Where the Metal Construction Year Is Made
For over three decades, METALCON has stood as the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. As the industry prepares for the 35th edition, the event returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from October 7–9, 2026, bringing together more than 4,000 professionals and over 250 exhibitors for three days that shape the year ahead.
The Only Event of Its Kind
Established in 1991 and produced by PSMJ Resources in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, METALCON has grown into the largest international gathering for the metal construction and design industry. Unlike general construction events, this show is built specifically for contractors, architects, fabricators, manufacturers, distributors, and developers who work with metal across the building envelope.
The event’s longevity is reflected in its “Legacy 10″—ten companies that have exhibited at every single METALCON since the inaugural show in 1991, including AkzoNobel, ATAS International, McElroy Metal, PPG, and Roof Hugger. This continuity speaks to the show’s enduring value as a marketplace where deals are made, partnerships are formed, and business strategies take shape.
A Global Gathering
METALCON 2026 will feature over 40 international exhibitors representing countries across Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond. These global innovators bring cutting-edge products and perspectives—from precision roll-forming equipment and architectural façade systems to advanced building materials and protective films. The international presence demonstrates how metal continues to lead the way in building performance, efficiency, and design worldwide.
Education and Training Front and Center
This year’s education program reflects the issues professionals are navigating every day: workforce development, changing codes, economic uncertainty, and the demand for field-ready training. The conference offers a comprehensive lineup organized around five specialized learning centers:
- Design District – AIA-accredited education for architects, designers, and specifiers focused on design innovation and the use of metal in the built environment
- Contractor Business Success Center – Practical strategies for improving profitability, operations, and workforce development
- Installation & Techniques Learning Center – Jobsite-focused training on installation best practices, safety, and field challenges
- Metal Performance Learning Center – Education focused on building performance, resilience, codes, standards, and compliance
- Tools & Technology Zone – Emerging technologies, software, automation, and productivity tools
Keynote Speakers
The 2026 program features two compelling keynote presentations:
- Jim Abbott, former Major League Baseball pitcher, will deliver “Nothing Can Stop You” on Wednesday, October 7, at 9:00 AM. Abbott’s keynote will focus on resilience, gratitude, and the ability to turn challenges into strengths—offering attendees a powerful perspective on perseverance, adaptability, and leadership.
- Kermit Baker, former chief economist for the American Institute of Architects, will present “Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries” on Thursday, October 8, at 9:00 AM. His keynote will examine the economic forces shaping project activity, demand, and sector growth over the next 12 months.
New Latino Track
In response to the industry’s growing community of Spanish-speaking professionals, METALCON 2026 introduces a new Latino Track featuring educational sessions and hands-on demonstrations presented in Spanish. Sessions include “From Vision to Profit: Building a Winning Business Plan in the Metal Industry” and “From Coil to Code: How High-Performance Metal Roofing Systems Are Engineered, Tested and Manufactured,” expanding access to high-value technical, business, and leadership education.
Hands-On Training
What continues to set METALCON apart is its commitment to live, hands-on training. The METAL Mastery Clinics, presented by the Metal Construction Association and Metal Roofing Alliance, take place on the show floor and feature industry best practices for installing standing seam metal panels, metal shingles, and retrofit systems. The METALCON Training Zone, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams | MetalVue, offers hands-on demonstrations using materials including painted steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper, with instruction available in both English and Spanish.
The Design District: A Show-Within-a-Show
The Design District at METALCON returns as a curated experience for architects, designers, specifiers, and engineers. This specialized hub offers expert-led education where attendees can earn up to a year’s worth of AIA Learning Units (including HSWs), visionary presentations, and access to cutting-edge solutions from exhibitors. Whether reimagining façades, advancing sustainability, or tackling performance and code challenges, the Design District delivers the inspiration and knowledge needed to transform work through the resilient beauty of metal.
Exhibit Hall: 250+ Exhibitors Across 75+ Product Categories
The exhibit hall brings together manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and fabricators serving the metal construction industry. Product categories include metal panels, roofing and wall systems, structural steel and cold-formed steel framing, fasteners, coatings and finishes, BIM and estimating software, fabrication equipment, and jobsite safety products. According to organizers, 58% of attendees purchase or plan to purchase within 12 months of attending, and 77% of exhibitors say METALCON delivers positive ROI.
Featured experiences include the U.S. Steel Experience, an immersive exhibit connecting materials, performance, and real-world application.
Who Should Attend
METALCON is designed for the entire metal construction ecosystem:
- Contractors and Installers – Gain field-ready techniques, improve installation quality, and learn best practices
- Architects and Designers – Earn AIA credits and explore the innovative use of metal in the built environment
- Fabricators and Manufacturers – Evaluate new technologies, connect with customers and suppliers, and understand market trends
- Distributors and Developers – Build relationships that drive consistent demand and scalable growth
A Tradition of Giving Back
METALCON also demonstrates the industry’s commitment to community. At the 2024 Atlanta event, the show donated $5,000 to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, supporting wounded, ill, and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The donation, presented with veteran Corporal Tony Mullis in attendance, highlighted the real impact of the metal construction community’s generosity.
Conclusion: Where Decisions Happen
METALCON 2026 is where the metal construction year is made—the products attendees will specify, the partners they will choose, and the ideas shaping their next projects all converge in one place over three days. Whether you are a contractor looking to improve field performance, an architect seeking design inspiration, or a manufacturer aiming to capture demand, this event offers the intelligence, connections, and opportunities to shape the year ahead.