ORLANDO, Fla. — A national trade show devoted to metal design and construction is coming to Orlando for the first time.
METALCON will mark its 35th anniversary Oct. 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center. Organizers said the industry event will bring together contractors, architects, engineers, manufacturers and other construction professionals.
Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott will deliver the opening keynote, “Nothing Can Stop You,” at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Abbott, who was born without a right hand, played 10 seasons in the major leagues and pitched a no-hitter for the New York Yankees in 1993. His presentation will focus on resilience, adaptability and leadership. A meet-and-greet will follow.
The show will feature 259 exhibiting companies, educational sessions and hands-on demonstrations. Florida contractors will also have opportunities to earn continuing education credits required to maintain their licenses.
Other scheduled presentations include a discussion of metal construction code changes Wednesday afternoon and a market forecast from former American Institute of Architects chief economist Kermit Baker on Thursday.
Attendees will also be able to watch the construction of a 480-square-foot tiny home using cold-formed steel. Organizers said the completed home will be donated to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports injured veterans, first responders and their families.
New programming this year includes Spanish-language education sessions and bilingual demonstrations for contractors and tradespeople.
The exhibit hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Pre-show workshops begin Tuesday, Oct. 6.
METALCON is an industry event, and registration is required. Click here for registration, pricing and additional information.
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