METALCON, the only global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction, announces its program line-up for this year’s annual conference and trade show, which takes place at the Tampa Convention Center from Wednesday, Oct. 6-Friday, Oct. 8.   

From intensive pre-show workshops to more than 40 free educational sessions located inside the exhibit hall to inspiring keynotes and Super Sessions, top industry experts will share their knowledge with attendees who are eligible to earn more continuing education credits than ever before, including AIA, CSI, NABCEP and ICC learning units among others. 

“We are extremely grateful to our 2021 sponsors, without them the show would not be possible: Mill Steel Company (platinum level), Sherwin-Williams (gold level), CIDAN Machinery Inc., and Flack Global Metals (silver level) along with long-time partner, the Metal Construction Association,” said METALCON Show Director, Judy Geller.    

Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers for this year’s show include Keith Colburn star of the Discovery Channel’s hit show Deadliest Catch and captain of the Alaska king crab fishing boat, Wizard along with Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors of America. 

On Wednesday, October 6 at 10 a.m., Colburn will share his insights on leadership, teamwork, safety and being successful in today’s hyper-competitive business environment. He’ll provide parallels between his life as a captain and the high stress, highly competitive construction industry in Words of Advice from the Captain of the Wizard: It’s Not Magic, It’s Hard Work! 

Then, on Thursday at 10 a.m., Simonson who has more than 40 years of experience analyzing, advocating and communicating about economic and tax issues will present the U.S. Construction Outlook: Pandemic Impacts, Policy Initiatives, Project Implications. Simonson serves as liaison to the Census Bureau’s Construction Data Modernization Working Group. He is a Fellow and past president of the National Association for Business Economics, and co-director of the Tax Economists Forum, which he co-founded. 

A variety of special focus areas are planned, including: 

The Architect’s Experience 

Featuring a series of events over two days focused on the use of metal as a design and construction component, this new “show-within-a-show” is for architects, designers, specifiers and engineers to breathe new life into projects and solve a wide variety of architectural, structural, environmental and building performance challenges — all through the use of metal. Also offered is an optional off-site tour of the Salvador Dalí Museum and a special keynote presentation by acclaimed architect Yann Weymouth. 

The Insulated Metal Panel Pavilion 

For the first time ever, at METALCON, the IMP Alliance (leading manufacturers, material suppliers, and resellers) brings together the six major independent brands of leading insulated metal wall and roof panels that produce 85%-90% of all IMPs shipped in the U.S. and Canada, all in one location: ATAS International, Inc.; All Weather Insulated Panels; CENTRIA; GreenSpan Profiles; Metl-Span; and True Core Insulated Panels

Each will display their newest products and visual illustrations of various projects while offering on-site product and technical guidance. Understand why IMP roof panels are being described as “tomorrow’s roof panels today.”   

The New Solar Center 

METAL CON education program
Sponsored by S-5!, the new Solar Center is the place where attendees will discover how solar can expand their businesses through educational sessions and live demonstrations.

Business owners, designers, contractors, EPCs, solar developers and installers discover how solar can expand their businesses in a variety of educational sessions and live demonstrations in the solar center sponsored by S-5! Don’t forget to sign up for the METALCON Solar Trivia Games! 

Additional Learning Centers offer five 45-minute sessions from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday. Sessions include the Business Development Learning Center that covers best practices and need-to-know information to take your business to the next level. And it includes the Technical Know-How Learning Center that offers the latest construction technology products and solutions.  

Super Sessions

Also, new this year is METALCON’s Super Sessions to address some of the major issues facing the construction industry today. Whether it’s post-COVID strategic planning, the ownership transition process, materials, supply chain and labor woes, or growth opportunities to consider, each Super Session will arm attendees with new information, fresh ideas, and strategic direction. 

Super Sessions include: 

Find Your Focus for 2022 & Beat the Competition. 

Creating an Exit Strategy: How to Successfully Transition Ownership and Leadership. 

Disrupting Construction – Trends in Modular Building & Shipping Container-Based Structures. 

Stop the Insanity: Why Construction Needs Workforce Diversity. 

Federal Update – Solar Trade & Manufacturing. 

Perspectives: What Contractors & Architects Wish the
Other Understood About Their Process. 

The Roaring ’20s Are Here! METALCON Live!… LIVE at METALCON! 

How to Recruit & Retain Women in Construction. 

Using Technology Automation to Work Smarter. 

Metal Architecture Design Awards Seminar. 

METALCON continues to offer in-depth workshops, which take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and aim to provide cutting-edge education and training. 

METALCON Gives Back

METALCON Donation
Each year, METALCON gives back to the local community where the show takes place. This year, Feeding Tampa Bay will be the beneficiary of the giving back program. Unless otherwise indicated, photos courtesy of PSMJ Resources, Inc.

Each year, METALCON gives back to the local community where the show takes place. METALCON is partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay for this year’s giving back program, which will raise money to help provide food to more than 1 million families in the 10-county area of West Central Florida. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring METALCON back to you for the first time in two years,” said Geller. “Like many, we took advantage of the ‘year of the pivot’ and reached out to those who we serve – past and present – to map out the next chapter for an event that humbly began 31 years ago. The result is METALCON 2021, packed with opportunities to connect and to share ideas, solutions and information, along with the education you need to take your business to new heights — all in the beautiful city of Tampa, Florida.”

About METALCON  

METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry. Established in 1991, it’s the only annual trade show and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Contractors, architects, developers, owners, fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers from more than 50 countries attend each year. Industry experts from 200 leading companies exhibit the latest products, solutions and game-changing technologies, while sharing their knowledge with attendees. METALCON’S success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. RB


Enjoy even more details about the upcoming METALCON 2021 Show (exhibitor profiles, new product news, and family friendly activities to enjoy in Tampa) by downloading the Rural Builder Special Section: METALCON 2021.