“Since 1991, METALCON has been the only global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in building design and construction,” says Judy Geller, METALCON Vice President. “Each year, we bring together contractors, architects, developers, owners, installers, manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers from more than 50 countries. With over 250 leading companies showcasing cutting-edge products, solutions, and game-changing technologies, METALCON is where the global metal construction community connects, learns, and grows.”

Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc. in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, METALCON thrives on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive education, hands-on training programs, and one-stop access to the industry’s most comprehensive range of products, tools, solutions, and opportunities in metal construction and design.

Something for everyone
There are many reasons attendees return to METALCON year after year, and one of the biggest is networking. Business in the metal sector is often face-to-face, and METALCON provides plenty of opportunities to meet up with old friends and make new connections. Since this dynamic industry is so widespread, METALCON draws builders, architects, contractors, designers, developers, owners, engineers, roofers, suppliers, and many others in renewable energy, environmental engineering, finance, and other areas.

“While METALCON doesn’t adhere to a single defined theme, our focus is clear: build better, build smarter—with metal,” comments Geller. “It’s a message that resonates across the entire built environment and speaks directly to those striving for greater performance, sustainability, and innovation in their projects.”

Over two and a half days, attendees can take advantage of education sessions designed to deliver practical insights and real-world solutions (excluding workshops, all education sessions are included with registration). Among the many free learning sessions are timely topics such as ‘Steel Pricing: Where Could it Go Next?,’ ‘The Value of Metal Composite Materials: How Durability and Design Flexibility Affect Cost vs. Value,’ ‘Improving Utilization and Revenue Through AI,’ and ‘Cold Formed Buildings: An Introduction to a Growing Movement,’ to name a few. “Additionally, we also host METALCON Online, which are industry-related webinars that take place year-round, with the opportunity to earn AIA credits whether you watch live or on-demand on our YouTube channel,” adds Geller.

Highlights and on-site demonstrations
Behind the scenes, a year of planning goes into making METALCON the premier event for the metal construction and design industry. The result is a show floor that is packed with unforgettable experiences—including a full-scale live build, new Masterclasses, Morning Kick-Off Sessions, Keynotes, the Design District, and much more.

One of the most exciting demonstrations will be The Eagles Landing Barndominium Build. To be erected on the show floor, the 2,500-plus-square-foot steel barndominium frame will later be moved, completed and turned into a permanent retreat for veterans in Hall, Montana. Partners for this remarkable project include Military Warriors Support Foundation, Scottsdale Construction Systems, The Barndominium Company, and numerous METALCON exhibitors.

“METALCON takes pride in helping our veterans,” says Geller. Anyone wishing to check out the build’s progress and help support the cause in materials, funds, or both, can visit www.metalcon.com/barndo. “Additionally, we have also partnered with Semper Fi & America’s Fund to collect donations for Las Vegas-based veterans, a non-profit organization we have worked with consistently.”

Contractors, remodelers, and other industry pros can upskill in real time with hands-on demonstrations and education using a variety of mock-ups, materials like aluminum, copper, and painted steel, and tools at the METALCON Training Zone. Delivered in English and Spanish, the Training Zone is sponsored by Sherwin Williams/MetalVue, and tools will be available to the audience for testing and purchase.

Presented by the Metal Construction Association (MCA) and the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), MCA’s Metal Mastery Clinics will offer expert training and industry best practices from the MCA and the MRA. Some of the demonstrations will include standing seam roofing panel installation, metal shingle application, retrofit systems, and proper techniques for on-site roll forming and machine maintenance.

Billed as “Where resilient design meets bold vision,” the Design District @ METALCON is an immersive hub featuring exclusive educational offerings and presentations from industry leaders. “Work in architecture, design, or engineering?” asks Amanda Carlow, Marketing + Event Coordinator. “Discover how metal can help you solve your toughest structural, environmental, and building performance challenges with exclusive education, networking, and innovations sure to inform and inspire your future designs.”

Sponsored by PPG, The Design District @ METALCON is a dedicated destination for architects, designers, specifiers, and engineers. “Architects and design professionals have access to AIA-accredited education, exclusive networking, and innovations reshaping the future of architecture and construction,” says Carlow. Features include curated morning kickoff sessions, an exclusive Design District hub, and the opportunity to learn and network with industry experts. “Whether you’re designing with performance, sustainability, or innovation in mind, the Design District @ METALCON is your gateway to metal’s full design potential.”

Another highlight of this year’s METALCON is the Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge. Sponsored by METALFORMING, the Challenge is all about speed, skill, and teamwork. “You don’t need to be a racing fan to test your skills or cheer on your colleagues in this fun and fast-paced competition,” says Geller.

