
• Jodi Wagoner, Steel Dynamics, Inc.
• Karan Patel, Holcim

“We are thrilled to welcome Sean, Jodi and Karan to the board. Their valuable insights and expertise will undoubtedly play a pivotal role as we collaborate to drive growth and advance the metal construction industry,” said Barden.

The three newly appointed board members will join the industry leaders who also serve on the board, including:

• RC Antal, ATAS International 
• Michael Beck, Accurate Perforating
• Jules Dekovics, Exceptional Metals
• Dustin Haddock, S-5!
• Bill Hartford, Sherwin-Williams
• DJ Highnote, Roof Hugger
• Jeff Hock, Sheffield Metals
• Ken McLauchlan, S-5! 
• Miguel Peña, GSSI Sealants 
• John Trifonoff, East Coast Metals 
• Mike Weis, Petersen Aluminum Corp.

Carlisle, Miller, Haddock and Weis were re-elected to continue their service.

The board members are elected by MCA membership from the slate recommended by the nominating committee, with each board member serving a three-year term.

MCA extends its deepest thanks to outgoing board members Don Bratcher and Jim Bush for their years of dedicated service. Special recognition goes to Jim Bush, who joined the board in 2014 and most recently served as past chair, and Brian Partyka, whose two-year term as chair of the MCA board has been instrumental in driving growth and success.

The MCA looks forward to a productive year under its new leadership and is committed to advancing the industry through collaboration and innovation.

About the Metal Construction Association

The Metal Construction Association brings together a diverse industry for the purpose of expanding the use of metal in construction through marketing, research, technology and education. Companies involved in MCA gain tremendous benefit from association activities that focus on research, codes and standards, market development and technical programs. MCA’s market development efforts increase the use of metal materials in construction through the education of the building and design communities about the benefits of metal. For more information, visit metalonstruction.org.

In his expanded role, Tom will oversee the development and execution of the revenue team, which integrates sales and marketing functions.

Mazzella Companies is pleased to announce that Tom Horton has been promoted to chief revenue officer. Tom joined the organization in 2019 as vice president of sales for Sheffield Metals. For the past three years, Tom has served as executive vice president of sales for Mazzella Companies.

In his expanded role, Tom will continue to report to Mazzella Companies CEO, Tony Mazzella, while overseeing the development and execution of the revenue team, which integrates sales and marketing functions. With over 30 years of experience in industrial and equipment sales, Tom has a proven ability to lead revenue campaigns across complex organizations and implement integrated marketing strategies that strengthen branding and drive growth.

“I’m honored to have this opportunity to support the continued growth of Mazzella, Sheffield Metals and New Tech Machinery. I look forward to collaborating with the revenue team to drive our long-term strategic vision by enhancing customer acquisition and retention, elevating the customer experience and achieving measurable market share growth,” said Tom.

“Tom’s many years of experience as a sales leader and his more recent experience in marketing, along with his ability to lead change, makes him uniquely qualified for this new role as chief revenue officer. I am excited about Tom’s expanded role, which will align sales and marketing into a unified team, enhancing our ability to support today’s customers throughout their buying journey across all our businesses. Please join me in congratulating Tom on this well-deserved opportunity,” said Tony Mazzella, CEO of Mazzella Companies.

About Mazzella Companies

Mazzella Companies employs over 1,100 individuals in 40+ locations in North America. Mazzella is the largest independently owned company in the overhead lifting and rigging industries and is a manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of lifting products for industrial, commercial and specialty applications. In addition, Mazzella is a leading manufacturer of world-class overhead cranes, specialty machinery and overhead crane services. Mazzella Companies’ diverse portfolio includes Sheffield Metals, a manufacturer and distributor of coated and bare metal products for engineered metal roof and wall systems and New Tech Machinery, a manufacturer of portable roof panel and gutter machines recognized as the world’s finest portable rollformers.

By Anna Lockhart.  

Tune in as experts share their experiences attending the largest expo in the metal construction industry, METALCON. 

In a recent Coffee Conversations webinar, live from the trade show floor at METALCON 2024, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Adam Mazzella of Sheffield Metals, Terry McGuire of New Tech Machinery and Bobby Mesmer of RMG Erectors & Constructors. The panel of industry experts discussed the latest happenings at the trade show and how things are going for each company and their teams.  

Adam, Terry and Bobby discussed their company booths and exciting things they were seeing on the trade show floor at the event. Bobby shared, “METALCON is a great show every year. I mean, the way they put it together, all the people come together for the metal, the pre-engineered work, all the manufacturers.  We're seeing familiar faces in the erection business and in the supply business, so it's good to connect with everybody. I'm really excited to see some of the new products that are coming out.” 

Many manufacturers showcasing their products at their booths were eager to show off their latest product lines and equipment. Adam shared that his booth featured their newest products, centering around enhancing architectural curb appeal with textured PVDF coatings. “Textured items are hot right now, low gloss is in, textured is in. So, from an architectural curb appeal perspective, a lot of these things are in and we're only gaining steam with them, so it's exciting,” he shared.  

For New Tech Machinery, METALCON means manning a busy booth on the trade show floor with eager attendees checking out the latest equipment and machinery the brand had on display. “We've only been here for about four hours, but we brought a concept machine this year. And it has a lot of offerings that were developed through feedback from our clients. And so, we're really excited to show it. And we've had a massive amount of traffic this morning, so I'm very excited about how it's gone so far.” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the conversation or Watch the webinar to learn more about the METALCON 2024 trade show and attendee experience.