METALCON adds women’s, Latino and emerging-professional programming for 2026

METALCON will expand its 2026 Orlando show with new education, networking and career events aimed at women, Latino attendees and emerging professionals. The changes come as the metal construction industry faces workforce turnover and a broader push to develop the next generation of talent.

Why it matters: - METALCON is using its 35th anniversary show to respond to shifting workforce needs in metal construction. - The new programming is aimed at attracting and retaining women, Spanish-speaking professionals and early-career talent across the sector. - The additions are meant to strengthen the pipeline of contractors, manufacturers, architects, engineers, suppliers, installers, designers and business leaders.

What happened: - METALCON 2026 will take place Oct. 7-9 in Orlando, Florida. - The show will include expanded programming for women, emerging professionals and Latino attendees. - Registration is open at METALCON. - The event is marking its 35th anniversary.

The details: - METALCON will add Spanish-language education, hands-on training, leadership development, networking and career-focused events. - FORGE: Where Women in Metal Shape What’s Next will debut as a half-day women’s event on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Orange County Convention Center Destination Lounge. - FORGE expands METALCON’s women’s programming from a 1.5-hour session into a dedicated half-day event. - The event will include keynote speaker Rita Goodroe and her talk, Beyond Impressive: Create Your Own Path in Construction and Beyond. - A panel titled More Than a Seat at the Table: Women Building Influence Across the Industry will feature Bryce Batts, Kate Glantz, Erin Hoffman and Amanda Turner. - FORGE will end with a networking reception. - New Latino programming will be presented in Spanish. - Spanish-language hands-on demonstrations will run in the METALCON Training Zone presented by MetalVue. - The demonstrations will use mock-ups and materials including painted steel, aluminum, zinc, copper and other specialty materials. - Training will focus on proper detailing, tool use and installation practices. - John Sheridan of Sheridan Metal Resources and his team of experts will lead the Training Zone. - The Training Zone will be in the exhibit hall and open during expo hours. - Emerging-professional programming will continue to expand through workshops, hands-on demonstrations, networking events and career-focused opportunities. - METALCON says the show gives attendees access to decision-makers, manufacturers, contractors, architects, designers, suppliers and other industry leaders. - Emerging-professional events include the 40 Under 40 Recognition Program, Future Leaders Happy Hour, Speed Networking, FORGE and the 35th Anniversary Bash.

Between the lines: - The event is shifting from a broad trade-show model toward more targeted community-building and workforce development. - Adding Spanish-language education suggests METALCON sees accessibility as part of growth, not just attendance. - The focus on women and early-career professionals reflects a wider industry effort to widen participation and fill long-term talent gaps. - METALCON Vice President of Trade Shows Judy Geller said the industry’s future depends on attracting, developing and connecting the next generation of talent.

What's next: - METALCON will use the October show as a testing ground for expanded programming that could shape future editions. - The 35th Anniversary Bash will be part of the emerging-professional lineup. - The company says the show will continue to serve as the industry’s central place to connect across sectors and identify new products, ideas and partners.

The bottom line: - METALCON 2026 is putting workforce development front and center, with new programs designed to broaden access and deepen the industry’s talent pipeline.