Beyond the expo hall and education sessions

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about all the events and opportunities available at METALCON 2025.  

When you think about trade shows, you probably initially think about the exhibit floor or the education sessions offered. And while these are huge draws by themselves, trade shows offer so much more than that! For example, METALCON (which boasts over 30 educational sessions and more than 275 exhibitors), also gives contractors and other metal professionals opportunities to network, have fun and give back!  

This year’s show, which is sponsored by industry leaders like Exceptional Metals (silver sponsor), Drexel Metals and Van Mark Products, will be held from October 21-23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. There’s a lot happening during those three days, so we’ve put together a comprehensive overview for you! To learn more about the expo floor and educational opportunities, check out our previous article, 2 keynotes, 8 workshops, 35 educational sessions and over 275 exhibitors. For information about the networking and charity events, keep reading!  

Networking opportunities 

As the largest international event dedicated to metal construction and design, METALCON is the perfect place to connect with professionals from across the industry! Make sure to take advantage of these incredible networking opportunities that will take place during the show:  

• Welcome party: Hosted in the Exhibit Hall at 4:00 p.m. on October 21, this event is included in your registration and is a great way to reunite with old friends or make new ones. 
• Metal and mimosas: With this popular annual event, METALCON has created a space for women of the industry to come together and celebrate their successes! This exciting event will take place at 7:00 a.m. on October 21 and includes a $25 participation fee.  
• Oktoberfest happy hours: Raise a glass to deals and discoveries with the Oktoberfest celebration at METALCON! Running all three days of the trade show and included in your registration, taking part in this event is as easy as visiting participating booths across the show floor and enjoying an ice-cold beer! 
• Speed networking: METALCON’s speed networking event (hosted in the Main Theater on October 21 at 3:00 p.m.) is the perfect way to maximize your time and connections. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards!  
• Valley of Fire: Consider getting to Vegas a bit early for this pre-show, off-site event. Attendees will get to explore the stunning Valley of Fire with U.S. Marine Corps veteran Adam Bautz, founder of Outdoor Travel Tours and graduate of The Semper Fi & America’s Fund Apprenticeship Program! 
• Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge: Want to test your ability to work as a team under pressure? This fast-paced, pit-crew style competition is all about speed, skill and teamwork! Sponsored by MetalForming and hosted at booth #1150 all three days of the trade show, be sure to stop by for the chance to win some major bragging rights! 
• Top Product Awards: Want to find out the most innovative products and services that are shaping the future of the metal industry? Make sure to check out the Top Products Awards! The winners will be announced live from the Deck on October 22 at 2:30 p.m. If you haven’t already voted, make sure to vote for your favorite products before October 21 (you might see The Coffee Shops own MetalTalk™ in the “other” category!).  
• Future Leaders Happy Hour: Held in the Backyard at 4:00 p.m. on October 22, this is an event designed for the “rising stars, apprentices, management trainees and go-getters age 40 and under.”  

Special events 

METALCON is your opportunity to be in the room where it happens! You will not want to miss these incredible live events that will be taking place during this year’s event:  

• The Training Zone: Sponsored by Sherwin-Willaims' MetalVue program, this is a hands-on training area that will demonstrate best practices related to metal tools and materials. Led by the incredible John Sheridan and his team of Sheridan Metal Resources experts, there will be events both in English and Spanish to participate in. 
• Design District: Known as a “show-within-a-show,” the Design District illustrates the variety of ways that metal can be used in construction and design. Whether you’re struggling with an architectural challenge or just wanting to spark your creativity, this zone will introduce you to new ways of thinking about metal. 
• Metal Mastery Clinics: Hosted by industry experts from the Metal Roofing Alliance and the Metal Construction Association, these clinics cover the nuances of industry best practices. From roll forming on-site to creating retrofitted systems, the knowledge to be gained from these clinic sessions is sure to improve contractor efficiency and boost customer satisfaction. 
• Live from METALCON: And if you want to be a part of the buzz in real time, make sure to stop by The Coffee Shops’ booth (#2001)! Not only will our amazing crew be there, but we will also be hosting a live MetalCast episode that you can watch firsthand!  

Giving back 

Beyond the show itself, METALCON is proud to be coordinating two powerful ways to give back to those who have served our country:  

• Building for a cause: METALCON is coordinating materials and funds to construct a 2,500+ sq. ft. steel frame for a barndominium live on the show floor! After being constructed during METALCON, this Barndo Project will be “gifted to a deserving hero through the Military Warriors Support Foundation.” From the designing of the space to the construction and final walkthrough, you can be a part of this meaningful project by donating materials, labor, equipment, services or finances.  
• METALCON Deck donations:  2025 marks another year of METALCON working with Semper Fi & America’s Fund, a “non-profit dedicated to providing urgently needed resources and financial support to critically wounded, ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.” To support, all you need to do is stop by the METALCON Deck and talk to the show management team! While there, you can also grab a beer (as a part of the Oktoberfest fun), ask questions, network, provide feedback and win on-site prizes! 

If you haven’t already, make sure to register for METALCON 2025 using this link and receive $30 off registration costs (you can also use code 30MCS for the same discount)!