By Emma Peterson. 

Mark your calendar and be part of Arizona’s premier roofing event! 

The Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) is gearing up for their annual trade show! The ARCA show, which will be hosted September 17 – 19, 2026, at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center, anticipates to see over 250 industry professionals come together for exclusive education seminars, powerful networking opportunities and more!  

This show has something for everyone, whether you’re an owner hoping to score incredible deals at the Roofers' Auction (featuring over $40,000 in roofing materials), a contractor looking for the newest products on the market or a supplier trying to build connections with their customers.  

In addition to the business opportunities, this show offers unmatched experiences that celebrate the people who keep the roofing industry running! Some highlights include: 

• Sporting clay competition: Kick off day one (9/17) at 11 a.m. with a friendly shooting competition at Prescott Trap & Skeet. 
• Cornhole tournament: Hosted during the opening day party, this is your opportunity to have great conversations with your peers and maybe gain some bragging rights.  
• Golf excursion: Day 2 of the expo (9/18) is the day of ARCA's highly anticipated 57th Annual Golf Tournament! This is your opportunity to tee up on StoneRidge Golf Course for a day on the range with the best in the roofing business. 
• Awards banquet: And to round out the show, ARCA will be hosting their awards banquet, which celebrates the successes and skills of roofers, on the last day of the show (9/19). The event will start with a cocktail party in the ballroom foyer (5 p.m.), move into the ballroom proper for the banquet (6 p.m.) and wrap up with an after party on the Eagle's Nest & Sunset Patio (8 p.m.). 

Between all these events, make sure to take some time to catch up on some expert-lead education and explore the trade show floor! This year’s show floor will be host to a variety of industry-leading companies including SOPREMA, Eagleview, ATAS International, General Coatings, CertainTeed, Geocel, Malarkey, Polyglass, Estimating Edge and Eagle Roofing Products. The RoofersCoffeeShop® team will be there, so be sure to stop by to say hello at table 15!  

Get registered today!

We regret to announce the passing of Nel Bus, founder of ATAS International.

ATAS International, Inc. announces with deep sadness the passing of Nel Bus, who co-founded the company alongside her husband, Jacobus "Jack" P. Bus, in 1963. Nel was 95 years old, and her birthday was celebrated with a large multi-generational family gathering this summer.

Nel and Jack's entrepreneurial journey began after the couple emigrated from the Netherlands to Rochester, New York, in the 1950s. While Jack worked installing siding and trim, the couple recognized an unmet need: contractors at the time lacked the equipment to bend their own trim products on-site. Jack set out to fill that gap, and with Nel's steady support, the two built what would become Aluminum Trim And Shapes (ATAS) from the basement of their family home, where they raised their eight children.

What began as a small operation grew steadily. In 1972, the company moved into a 12,000-square-foot facility in Rochester, and by 1985, seeking a larger distribution footprint, ATAS relocated to Allentown, Pennsylvania, where it remains headquartered today. Two of Jack and Nel's sons, Dick and Jim, joined the business in management roles, helping expand ATAS' product offerings and cementing the company's reputation for quality, innovation and customer service.

Today, ATAS operates two locations in Allentown along with facilities in Mesa, Arizona; University Park, Illinois; and Elkton, Maryland. Its sister company, BRIGHTSMITH Coaters, added coil coating and post-painting facilities in Morrisville, Pennsylvania and Trenton, New Jersey, and in March 2025, ATAS expanded further with the addition of Metalwërks® Architectural Plate Systems. The company's product lines now include metal wall cladding, metal roofing, ceilings, perimeter edge metal and related accessories for commercial and residential construction, with several facilities holding ISO 9001:2015 certification.

More than six decades after its founding, ATAS remains a family run business. Dick Bus serves as president and Jim Bus as executive vice president, with a third generation, including Mark, Eric and Tony Bus, along with Tiffany Hutcheson, now active across ATAS and BRIGHTSMITH in operations and management roles.

Nel's legacy lives on in everything ATAS has become, and an ATAS product, Omawall, was named in her honor (Oma is Dutch for grandmother). She and Jack built this company on hard work, family and an unwavering commitment to quality, which are values that still guide the company today.

