MCA Announces Keynote Speakers and Show Highlights for METALCON 2018

METALCON 2018 has announced its keynote speakers, show highlights and a new format for its annual tradeshow and conference taking place in Charlotte, N.C., from Wednesday, Oct. 10, through Friday, Oct. 12.

Its commitment to the industry goes beyond exhibits. The total experience includes 275 companies exhibiting the latest products and technology together with education and training sessions, all located on the show floor. Industry experts will share their knowledge with designers, builders, developers, contractors, fabricators and suppliers from more than 50 countries at the METALCON theatre, located off the center aisle.

Two icons in their respective industries will deliver the keynote addresses this year; Steve Smith, Sr., a 16-year NFL veteran and former five-time pro bowl, three-time all-pro wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, and Dan DiMicco, former CEO of NUCOR and senior trade adviser to President Trump’s campaign.

Smith will explain the obstacles he had to face and overcome to make it to the NFL. From struggles in his personal life to overcoming injuries and facing adversities on and off the playing field, Smith will ignite and motivate attendees to be the best they can be, both as individuals and as team players in Perseverance, Teamwork and Overcoming Obstacles on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.

Considered one of the most productive NFL wide receivers of the 21st century, Smith is an all-time leader in total touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards for the Panthers. Smith and his wife founded the Steve Smith Family Foundation, dedicated to helping families impacted by domestic violence and to promoting child health and wellness. His success story is sure to motivate attendees to reach their professional and personal goals.

For Keynote Speaker DiMicco, author of “American Made,” there’s no risk of the president’s tariffs sparking a trade war, “we’ve already been in one for years!” The only difference now is that we’re deciding to fight back. Trump’s proposal to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and 10 percent tariff on imports of aluminum has been met with opposition, but DiMicco is among those who think they’re putting the U.S. back on track.

DiMicco not only revived a U.S. manufacturing firm during a recession, but helped galvanize the flagging domestic steel industry when many of his competitors were in bankruptcy or headed overseas. NUCOR is a producer of steel and also considered the largest recycler in North America.

On Thursday at 11:00 a.m., DiMicco will present The Economic Plan for Growth and Global Competitiveness in the U.S.?Implications for Steel, an overview of the 30-year trade war, section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the impact on the metal construction industry and why Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs make sense, in addition to sustainability of the steel industry.

“We are excited to have these two lead the keynote addresses at the show this year,” says METALCON Show Director, Claire Kilcoyne. “With our total experience format, attendees can access educational sessions at the METALCON theatre and in the two learning centers, located on the show floor.”

Also on Wednesday, a panel of women roofing professionals will address Building a Strong and Sustainable Business with Diversity at 2:00 p.m., followed by Arrested Developments: Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards with Trevor Zinn of Preferred Safety Products at 3:00 p.m.

The two learning centers will offer five 30-minute sessions between 1:00 and 5:30 p.m., on Wednesday and Thursday. Metal Construction Association industry committees will lead sessions on Best Practices for Installing Insulated Metal Panels, What to Know about Metal Composite Materials, Roofing and Walls: Insulating Single Skin Panels for Today’s Code Compliance Requirements and Foreign Fires’ Impact upon NA Building Codes. Additional sessions include Best Business Choice for Metal Roofing; Worth It! Strategies for Getting the Prices you Deserve; How to Attract and Hire Rock Star Staff and Five Inviolate Laws of Business Transition Success!

Our programs aim to provide education and training. Returning for its third year, attendees can become certified in the eight-hour Metal Roof Installation Training Program by Jim Bush, vice president of sales & marketing for ATAS International, and Scott Kriner, president of Green Metal Consulting.

Other programs include Insulated Metal Panel Building Types and Related Estimating Guidelines; Roll Forming for the Metal Construction Industry Part I and II; MBCEA’s Controlled Decking Zone Train the Trainer and Soldering Techniques. The programs take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This three-day event takes place at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St, Charlotte, N.C., 28202.