The metal construction industry’s largest international event for metal construction products, technologies and solutions, announces the retirement of its vice president of tradeshows after 35 years of dedicated service to the metal construction industry.
METALCON was established in 1991, and Claire Kilcoyne (pictured above, photo by McBoat Photography) has been there every step along the way. Responsible for the organizational leadership of a tight-knit team in the planning and execution of METALCON’S event logistics, Kilcoyne began her career with the parent company, PSMJ Resources, Inc., in 1985 with a focus on tradeshow sales. After four years, she had the opportunity to devote all of her energy into planning one show.
As vice president of tradeshows, she launched METALCON and despite tough economic times then, it was a huge success because of the demand in the metal construction industry for a new and innovative event. This was the beginning of developing partnerships and relationships that have carried METALCON throughout the years.
“Building long-lasting relationships are the foundation of Claire’s approach to business and maintaining those relationships—be it speakers, exhibitors, contractors, media or event staff—is what makes our show the most successful and largest international event in the metal construction industry,” says Frank Stasiowski, FAIA, owner and CEO of PSMJ Resources and METALCON.
“Claire always has her eye on new ideas for innovative, live and interactive additions to the show each year,” continues Stasiowski. “Because of her hard work and dedication, today, more than 100 associations, 25 media outlets and 500 manufacturers support the event attended by approximately 5,000 metal construction professionals each year.”
In 1994, Kilcoyne launched the show’s giving back program. With each show, METALCON and its generous attendee audience give thousands of dollars back to the local community, helping non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, The Carmen House, Home for our Troops, It’s the Journey Atlanta Breast Cancer Walk and Semper Fi Funds, just to name a few.
“The giving back program is the most exciting part of the show for me personally,” says Kilcoyne. “Not only does it provide us the opportunity to thank the community hosting our show, we are able to help those in need—again, building relationships.”
This year will be no different as METALCON partnered with the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania to raise money for essential housing, employment, and vital support services for eligible Pittsburgh-area veterans, service members and their families.
METALCON has come full circle for Kilcoyne with her grand finale recently taking place in Pittsburgh’s Steel City, home to long-time partners’ United States Steel Corporation and PPG Industries, both actively involved with METALCON since its inception.
“After 29 years of partnering with the Metal Construction Association, 35 years at PSMJ Resources and 800,000 miles on the Mass Turnpike, I am hanging up my tradeshow sneakers,” says Kilcoyne. “The friendships and memories made will be long-lasting—and there are many. The opportunity to have taken this event around the country and watch it grow in so many dimensions has been beyond rewarding. And, we have done it all together! Thank you to all who have supported me and for the successes we have shared together over the years.”
Conference and tradeshow planner Judy Geller is joining METALCON as vice president of events. She is a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience as a strategist, producer and marketer in the conference and tradeshow industry. Geller has been tag-teaming with Kilcoyne and her team throughout this METALCON season.
Geller began her career as a conference manager for the iconic COMDEX Technology tradeshow, and the Windows World event produced in conjunction with Microsoft Corporation. In 2003, she became event director of Gainshare Media’s Administrative Professionals Conference (APC) and co-founded the American Society of Administrative Professionals. In 2005, Diversified Communications acquired APC where she continued to work, achieved record-breaking conference attendance and extended the brand with the launch of the exclusive Executive Assistants’ Summit and the Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence. Prior to joining PSMJ Resources, Geller was an event consultant for ICD Events.
“We wish Claire all the best in the next chapter of her life and thank her for making METALCON the industry’s go-to event for all things in metal construction,” says Stasiowski. “Her smile, laugh and natural way of connecting people are second to none, and she will truly be missed.”
Established in 1991, METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction industry. Unique in both its service and show management to this industry, METALCON is the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted entirely to the application of metal in industrial, institutional, light commercial and residential projects. Its success is based on three key components: education, exhibits and interactive, learning opportunities. METALCON is produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., and sponsored by The Metal Construction Association. For more info, visit www.metalcon.com.
