METALCON announced Claire Kilcoyne, vice president of tradeshows, will retire after 35 years of service to the metal construction industry. METALCON was established in 1991, and Kilcoyne has been there since then. Responsible for the organizational leadership of the organization’s team in the planning and execution of METALCON’S event logistics, Kilcoyne began her career with the parent company, Newton, Mass.-based PSMJ Resources Inc., in 1985 with a focus on tradeshow sales. After four years, she had an opportunity to devote all of her energy into planning one show. As vice president of tradeshows, she launched METALCON, and it was a success.

Frank Stasiowski FAIA, owner and CEO at PSMJ Resources and METALCON, said, “Building long-lasting relationships are the foundation of [Kilcoyne’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.”

“[Kilcoyne] always has her eye on new ideas for innovative, live and interactive additions to the show each year,” continued 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 attendee audience give thousands of dollars back to local communities, helping nonprofit 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.

“The giving back program is the most exciting part of the show for me personally,” said 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.”

In 2019, METALCON is partnering with the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania to raise money for housing, employment and support services for Pittsburgh-area veterans, service members and their families.

“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,” continued 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.”

Judy Geller joined METALCON as vice president of events to replace Kilcoyne. She has 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 for the 2019 METALCON.

She began her career as conference manager at the COMDEX Technology tradeshow and the Windows World event produced in conjunction with Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft Corp. In 2003, Geller became event director of Boston-based Gainshare Media LLC’s Administrative Professionals Conference (APC) and co-founded the American Society of Administrative Professionals. In 2005, Portland, Maine-based Diversified Communications acquired APC where she continued to work. Prior to joining PSMJ Resources, Geller was an event consultant at ICD Events in Stafford, Va.
“We wish [Kilcoyne] 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,” said Stasiowski. “Her smile, laugh and natural way of connecting people are second to none, and she will truly be missed.”