The new hazardous waste facility in Venice, Florida is the recipient of the Metal Architecture Design Award in the Metal Building Systems/Pre-Engineered Metal Building Systems category. ATAS provided several products that were used on this project, including Isoleren SL insulated metal wall panels, Isoleren RL insulated metal roof panels, perforated Belvedere 7.2” rib panels, and solid Metafor panels. In addition to the wall and roof panels, 4” round downspouts were also manufactured for this project. This is one of two projects utilizing ATAS products that received a Metal Architecture Design Award this year, and one of just 12 projects from across the nation to receive this year’s honors. Explore this year’s award winners in the June/July edition of Metal Architecture.

Opening in March of 2026, this new 13,500 square foot structure is part of a $7.5 million investment in its hazardous waste management program. The original structure was damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The new building will serve their community with a safe solution for hazardous waste processing, rather than disposal, and provides expanded capacity, improved operations, and enhanced safety features. The drive-through drop-off process allows residents to remain in their vehicles during unloading.

According to Metal Architecture’s coverage of the award-winning project, as a permanent fixture that makes sanitation services accessible to residents of Venice, Florida, this drive-through pre-engineered metal building is an all-in-one center for delivery, sorting, recycling, transport, and storage of household hazardous waste. The use of a prefabricated system was an asset for the site’s unique considerations: a lack of onsite utilities and an impenetrable environmental liner with undocumented depths.

The materials involved support the design’s key objective: to serve as a low-maintenance, durable community facility. Installed on a prefabricated steel framing system, insulated metal wall and roofing panels account for 847 m2 (9,117 sf) of the cladding and address concerns of animal intrusion, eliminate sagging, and reduce the risk of trapping flammable vapors. The design also promotes cross-ventilation, increasing air changes and reducing vapor concentration, with 576 m2 (6,200 sf) of perforated metal wall panels.

As wind loading was a significant concern for this project, ATAS provided site-specific engineering to address those conditions. The stiffness and spanning capability of the IMPs allows greater support spacing than would have been possible with a conventional single-skin metal panels system. Also, the use of IMPs provided for a cleaner and more attractive interior appearance. The Isoleren RL roof IMPs were 2-1/2” thick with a 22-gauge Sandstone color facer, and a 24-gauge Regal White liner. The Isoleren SL wall IMPs were 2” thick with a 24-gauge Sandstone color facer, and a 24-gauge Regal White liner. Metafor panels of .040 aluminum in Sandstone were used along with .040 aluminum perforated Belvedere 7.2” Rib panels in Slate Blue. The perforated panels created a complementary aesthetic to the drive-thru feature of the building, resulting in increased air and light flow.

The owner of this building is Sarasota County, Florida, and the architect was Seibert Architects. Magnum Builders acted as the general contractor, and Behlen Building Systems installed the ATAS products.

About ATAS

Founded in 1963, ATAS International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of metal roofing, wall cladding, ceilings, perimeter edge metal, and accessories. The ATAS portfolio features an expansive selection of products available in aluminum, steel, zinc, stainless steel, and copper. Standard profiles include narrow and wide ribbed wall panels, corrugated styles, architectural plate systems, standing seam and batten seam roof systems, metal shingles, shakes, tiles, and more. Additional options include curved, tapered, and perforated panels; concealed or exposed fasteners; smooth or embossed textures; horizontal and vertical applications; and a choice of over 40 stock colors with 70% PVDF finish. With sustainability at the forefront of modern building design, ATAS proudly supports green building objectives with high performance solutions, such as solar-ready roof panels, insulated metal panels, cool roofing products, and solar air heating wall panels. The ATAS team consists of product and market specialists that provide a high level of support for your project, from initial discovery and design to installation.  ATAS has two ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing locations in the United States: the headquarters in Allentown, Pensylvania, and their facility in Mesa, Arizona. ATAS also has a second location in Allentown, Pensylvania, and one in University Park, Illinois.  On April 1, 2025, ATAS expanded its portfolio with Metalwërks® Series of architectural plate systems, located in Elkton, Maryland. For more information about ATAS International, please visit www.atas.com or call 610.395.8445.   

About Metal Architecture

With more than 40 years of expertise, Metal Architecture is the leading authority on the use of metal in architectural applications and building design, educating architects, design professionals, and engineers engaged in new construction, retrofit, renovation, and modernization of buildings. To learn more, visit https://www.metalarchitecture.com/.

How ATAS products met this project's goal of preserving the existing structure's beauty while ensuring longevity.

