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METALCON Marks 35 Years, Previews 2027 Show

Keynote forecast points to a modest construction market as labor and cost pressures persist.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Construction

Professional photograph of bundled steel beams and rolled metal coils on a concrete floor in a quiet, hazy exhibition hall.
METALCON marked its 35th anniversary in Louisville, where keynote speaker Kermit Baker forecast a modest construction market as steel, copper and aluminum prices climbed. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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METALCON celebrated its 35th anniversary and previewed its 2027 show in Louisville, where keynote speaker Kermit Baker forecast a modest construction market amid labor and cost pressures. Construction input costs rose nearly 9% over the previous year, with metals including steel, copper and aluminum experiencing sharp price increases.

Why it matters

Rising input costs and workforce dependence on foreign-born labor shape how builders plan projects in the coming year. Roughly 30% of project volume was delayed, stalled or canceled in the preceding six months, signaling continued strain across the sector.

Construction input costs rose nearly 9% over the previous year, and roughly 30% of project volume was delayed, stalled or canceled during the preceding six months. Forecasters expect no increase in construction spending this year, and the source and methodology behind these figures were not detailed.

The players

Kermit Baker

Baker is a prominent economist who delivered the keynote forecasting a modest construction market.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

The foundation supports veterans and first responders and received a $4,000 contribution from METALCON participants.

The details

A new Latino Track offered Spanish-language education and demonstrations, and METALCON debuted its Metal Construction 40 Under 40 Recognition Program. The Design-to-Manufacture-to-Build Live program framed a 490-square-foot tiny home in three days on the show floor, and participants contributed $4,000 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Timeline

  1. Previous year: Construction input costs rose nearly 9%.

  2. Preceding six months: Roughly 30% of project volume was delayed, stalled or canceled.

  3. This year: Forecasters expect no increase in construction spending.

  4. Year-end: Data-center spending is expected to surpass traditional office construction spending.

  5. Oct. 26-28, 2027: METALCON 2027 is scheduled at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.

Market Landscape

Data centers remain one of the strongest areas of construction activity, with spending projected to overtake traditional office construction by year-end. Forecasters expect only modest growth in construction spending in 2027, likely failing to keep pace with inflation.

Higher construction input costs and labor constraints may affect pricing and timelines for building projects. Homeowners and businesses planning construction should expect that project delays and cost pressures could persist through the coming year.

The takeaway

Project planners can reduce exposure to delays by firming up client decisions, budgets and financing before breaking ground. Tracking input cost trends for metals and labor availability can help set realistic timelines.

What happens next

METALCON 2027 is scheduled for Oct. 26-28, 2027, at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.

Further reading

For broader context on the sector, explore Construction coverage on Wisevoter.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Walls and Ceilings Magazine.

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Do you expect construction costs in your area to get better or worse this year?