The 22nd annual METALCON International featured a new look and a format. The metal industry event was held October 9-11 at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., and drew 5,267 visitors. “We tried some new things this year to better serve our audience and feedback from attendees is that the longer sessions in the conference program really helped understand the topics and to make better business decisions,” says Claire Kilcoyne, show director for METALCON International. “The majority of exhibitors had a very successful show and a testament to that is we already have 87 percent of the space booked for the 2013 show in Atlanta.”
"The 2013 sign up process was outstanding due to the excellent show in Chicago,” says Paulo Gomes-da Costa, the METALCON exhibit sales director. “Many exhibitors noted that they had received more qualified leads than ever before, which is why we are already well booked for 2013. We are very excited about the new ideas we are implementing for the 2013 METALCON."
Exhibitors that were especially busy were metal suppliers and those exhibiting roll forming equipment and green products. The Glenview, Ill.-based Metal Construction Association's (MCA) demos also drew crowds. "The MCA demos were a great way to tie together much of the information presented during the educational seminars,” explains Dale Nelson, president of Odessa, Fla.-based Roof Hugger and coordinator of the METALCON Demos for MCA. “The demos not only show the nuts and bolts of how various systems are installed, but allows attendees a chance to more accurately visualize the systems.”
METALCON draws designers, builders, developers, contractors, fabricators, and suppliers from more than 52 countries. Experts from 300 companies exhibit the latest products and technology and share their knowledge with attendees, while industry specialists present key topics in the education program. The event is produced by Newton, Mass.-based PSMJ Resources and sponsored by MCA. Visit www.metalcon.com.