Henry B. Plant Hall at the University of Tampa has built a legacy as an intricate, respected architectural building. Its various design elements of brick, steel, slopes, minarets and gilding construct the ornate feel that earns it a reputation of elegance and the building’s literal and culturally reverent stature.

Plant Hall is described as “the crown jewel of Tampa’s skyline” by The Chiselers on their website. The Chiselers is an organization dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of the beloved building. What started in 1959 by Sunny Delo and her friends has evolved into a cornerstone organization named The Chiselers, a name tied to the first preservation work the group did, restoring Henry B. Plant Hall’s original floor tiles by hand. Since then, the organization has tenderly cared for Plant Hall through continuous repairs, all dedicated to preserving the structure’s original aesthetic integrity, funded by grants and donation matching since 1996.

The crown, (that is, the roof) of Tampa’s “crown jewel,” had seen better days, but thanks to a grant from the State of Florida and a donation from The Chiselers, a wide-scale renovation project of the roof began in 2022. On the priority list was the Music Room’s roof, a protruding room with a unique oblong disc shape, featuring a distinct curve before rising into a dome. The Music Room’s roof is the right roof dome out of two that are on the building. Committed to keeping the structure’s sense of grandiosity and awe, the project of the Music Room’s roof required attractive and capable metal solutions found in ATAS International’s products.

Featured on Plant Hall’s Music Room are ATAS 1 ½” Field-Lok panels in 24-gauge stainless steel. Field-Lok, a single- or double-locked roof panel that creates the traditional appearance of a standing seam, was an ideal design choice to meet the preservation needs of the roof’s historical appearance. From panel profile to the metal type, deliberate attention to detail curates Plant Hall’s distinctive, Moorish exterior. Stainless steel roofing is both an aesthetic and practical choice for this project. The steel has a shiny, silver glint that matches the personality of the building, but is also ideal in places like Tampa where corrosion could be a concern. In places with year-round humidity and a risk of salt spray, such as Tampa, metal roofing is more ideal than traditional asphalt shingles. Stainless steel has excellent corrosion- and rust-resistant properties that make it a low-maintenance roofing material with a long lifespan, often outperforming the lifespans of most buildings. Qualities of stainless-steel metal roofing perfectly meet the needs of a U.S. National Historic Landmark such as Plant Hall’s Music Room, where the goal of retrofitting is to honor the architecture of an existing building, preserving its beauty while ensuring longevity.

At 4,500 square feet, the roof of Plant Hall’s Music Room is intricate. It features layers of tapered panels of various sizes and complex circumferences to accommodate the existing structures' eaves, domes and its distinctive curved protrusion. The Music Room roof has multiple hips, valleys, flashing transitions and trims that required a proven metal panel manufacturer and skilled installers. To accommodate such an ornate design, the project required meticulous measurements and precise fabrication. The ATAS 1 ½” Field-Lok panels offered precision in fabrication, meeting custom length and width needs to revitalize the Music Room’s roof, delivering on uncompromised quality and aesthetics. Concealed fastener panels such as Field-Lok have hidden clips that ensure a seamless appearance in applications. The fastener also reduces the risk of water intrusion and bolsters performance in high-wind areas. Field-Lok proved to be both an aesthetic and practical choice for Henry B. Plant Hall.

“This architectural masterpiece was built in 1891 during a time when Henry Bradley Plant was building an empire of railroads, steamships and hotels. He built the Tampa Bay Hotel as a palace, symbolic of his empire,” The Chiselers say on their website. Palace elements of Plant’s design certainly remain, evidenced by its onion-shaped domes, cupolas and minarets topped with crescent finials, all contributing to the structure’s opulence. The hard work from all of those continually involved in the maintenance of Henry B. Plant Hall, from The Chiselers, contractors, architects and more, has paid off with award recognition.

The Henry B. Plant Hall Music Room won first place in the Commercial Roof category of ATAS’ 2025 Project of the Year Awards. The architect of the project was Rowe Architects. The panels were installed by the contractor, Quality Roofing, Inc., distributed from Spec Building Materials. The project was also featured in Florida Roofing Magazine, with Quality Roofing, Inc. being awarded a Spotlight Trophy for the Advancement of Roofing (S.T.A.R.) award for their stellar work on the project. The S.T.A.R. award, given by the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, Inc. (FRSA), acknowledges projects that demonstrate excellence in the roofing industry, considering finished appearance, execution and technical complexity.

