METALCON marks 35 years with new exhibits, networking and veteran support

METALCON will return to Orlando Oct. 7-9 with immersive exhibits, expanded networking and a veteran housing initiative as the metal construction industry gathers for its 35th year. The show will spotlight new technology, industry history and future-focused connections for professionals across the sector.

Why it matters: - METALCON is positioning its 35th annual event as a snapshot of where metal construction has been, where it is now and where it is headed. - The show is designed for designers, manufacturers, specifiers and builders who want to track industry change, meet peers and see new tools in one place. - The event also ties industry innovation to community impact through a veteran housing initiative.

What happened: - METALCON will take place Oct. 7-9 in Orlando, Florida. - The show will include new onsite experiences, education, demonstrations, networking and community programming. - U. S. Steel and FRAMECAD will anchor two of the main immersive activations on the exhibit floor. - METALCON Vice President of Trade Shows Judy Geller said the event is aimed at showing the industry from every angle and helping attendees understand current issues and future shifts.

The details: - U. S. Steel’s Steel on the Move Experience will mark the company’s 125 years of innovation, craftsmanship and leadership in American steelmaking. - The exhibit will sit in the center of the hall and trace steel’s role in infrastructure, products and communities. - The same exhibit will also highlight technologies and sustainable solutions shaping steelmaking’s future. - FRAMECAD will present Design-to-Manufacture-to-Build Live with its partners. - The demonstration will follow the path from design and engineering to automated manufacturing and live assembly. - The FRAMECAD program is meant to show how connected construction technologies can improve speed, precision, efficiency and project delivery. - The FRAMECAD experience supports the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and METALCON’s broader veteran-focused commitment this year.

Between the lines: - METALCON is using its anniversary year to emphasize continuity in the industry while making room for new construction methods and digital workflows. - The mix of history, live demos and social events suggests the show is trying to serve both long-time attendees and newer professionals. - The veteran housing tie-in broadens the event beyond trade-show networking and gives the program a community-facing purpose.

What's next: - FORGE: Where Women in Metal Shape What’s Next will take place Tuesday, Oct. 6, before the official opening. - Speed Networking will run on Day One and be followed by the METALCON 35th Anniversary Bash. - The anniversary bash will recognize Legacy 10 companies and celebrate the show’s future. - The Future Leaders Happy Hour will honor this year’s 40 under 40 recipients. - Additional events include the Contractors Connection Reception and Oktoberfest in The Backyard. - METALCON Gives Back will support a Tunnel to Towers veteran housing community in Florida. - A check presentation is set for Thursday, Oct. 8, at 4 p.m. in the exhibit hall. - More information is available at the event website.

The bottom line: - METALCON is using its 35th year to blend trade education, industry networking and veteran support into a single Orlando event.