SUCCESS IN THE "STEEL CITY!"
Pittsburgh proved to be a natural fit for METALCON 2019 held last October with the support of locally-based and long-time partners’ United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) and PPG Industries. No longer a “gritty and rusty” city, attendees enjoyed a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. With the David L. Lawrence Convention Center poised directly on the banks of the Duquesne River, attendees were treated to idyllic views of the city’s steel bridges along with lots of natural light streaming onto the show floor.

The show buzzed with activity as attendees visited and networked with over 250 exhibitors, selected from over 50 education sessions and enjoyed “Oktoberfest” each afternoon! Keynote speakers included hometown heroes, Rocky Bleier, four-time NFL Superbowl Champion and running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and NHL star and seven-time Stanley Cup winner Bryan Trottier.
METALCON'S CONTECH SHOWCASED THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY
New this year, CONTECH, an interactive hub, showcasing the hottest trends in construction technology. Sponsored by Pittsburgh based U.S. Steel, a leading integrated steel producer, “CONTECH was very well attended ― we had a lot of good questions and good leads," said Ian Warner of 3D modeling technology company Trimble Solutions USA, Inc.“In my mind, there is no other way to actually build projects without using some of these technologies.” The hub was easily accessible on the show floor and included with the Total Experience registration.

Attendees visited with a variety of companies and learned about wireless sensors, 3D visualization and modeling, BIM, drones and more, and how they are becoming an integral part of the design and construction industry.

Attendees who visited CONTECH were entered into a grand prize drawing for a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas to attend METALCON 2020! Look for CONTECH to return to METALCON this October in Las Vegas.
WOMEN, DIVERSITY AND HIRING A YOUNG WORKFORCE
Several sessions at METALCON focused on why a diverse workforce is key to combatting the industry’s ongoing labor shortage. A panel discussion, moderated by Heidi Ellsworth, co-founder of National Women in Roofing and Partner with RoofersCoffeeShop® featured a female industry expert. They discussed how women's professional associations in roofing and metal are making a difference when it comes to success and thought leadership in the traditionally male dominated metal and roofing industries. “Studies show, the return on investment for companies that support these professional women’s associations and other types of diversity, promotes the company’s culture and creates opportunities to make more money,” said Ellsworth. Another session led by Mark MacDonald with Sherwin Williams and Todd Miller with Isaiah Industries, Inc., focused on hiring and retaining “young installers.” They discussed how to create an engaging environment to ensure longevity with the company. 
U.S. VETERANS HONORED AT METALCON
Through the generosity of exhibitors and attendees, METALCON’s show management proudly presented a $8,000 check to the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania , an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency founded in 1982 by Vietnam Veterans. VLP has grown to be one of the largest providers of subsidized housing for Veterans and their families in Western Pennsylvania and operates two of the nation’s most effective Veteran employment programs. To help raise the funds, autographed sports memorabilia by legends Rocky Bleier and Bryan Trottier were raffled off at show management’s booth, The Deck .
NEW EXHIBIT TRACKER TOOL
FOR ATTENDEES
Don’t remember all of the exhibitors you met with at METALCON 2019?
Not to worry! Your partners at METALCON & Convention Data Services have developed a tool that can generate the list of exhibitors you visited during the show.
METALCON RETURNS TO VEGAS
FOR THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Where better to celebrate a milestone anniversary than Las Vegas? After “rolling” into a new decade, METALCON will “roll” back into Vegas October 21-23, 2020!