Many elements contribute to the everlasting beauty of Henry B. Plant Hall, one of which is a well-chosen, aesthetically pleasing, high-performing roof panel that honors the building’s legacy. ATAS’ 1 ½” Field-Lok delivers on preserving the building’s historical, architectural character through modern, metal materials, shining brightly atop the Music Room.

Learn more about 1 ½ in. Field-Lok. Learn more about The Chiselers and their preservation of Henry B. Plant Hall. Learn more about Henry B. Plant Hall from 83 Degrees Media and Shumaker Architecture.

By Emma Peterson. 

Want to show off your crew’s hard work? Enter your metal projects into ATAS International’s 2026 Project of the Year competition. 

ATAS International, a leading manufacturer of metal roofing, wall cladding, ceilings, interiors and accessories, has opened submissions to their annual project of the year contest! This competition is now in its 37th year, having started in 1989. The contest celebrates a variety of projects across seven categories, including commercial roofs, commercial walls, residential roofs, residential walls, accents, sustainable and interiors.  

ATAS’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Jim Bush, described the contest, sharing, “The diversity and creative application of metal panels [shown in the contest] highlights the durability, aesthetics and adaptability that metal contributes to today’s architectural design and construction. Overall, these outstanding projects [we see submitted] reflect the innovation and craftsmanship that continue to advance our industry.”  

The rules 

Projects must utilize product profiles manufactured by ATAS. Further, they must be completed “within the preceding calendar year.” Meaning, for the 2026 contest, projects from January 2025-December 2025 will be eligible.  

There is no entry fee to the contest, and you may enter as many projects as you like. Your entries must include one or more digital files showcasing your project. You are encouraged to submit multiple photos, both comprehensive and close-up. File should be in .jpg format and at least 500 kb.  

Please note: Material submitted becomes the property of ATAS and may be used for future promotional activities. 

The timeline 

Your submission must be in by November 30, 2026, to be judged in the 2026 contest. Once submissions close, a panel of judges, independent of ATAS International, Inc., will determine the winners. 

The reward 

Winning projects will get national coverage in trade publications, press releases and during ATAS’ annual awards dinner in May. This is a great way to show your crew your pride in their craftsmanship and show your potential customers the quality of your work!  

Enter your project today!

This prestigious recognition highlights ATAS International’s dedication to pushing boundaries and elevating design with metal.

ATAS International, Inc. is honored to announce that Brookley Flats in Boston, Massachusetts is the recipient of the Publisher’s Choice Award in the 2026 Metal Architecture Design Awards. Its unique cladding features dynamic-colored coatings that reflect the culture of its artist-community occupants. This prestigious recognition highlights ATAS International’s dedication to pushing boundaries and elevating design with metal.

Metal Architecture’s Publisher’s Choice Award is presented, at its discretion, to projects that demonstrably reflect key concepts presented by the magazine throughout the year. Explore this year’s award winners in the June/July edition of Metal Architecture.

Located at 10 Stonley Road, Brookley Flats in Jamaica Plain is a 45-unit, income-restricted homeownership development. The fully electric, Passive House-certified building features artist live-work studios and sits just half a mile from the Forest Hills MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) Station. Constructed through a partnership between the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC), Causeway Development LLC, and JGE Architecture + Design, the 44,500-square-foot complex opened in the spring of 2026. It is considered the largest affordable homeownership development built and occupied in Boston to date, per Boston.gov.

ATAS’ .040 aluminum Rigid Wall II panels in six colors were used to create the unique design, including Black, Chocolate Brown, Redwood, Mission Red, Brite Red, and Boysenberry. The panels were installed by Longarone Exteriors and were purchased through Kamco Supply Corp. of Boston.

About ATAS International, Inc.

