METALCON 2026 opens final registration push ahead of Orlando event

METALCON 2026 takes place Oct. 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, with advance registration now in its final stretch. The 35th annual metal construction event will add a new contractor business learning center, accredited credits and 250-plus products on display.

Why it matters: - METALCON 2026 is the industry's annual gathering for metal construction and design professionals. - The event comes as contractors, architects, engineers and manufacturers are navigating workforce, safety, business and technology challenges. - The 35th anniversary edition is positioned as a place to compare solutions, earn continuing education credits and make business connections.

What happened: - Pre-registration is in its final stretch for METALCON 2026, which runs Oct. 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. - Industry professionals are being urged to register before the event to secure advance pricing. - METALCON 2026 marks the event's 35th year.

The details: - METALCON brings together contractors, architects, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers and other metal construction professionals. - The three-day program includes education, exhibits, networking, product discovery and industry programming. - Attendees will have access to sessions on workforce development, safety, sales, business growth, legal issues, certifications, emerging developments and changing construction practices. - A new Contractor Business Success Learning Center will offer 10 sessions focused on the business side of contracting. - Topics in that center include business planning, workforce retention, workers' compensation, OSHA inspections, construction delays and claims, sales strategies and storm resilience. - The learning center will also include Spanish-language programming for Spanish-speaking professionals. - Attendees can earn accredited continuing education credits, including AIA and Florida Contractor credits. - The exhibit hall will feature more than 250 products, technologies and solutions from companies serving the metal construction industry. - The exhibit floor is designed to connect attendees directly with manufacturers and suppliers. - The event website includes registration information at the METALCON registration website. - METALCON was established in 1991 and is dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. - PSMJ Resources, Inc. produces the event in partnership with the Metal Construction Association.

Between the lines: - The expanded business-focused programming signals a broader push to help contractors manage operations, not just jobsite execution. - The Spanish-language sessions suggest METALCON is trying to widen access to education within the industry. - The emphasis on product discovery and networking reflects how trade events are being used as both learning forums and sales channels.

What's next: - Registration remains open ahead of the Oct. 7-9 event. - Attendees will head to Orlando to participate in sessions, visit exhibits and connect with peers and suppliers. - METALCON will use its 35th anniversary platform to examine where metal construction is headed next.

The bottom line: - METALCON 2026 is betting that practical education, accredited credits and a large exhibit hall will keep drawing metal construction professionals to Orlando.