And now in its fifth year, the Top Product Awards were created to highlight new, cutting-edge products in the metal construction and design industry. Products that were brought to market on or after January 1^st, 2024 are nominated in one of 15 categories and then voted on. The top three products are then announced and awarded at METALCON on October 22^nd, 2025 2:30 PM at The Deck.

Making connections
“METALCON is the only event dedicated entirely to metal in construction and design,” says Carlow. “While other events might treat metal as a side topic, at METALCON it’s the main event and everything either a seasoned pro or a newcomer needs is right here: hands-on demonstrations, expert-led education, direct access to cutting-edge products and innovations, and unmatched networking opportunities. There’s no better place to build face-to-face relationships, discover the latest products and innovations, and immerse yourself in what’s next for metal design and construction.”

Indeed, for more than 30 years, METALCON has fostered a longstanding reputation for relationship building, peer-to-peer networking, and access to expert insight. These factors, and many others, truly set METALCON apart from other industry events.

“Because METALCON brings the entire metal construction and design community together under one roof for two and a half concentrated days, it creates the perfect environment to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers,” states Geller. “From structured events to casual meetups, METALCON offers a variety of networking opportunities designed to spark conversation, collaboration, and long-term relationships.”

Some of the scheduled networking activities at this year’s METALCON include the Valley of Fire Tour: Monday, October 20 | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Off-Site), where participants can explore the Valley of Fire, led by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Adam Bautz. Women in the industry are invited to a breakfast focused on connection, insight, inspiration, and networking at Metal and Mimosas: Tuesday, October 21 | 7:00 – 9:00 AM (registration required). Speed Networking: Tuesday, October 21 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM is an opportunity to meet professionals in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Attendees on the show floor can enjoy METALCON’S Welcome Party: Tuesday, October 21 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM, while the Future Leaders Happy Hour: Wednesday, October 22 | 4:00 PM will be held in The Backyard.

From in-depth workshops to educational sessions and more, METALCON is the place to experience the high-performance power of metal in design and construction, and the only event devoted exclusively to this rapidly evolving industry. Says Geller: “Now is the chance to learn from industry experts, network with the Who’s Who in the metal construction industry, and witness all the newest technologies and products related to metal. Thousands of attendees from all around the world will be under one roof and you should be, too. It’s a can’t-miss experience!”

The post Where Metal Comes to Meet<p class="company">METALCON 2025</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Back in the mid-2010s, home service contractors faced a challenge: while conferences existed in other industries, there were few tailored specifically for them. For many, it felt like a gap in both resources and community.

Thomas Peregrino remembers being part of that early wave of members who recognized the need. “Going all the way back to 2014, there were few conferences out there for the home trades,” he says. “So as our membership at Service Nation continued to grow, the founders saw that they needed to figure out a way to gather all these contractors together. There was a big need for that, where they can all get together, share best practices, network, build a community. And so out of that need came the very first Service World.”

Since its first event 10 years ago, Service World Expo has evolved into a dynamic annual gathering where thousands of contractors, vendors, and industry leaders meet to learn, grow, and support one another.

Conferences can often fall into the trap of feeling like thinly veiled sales events, but Service World Expo has intentionally steered clear of that model. As Daryl Stevenson, Head of Service Nation, explains, the founders of Service Nation set a clear standard from the beginning.

“I just read an article this morning about someone who went to a conference and said it was one big sales pitch,” he tells us. “And the founders really wanted to make sure that’s not what was happening. We’ve really kept that idea alive, that this is not a sales pitch to come buy something. This is really about, how do you succeed, how do you run your business better, and, when you get there, how do you exit?”

That distinction is what makes Service World Expo unique. Every breakout session, keynote, and networking opportunity is designed with the contractor in mind, providing takeaways that can be applied immediately to businesses of all sizes. For many attendees, the conference is about more than educational content; it’s about connection. Running a service business can often feel isolating. Contractors juggle staffing, customer service, operations, and growth challenges, often without peers who truly understand those struggles.

“The services business can feel like you’re alone a lot of times,” says Stevenson. “You’re out there struggling with all these issues and Service World Expo provides a time to come together with other contractors who have experienced the same exact thing. Some of them have overcome it, some of them are going through the same things. It’s nice to see the bonds form immediately.”

Over the years, those bonds have grown into lifelong friendships and support networks. Members often describe leaving the event with both practical business strategies and personal relationships that last far beyond the conference itself.