Founded in 1963, ATAS International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of metal roofing, wall cladding, ceilings, perimeter edge metal, and accessories. The ATAS portfolio features an expansive selection of products available in aluminum, steel, zinc, stainless steel, and copper. Standard profiles include narrow and wide ribbed wall panels, corrugated styles, architectural plate systems, standing seam and batten seam roof systems, metal shingles, shakes, tiles, and more. Additional options include curved, tapered, and perforated panels; concealed or exposed fasteners; smooth or embossed textures; horizontal and vertical applications; and a choice of over 40 stock colors with 70% PVDF finish. With sustainability at the forefront of modern building design, ATAS proudly supports green building objectives with high performance solutions, such as solar-ready roof panels, insulated metal panels, cool roofing products, and solar air heating wall panels. The ATAS team consists of product and market specialists that provide a high level of support for your project, from initial discovery and design to installation.  ATAS has two ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing locations in the United States: the headquarters in Allentown, Pensylvania, and their facility in Mesa, Arizona. ATAS also has a second location in Allentown, Pensylvania, and one in University Park, Illinois.  On April 1, 2025, ATAS expanded its portfolio with Metalwërks® Series of architectural plate systems, located in Elkton, Maryland. For more information about ATAS International, please visit www.atas.com or call 610.395.8445.   

About Metal Architecture

With more than 40 years of expertise, Metal Architecture is the leading authority on the use of metal in architectural applications and building design, educating architects, design professionals, and engineers engaged in new construction, retrofit, renovation and modernization of buildings.

Ten companies have been committed to METALCON and the industry from the beginning.

When the industry gathers in Orlando for METALCON this fall, the Legacy 10 will be honored for exhibiting at every show, dating back to 1991.

With that kind of long-term commitment comes worthy recognition. The Legacy 10 will be honored in a variety of ways leading up to and at the show, scheduled for October 7-9 at Orange County Convention Center.

AkzoNobel, ATAS International, Atlas Bolt & Screw, AZZ Precoat Metals, Englert, Metal Construction News, McElroy Metal, Metal Rollforming Systems, PPG and Roof Hugger make up the Legacy 10. To learn more about the Legacy 10 visit www.metalcon.com/legacy10.

“These companies have supported METALCON from the very beginning and, in many ways, helped build the event into what it is today,” says Judy Geller, VP trade shows, METALCON. “Their continued commitment reflects not only the value of face-to-face business, but also their investment in advancing the metal construction industry.

“There is an abundance of marketing options for the manufacturers and suppliers in our industry. So, the long-term consistent commitment to METALCON by these industry leaders makes METALCON and our industry stronger.”

“We were an early member of the Metal Construction Association, a half-owner of the tradeshow,” says Dale Nelson, president of Roof Hugger. “Tom Black set up an educational program for attendees and we were quick to volunteer to show folks it was possible to retrofit an existing metal roof.”

Roof Hugger has annually been a participant in live demonstrations at METALCON, including solar panels being installed on metal roofing.

“For a company like ATAS International, exhibiting at METALCON is important because it places us at the center of the metal construction industry’s most influential gathering,” says Lee Ann Slattery, FCSI, CDT®, CCPR, LEED AP BD+C, sales support manager at ATAS. “METALCON is recognized as the largest international event dedicated exclusively to metal construction and design, bringing together architects, contractors, distributors, fabricators, manufacturers and building owners from around the world.”

Trade shows attract decision makers and METALCON specifically welcomes these architects, specifiers, roofers and builders.

“For Atlas Bolt & Screw, METALCON has always been more than a tradeshow,” says Don Bratcher, vice president of sales for OEM, Atlas Building Products. “It’s a critical touchpoint with the people and the industries we serve. As a longtime exhibitor, we find METALCON a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with contractors, fabricators, manufacturers and industry partners who rely on fastening solutions every day.”

METALCON attendees cover the full metal construction ecosystem: contractors, designers, fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers and professionals, the entire gamut of customers for exhibitors.

“It allows us to put the Englert brand directly in front of a highly targeted, qualified audience of architects, contractors and metal construction professionals,” says Jonathan Giacchi, B2B marketing manager, Englert. “METALCON provides a captive audience of decision makers who are actively evaluating products and solutions, making it one of the most efficient channels to build brand awareness, reinforce market positioning and influence specification and purchasing decisions.”

Trade shows provide suppliers and customers with an opportunity to shake hands and open up about business challenges.

“Our focus is on knowing what our customers need and delivering solutions as timely as possible,” says Bill Griffin, president and co-owner of Metal Rollforming Systems. “It’s important for MRS to exhibit at METALCON so we can have face-to-face conversations, allowing us to really get a deeper understanding of what our customer’s challenges and priorities are. These connections allow us to stay ahead of market trends and provide solutions for the evolving priorities of the industry.”

Exhibitors recognize the opportunity to provide hands-on product education at METALCON.

