The Start and Evolution of METALCON

By Alec Doniger. 

Learn how METALCON came to be and how it has adapted to meet the needs of professionals in the metal industry.

The 32nd METALCON in Indianapolis was a huge success this year, continuing to serve as the only in-person show connecting workers and professionals in the metal industry from all over the world. Heidi J. Ellsworth speaks with the person behind it all – Judy Geller. She shared how METALCON started and why METALCON should be on your radar. 

Judy became the director for METALCON in 2019. She has been producing tradeshows for many years, but METALCON is her first construction industry tradeshow. Before her, Frank Stasiowski produced the show for over 30 years. He is Judy’s CEO at PSMJ Resources. Frank launched the event years ago to allow for a convening space for people in the construction and metal industries. “They identified a gap that there was really no event where buyers and sellers of metal for construction design could come together, and meet, and develop relationships, and do all of these important things that need to take place in the metal construction industry,” Judy shared. 32 years later, it remains the single most important networking event in those industries. 

“I think the thing that's really changed and evolved over the years is the show has grown. There's a big international focus on it. It's a niche event, but it's an important niche, and it does really well in that universe,” said Judy. 

METALCON covers an abundance of topics related to sheet metal, design, construction, sustainability and much more. There were over 200 exhibitors this year. There were also a variety of new events happening on the show floor to educate attendees. The Metal Building Marketplace and IMP Pavilion are two notable spaces where people can learn more about what you can do with metal building systems, what new products are available and what’s new in the industry. 

“This year, they've added to the pavilion Education Center where they're going to be addressing a lot of the challenges that contractors, installers might have when they're dealing with these metal panels,” Judy announced. 

Throughout its 32 years, METALCON has evolved to be THE metal show people attend from all over the world. This has been accomplished through the addition of pavilions, education centers, more exhibitors and really catering to what the contractors and industry need. Judy shared, “What we really try to do with METALCON is look at who our audiences and meet their needs.”  

There’s something for everyone at METALCON. Be sure not to miss the next one, coming in October 2023. 

Learn more about METALCON in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit metalcon.com. 

Listen to the full podcast to learn more about what’s offered at METALCON. 

About Alec 

Alec is a reporter for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When he isn’t investigating the state of the roofing industry, you might find him playing drums with his bands in Denver.