Unlike other industries where competition can create barriers, the culture at Service World Expo emphasizes lifting the industry as a whole. As Peregrino describes, contractors come together each year to share their hard-won lessons. “When a home service contractor is in the trenches, after a year they’re ready to take a break and share what they’ve learned,” he says. “The culture of Service World provides that avenue where they can reminisce, share lessons, and get re-energized to go back out for another year.”

That sense of community is reinforced by the intentional design of the expo’s agenda. Built around the seven pillars of operational excellence, the programming covers marketing, leadership, financials, operations, and more, ensuring that attendees can focus on the areas most relevant to their current challenges.

Peregrino adds that first-time attendees should never fear walking into the conference without connections; the event is structured so that networking happens naturally, through breakout sessions, hallway conversations, and even informal gatherings over meals or at the bar.

The impact of Service World Expo is perhaps best understood through the personal stories the event has spurred, and Peregrino shares two powerful examples from his own experience. At one event in Florida, he found himself unexpectedly welcomed into a group of highly successful contractors. “They brought me into their little circle after hours,” he recalls. “These were businesses that were double, triple, quadruple my size at that point, but they said, ‘we’re going to spend a couple of hours with you, Tom, working on your business.’ And they did. I remember some of the changes I made coming back from that event that made a huge difference in my organization.”

Years later in Phoenix, he witnessed another life-changing moment. “There was a couple I had been speaking with, and the wife pulled me aside. She was crying, telling me the difference that Service Nation and coming to these events had made in her husband’s life—that she saw a difference in him, in the company, and now she understood why he keeps coming back. That’s just one of many priceless memories.”

A critical component of Service World Expo is its exhibitor network. But again, unlike other conferences, these interactions extend beyond the trade floor. Exhibitors are encouraged to truly integrate into the event, spending time with contractors during sessions, meals, and even after-hours gatherings.

As Peregrino explains, “Being able to have a venue where you can meet with an exhibitor after hours at a dinner and maybe ask some very direct questions, cut to the chase—that’s invaluable. Exhibitors really enjoy that because they can share above and beyond just what their product or service is. They can tell you a little bit more about the added value, their unique selling proposition, and how they can really help contractors.”

This level of openness not only builds trust but also creates long-term partnerships that extend well beyond the event itself.

For Stevenson, joining Service Nation wasn’t just a career move; it was a calling. He was drawn to the company’s commitment to its members and the passion of the people involved. “I want to be someplace where the company is making a difference,” he says. “During the interview process, I had a chance to talk to one of the members, and the passion they had about Service Nation was incredible. That’s what brought me to the company in the first place.”

This passion translates directly into how Service World Expo is planned and delivered. The team works more than a year in advance, constantly taking in member feedback to ensure the event reflects current challenges and opportunities in the industry. For example, with artificial intelligence becoming increasingly relevant, the 2025 event includes dedicated sessions on AI applications for home service businesses. “We’re hearing these issues, so we make sure we have something to help people solve those issues at the event,” says Stevenson.

Beyond the networking and stories, the value of attending Service World Expo is backed by hard data. Peregrino, who once attended as a contractor and later analyzed metrics as part of the Service Nation team, saw the proof firsthand.

“The highest-performing contractors within Service Nation clearly attended the vast majority of our conferences and rarely missed a Service World Expo. When we tracked metrics and KPIs, the contractors with the most successful performance, top-line revenue growth, bottom-line EBITDA growth, attended the conferences. It was proof of what I was seeing as a member: you go to these events, you’re going to grow. It was that simple.”

With a decade of history now behind it, Service World Expo continues to expand its influence and impact. Stevenson and Peregrino agree that the future lies in keeping the event fresh, relevant, and member driven. Planning for 2026 is already underway, with an emphasis on staying ahead of industry trends while maintaining the welcoming, supportive culture that has defined the event since its inception.

Perhaps most importantly, the event remains open to all contractors in the home services industry, not just Service Nation members. As Stevenson emphasizes, “Even if you’re not a member, this is for anybody in the home industry. You are not going to hear a bunch of Service Nation material at this Expedition; you’re going to hear industry seminars on how to perform.” For contractors looking to take a step back from the daily grind, refocus on the bigger picture, and gain strategies for long-term success, Service World Expo offers a unique opportunity.

Over the past decade, Service World Expo has become more than just a conference; it’s a catalyst for growth, a hub of innovation, and a true community for contractors. From meaningful friendships to measurable business success, the stories from attendees speak louder than any advertisement.

With passionate leadership, a member-first philosophy, and a clear focus on the future, Service World Expo is poised to remain a vital part of the home services landscape for years to come.

The post Where Contractors Grow Together<p class="company">Service Nation’s Service World Expo</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.