“We have a booth at METALCON because the mix of potential customers is different than other roofing trade shows,” says Charlie Smith, national recover manager at McElroy Metals. “The attendees are specifically in the metal roofing business in one way or another. Other shows include contractors who do low-slope single-ply or steep slope shingles. I like that METALCON is focused on metal roofing.”

In addition to cultivating new business, METALCON exhibitors show up to support the industry, providing attendees with the greatest selection of products and services under one roof.

“PPG and METALCON have partnered for 35 years and we are honored to be among the Legacy 10 companies that have been part of the show’s story from the beginning,” says Steve Rutkowski, senior manager-coil & appliance, PPG Industrial Coatings. “Our ongoing support and lead sponsorship of the Design District, reflect our commitment to collaboration, industry leadership and the community of manufacturers, architects and designers. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our products for building products and architectural products that push design and performance forward. As METALCON marks 35 years, PPG is proud to celebrate a legacy of partnership that has helped advance innovation, strengthen the industry and support people who continue to shape metal construction.”

Ten companies have been committed to METALCON and the industry from the beginning. Ten companies that have never missed a show: The Legacy 10. Their commitment has helped transform the metal construction industry over the past 35 years. They have played a significant role in advancing the performance, durability, efficiency and design possibilities of metal construction products while driving broader adoption across commercial, industrial, institutional and residential markets.

To explore each Legacy 10 company, view historical photos and learn more about their lasting impact on METALCON and the metal construction industry, visit www.metalcon.com/Legacy10.

Education lineup connects industry shifts with real-world metal design decisions.

As architects and design professionals face growing pressure to make smarter decisions about carbon, code compliance, material performance and long-term resilience, METALCON is expanding its Design District programming for 2026 with a new education lineup centered on the issues shaping today's built environment.

Taking place October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, The Design District @ METALCON will provide a focused space for design professionals to examine what is changing across the metal construction ecosystem and why those changes matter before the next project is designed, specified or built.

The 2026 program connects big-picture industry shifts — from embodied carbon and Environmental Product Declarations to adaptive reuse and high-performance façade systems — with practical, project-level decisions attendees can carry onto the METALCON show floor as they evaluate materials, systems and solutions.

"Design professionals are being asked to make increasingly complex decisions about materials, performance, sustainability and compliance," said Judy Geller, vice president of Tradeshows at METALCON. "The Design District gives them direct access to the education, experts and real-world applications they need to make those decisions with confidence."

Among the 2026 program highlights is keynote speaker Kermit Baker, a leading economic voice in the architecture, design and construction sectors and former chief economist for the American Institute of Architects. Kermit’s keynote, “Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries,”  will examine the economic forces shaping project activity, demand, pipeline trends and sector growth, giving attendees timely context for the year ahead.

Featured Design District sessions: Wednesday, October 7, 2026

• The Hidden Carbon in Metal Buildings – 10:30 a.m.
  Vincent Sagan of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and Amanda Turner of Cornerstone Building Brands will examine embodied carbon in metal building systems, including material selection, manufacturing impacts, EPDs and integrated design strategies.
• Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates – What's Changed and What It Means – 1:30 p.m.
  Bill Beals of Therm-All, Paul Deffenbaugh of Deep Brook Media and Bob Zabcik of Z-Tech Consulting will break down recent and upcoming code changes affecting metal construction and what they mean for design, specification, fabrication and installation.
• MasterClass: Shipping Container Upcycling – Opportunities and Challenges with Supply Chain Connected Modular Steel Units – 3:00 p.m.
  Stephen Bender, architect and instructor at the University of Florida, will explore how upcycled shipping containers can become adaptable, cost-effective building solutions while navigating sustainability, supply chain, code and project delivery challenges.

Featured Design District sessions: Thursday, October 8, 2026

• Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries – 9:00 a.m.
  Kermit Baker, former chief economist for the American Institute of Architects, will examine the economic forces shaping project activity, demand, pipeline trends and sector growth.
• Industry Outlook: 2027 – The Future of Metal Construction – 10:30 a.m.
  Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry of the Metal Construction Association and Vincent Sagan of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association will discuss the economic, supply chain, regulatory and jobsite forces shaping metal construction through 2027.
• Why Metal Wins – 12:00 p.m.
  Brent Schipper will explore why metal continues to be selected for performance, resilience, sustainability, aesthetics, durability, recyclability and design flexibility.
• Metal in Adaptive Reuse: Crafting Community, Transparency and Identity Through Design-Build – 1:30 p.m.
  Debra Wilson of Interstruct Orlando, LLC will use two design-build case studies to show how reclaimed and newly applied metal systems can support adaptive reuse, transparency, texture, durability and community-focused design.
• Architectural Metal Plate Systems: Durable Design for Today's Buildings – 3:00 p.m.
  John Scornse of ATAS International, Inc. will examine how solid metal plate systems support design flexibility, durability, fire resistance, complex forms, finish options and high-performance building envelopes.

