METALCON 2024 Preview: What’s Happening at This Year’s Metal Conference

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with current conference information for 2024.

For over 30 years, METALCON has been the leading metal construction industry trade show and conference dedicated to educating experts, showcasing metal innovations and exploring how metal is used in design, industrial, residential, and light commercial applications. The conference runs from October 30 to November 1, 2024, at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta, Ga.

New Tech Machinery (NTM) continues to be a dedicated exhibitor at METALCON since it began in 1991, as it has served as the exclusive industry event for new innovations in the metal industry. We’re excited to participate this year in booth #1925 and exhibit our ConceptQ prototype roll forming machine.

If you’ve never attended METALCON before or want to learn about what is coming to METALCON 2024, here’s what you should know about this annual metal construction trade show and tips to help you get the most out of your experience.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is METALCON
• What speakers, sessions, and keynote addresses are at METALCON 2024
• NTM’s ConceptQ exhibit
• How you can get the most out of attending this trade show
• New Tech Machinery’s involvement at METALCON

What Is METALCON?

METALCON began in 1991 and is the only global yearly tradeshow and conference solely about metal and its use in construction and design. At METALCON, not only will attendees get to experience an educational and informative conference, but they”ll also have the chance to speak with industry-leading vendors and exhibitors as well as participate in learning sessions and keynote addresses.

Whether you’re in the metal roofing or gutter contracting business and considering adding equipment, or just looking to get started in metal construction and want to learn about the industry, this is a great opportunity to speak and network with thousands of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and more during the three-day event.

What to Expect at METALCON 2024

METALCON 2024 Educational Sessions and Keynote Speakers

METALCON 2024 will offer pre-show workshops, free educational sessions throughout the exhibit hall, and keynotes from industry-leading experts. Each attendee receives a certificate of completion for each course.

Sessions and workshops this year include:

• State of the Industry-Presented by the Metal Construction Association
• Metal Mastery: Meeting Building Codes With Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
• Introduction to ANSI/ MCA FTS-1 Test Method for Windload Resistance on Flashing
• Building a Sustainable Future: Strategies for Metal Construction, Sustainability, and Resilience 
• Barndominiums: Solutions for Modern Problems, Inspired by Historic Design
• The Mergers and Acquisitions Workshop presented by PSMJ Resources

Keynote Speakers

Industry Keynote, October 30

Joe Theismann, Super Bowl-winning MVP quarterback and network sportscaster

“Game Plan for Success.”

Premier Keynote, October 31

Dr. Anirban Basu, “The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly: Financial Outlook and Trends for Metal Construction Industry.”

Inspiring Keynote, November 1

Dr. Melissa Furman, “Relevant Leadership: Navigate, Elevate, Accelerate.”

Learning Center Sessions

• Best Practices
• Technical Know-How
• Sustainability

In-Depth and Paid Workshops

For certifications and more comprehensive trainings

Who Should Attend METALCON 2024?

Those who attend Metalcon benefit from networking, learning new skills, discovering emerging technologies, and connecting to divergent fields in the metals industry.

Metalcon participants range from CEOs to contract roofers to architects, engineers, designers, and more, including:

• Project managers
• Contractors in metal building, roofing, and siding
• Environmental Engineers
• Builders
• Distributors
• Manufacturers
• Suppliers

METALCON 2024 Exhibitors

This year, over 200 exhibitors from the metal construction manufacturing industry and those who sell metal building goods and services, will showcase their latest and greatest products. 

Some of the types of products and services exhibited at METALCON include:

• Coatings, finishes, and metal coils & sheets
• Contractor tools like software, power tools, shears, and safety equipment
• Insulation and insulation systems
• Manufacturing equipment like rollforming machines, folders, shears, and software
• Roofing and metal roofing accessories and systems
• Metal wall systems and fabrication

How Can You Get the Most Out of Attending METALCON 2024?

While attending METALCON 2024, it can be a lot to take in all at once. If you’re looking to maximize your experience at the show, here are a few tips to help:

Research the event and plan before you go. This means not only finding out what educational opportunities you want to participate in, but also what exhibitors you want to see and talk to. Take plenty of business cards to exchange contact information with those who sell the products and services you’re interested in.

Learn from and talk to others in your space. Take the opportunity to network and learn from others in your industry and role about what equipment or products they use, what they like about them, and what they may not like about them.

Talk to manufacturers about their products and see how they work first-hand. Nobody knows their products better than the exhibitors at the show. If you’re looking to add fabrication or manufacturing equipment to your business, trade shows are one of the best times to purchase rollforming equipment. Shows and events provide a great opportunity to check out different brands and products, talk to people in person, witness live demos, and take home product literature.

Take advantage of the free workshops, demos, and learning experiences available to you at the show. Find out what industry trends are becoming popular, learn what innovations are upcoming, and talk to industry experts about their own experiences.

New Tech Machinery at METALCON

This year, as a featured exhibit, NTM will demonstrate its ConceptQ machine, a prototype rollformer. While this machine is not for sale, it includes 12 innovative enhancements that may lead into the future of rollforming.

ConceptQ Exhibit

Those attending the ConceptQ demo can fill out a survey to provide valuable feedback. Participants who include their name and email address on their surveys will be entered into a drawing to win a Yeti cooler. The ConceptQ will be exhibited at the NTM booth #1925.

“This year at MetalCon is especially exciting as for the first time we’re taking a prototype machine, the ConceptQ, with features that have never been offered before on an NTM machine to get customer feedback,” said Tom Laird, NTM’s Senior Account Manager. “NTM has always been a customer-driven company and we are constantly striving to make our clients journey safer, easier, and more profitable. This valuable feedback will help us take our machines into the future.”

NTM Account Manager Hayley Bohmer, attending her 6th METALCON, has made a lot of friends along the way. “Hugs and handshakes for those we have not seen since last year!” she said. “Stop by our booth and share with us how NTM can help you achieve your goals.”

“We’re excited to have our popular Mach II 5/6 Combo on display,” added account manager Thomas Campbell. “We’re including our EZ Counter Computerized Length Controller so that you can check out all of its functions.  I look forward to seeing everyone there.”

NTM and SMI President Adam Mazzella and NTM Vice President Terry McGuire will hold a panel discussion for Roofers Coffee Shop’s (RCS) Coffee Conversations on Wednesday, October 30 from 2 to 3 pm at the RCS booth.

Looking for a portable rollformer or want to learn more about metal roof or wall panel profiles? Check out New Tech Machinery’s Rollforming Learning Center or visit booth #1925 to witness live demos of the ConceptQ machine and talk to service and sales specialists.

Bottom Line on METALCON 2024

If you work in the metal construction industry, there are many opportunities for you to expand your network, learn more about current and future trends, and help grow your business just by attending METALCON 2024. 

If you haven’t signed up for METALCON yet, it’s not too late to register. Find out more about METALCON, its exhibitors, and attendee resources on their website.

If you want more information on New Tech Machinery’s portable rollforming machines, have any questions, or want to schedule a consultation, feel free to speak to one of our knowledgeable and helpful rollforming specialists!