Together, this lineup gives design professionals a practical view of the forces influencing metal construction while offering the opportunity to earn up to a year’s worth of AIA Learning Units, including HSW credits. Design District attendees also have access to METALCON keynotes, networking events and more than 35 additional education sessions, giving them more ways to build expertise, exchange ideas and discover what is next in metal design and construction.

The programming is especially relevant for architects focused on performance, resilience and aesthetics; designers exploring new materials and applications; specifiers sourcing compliant, high-performance systems; and engineers working across envelope performance, acoustics, sustainability and constructability.

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit — where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com/architects.

At ATAS, investing in people is a top priority and we are proud to support the professional development of our employees.

ATAS International, Inc. is proud to recognize two outstanding leaders who recently completed the six-month leadership development program through the Manufacturers Resource Center’s Manufacturing Leadership Institute.

In 2006, Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) worked in partnership with Lehigh University to establish a top-line certificate program to educate the region’s current and up-and-coming leaders in all aspects of strategic leadership. MRC has graduated over 400 participants through the Manufacturing Leadership Institute (MLI) program since that time. MLI is designed to develop and enhance the skills of our region’s leaders who will strengthen their company’s competitiveness, drive growth and create sustainable business models into the future.

Congratulations to John Scorsone, director of Metalwërks Series, and Mike Clements, director of operations in Elkton, Maryland, for this achieving this certification and their continued commitment to growth and leadership. Both John and Mike have dedicated more than 20 years to the Metalwërks Series product line and continue to play a vital role following ATAS’ acquisition of Metalwërks in 2025.

At ATAS, investing in people is a top priority and we are proud to support the professional development of our employees. Since the program’s inception, ATAS has had the second-highest number of participants complete the Manufacturing Leadership Institute, a reflection of our ongoing commitment to developing strong leaders across our organization.

By Emma Peterson. 

Join your industry peers and leaders for two days of learning, networking and more!  

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is hosting their Summer Meeting from June 23-24 in Rosemont, Illinois. Sponsored by ATAS International and Carlisle Construction Materials, this two-day event is packed with education opportunities, high-value networking and industry insights! Whether you are a business leader, a technical professional, an emerging leader or a marketing/sales specialist, this meeting will help you stay ahead of the competition.  

What you can expect 

At this year’s meeting, there will be a variety of industry experts sharing real-world strategies to help professionals navigate everything from the global economy to local policy and regulatory developments. One of these leaders is Johnny Quinn, who will be delivering his keynote, Unstoppable Momentum, at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23.  

This year also introduces a new dual-track education program! This program allows contractors to “choose the sessions that fit [their] role — with content for business leaders and technical staff running at the same time as sessions designed for marketing and sales.”  

One of the sessions that is a part of this new program is hosted by The Coffee Shops™ own Karen Edwards! Karen will be moderating a panel about marketing trends that can be leveraged by professionals to diversify their businesses. There will also be sessions from Bob Zabcik and Paul Trombitas! Bob, who is MCA’s technical director, will give a codes and standards report while Paul will share about MCA’s exclusive market study.  

And as always, there will be ample opportunity at breaks, meals and events to build relationships with peers and experts across the industry. This is a great way to build relationships and spark new ideas in relaxed settings like the Chicago Dogs versus Cleburne Railroaders baseball game ($25 additional fee at registration). 

The logistics 

The meeting will be held at the Hilton Rosemont/O’Hare, conveniently just minutes from the O’Hare International Airport. Attendees should make sure to reserve their hotel room by Friday, May 29, 2026. 

MCA also has a unique deal for professionals who register multiple members of their team! You can save 15% per person when you register more than one person from your company with code SUMMER26. Not only is this a great deal, but having multiple members of your company in attendance allows you to take full advantage of the dual-track sessions and get takeaways from the meeting that benefit your entire organization.  

Learn more and get registered today!