This year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE) will be held Feb. 4-6, 2020, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. It is a must-attend event for commercial and residential metal roofing professionals to stay abreast of market directions, trends, and cutting-edge technology. Here are just some of the show’s highlights offered this year:
Education
IRE Conference Sessions: The program features more than 40 sessions covering technical skills, workplace safety, leadership, legal/human resources, money matters, sales/service, general business, siding, and more.
Every year, the expo offers new topics presented by more than 65 high-profile industry speakers. Through the exceptional educational conference, attendees can choose from knowledge-building sessions in eight tracks, where they will learn the best practices and the latest technologies designed to improve skills and grow their businesses.
Educational Classes from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA): These classes focus on roofing safety, fall protection, and torch safety, as well as leadership, communication, and management skills.
National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Education Day: NWIR is hosting the third annual NWIR Education Day in conjunction with the IRE. It’s the premiere conference for multidisciplinary women professionals in the roofing industry to get together and learn about the latest business strategies and tactics while sharing their secrets to success.
The Roofing Industry Alliance Construction Management Student Competition: The Alliance’s Construction Management Student Competition is a hallmark competition that promotes careers in roofing industry management. The competition is designed to challenge the students’ roofing knowledge, construction management skills, time management, and organizational and presentation skills.
Each team was presented with a problem statement. They had to research the project, review the plans and specifications, and assemble a full estimate and proposal to submit a qualified bid package.
Exhibit Hall
With more than 500 exhibiting companies and 16 hours of exhibit time, you’ll find thousands of innovative products and services on display that can help keep your business in the forefront of the industry. The IRE hall brings together longtime industry leaders showcasing their latest products with new, up-and-coming innovators debuting unique, must-have items.
Business and Technology Pavilion: In the Business and Technology Pavilion, find the latest business and technology products and services that will help your business run more efficiently and effectively. Meet with suppliers who are changing the face of this segment of the industry and can assist with selecting the right products to help manage your business.
Metal Marketplace—Sponsored by Metal Roofing Magazine: Stop by Metal Marketplace pavilion on the show floor to find leading manufacturers supplying creative and innovative metal products, designs, building concepts, tools, and services. If metal is your specialty, you will find what you need in the Metal Marketplace, sponsored by Metal Roofing Magazine.
Exhibitor Product Clinics and Education: Experience live demonstrations of products, equipment, and materials from some of the industry’s top companies. Meet with exhibitors in a small group setting and learn tricks, tips, and detailed instruction on the products and services they offer. This year’s Exhibitor Product Clinics and Education include: IKO, MBCI, OMG, and Soprema.
The Roofing Institute—Sponsored by Johns Manville: Participate in small group business trainings with executives from the roofing industry. They will deliver content to help you increase profits and streamline your business processes. Refine your technical skills, learn top marketing and sales strategies, and sharpen your leadership skills.
GAF Education Center—Sponsored by GAF: Dedicated exclusively to roofing education, this series of 45-minute sessions will help build your skills to think critically and work smarter. From coatings and solar rooftops to commercial rooftop maintenance and tips from the field, there are sessions for everyone on your team.
Exhibitor-Presented Seminars: From the industry, for the industry. These 45-minute, exhibitor-presented seminars include educational content that gives attendees innovative ideas and practical solutions to the problems they face today. The sessions are ideal for all levels of experience in the roofing industry. Topics will include:
- Contractor Supplement Solutions
- Digital Transformation Is Here: Ways to Stay Ahead of the Curve
- Next Generation Insulation Solutions for Roofing
- Automating the Roofing Take-Off & Business Management Process Using Customized Solutions
- How to Make More Money With Metal Roofing
New Product Showcase: See some of the latest products that hit the market in the past year, all in one place. Visit the New Product Pavilion and find new products for residential roofing and commercial roofing, as well as the latest tools/equipment and business services. Attendees will get the chance to vote on the best new product in these four categories during the show.
Special Events
11th Annual Community Service Day: Pay it forward and help those less fortunate by participating in the Annual Community Service Day, the show’s home repair and revitalization project. By volunteering for this heartwarming cause, you will help repair and rebuild the homes of well-deserving Dallas families. Tax-deductible monetary donations are needed as well as volunteers who can perform a variety of construction disciplines.
The event is primarily sponsored by Sika Sarnafil with additional contributing sponsors including: K Post Roofing & Waterproofing, Carlisle Construction Materials, Centimark Innovative Roofing and Flooring Solutions, ICP Building Solutions Group, and OMG Roofing Products.
Keynote Speaker, Charlotte Jones: Join us for our first female keynote speaker, Charlotte Jones, executive vice president and chief brand officer for the Dallas Cowboys. She will share strategies about setting high expectations, the pressure to deliver, and continuing to raise the bar. She will also share the new fan engagement initiatives and innovations the Dallas Cowboys Football Club is spearheading. Come and learn how Charlotte Jones became the most powerful woman in sports!
Welcome Party—Sponsored by Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance: Kick your night off by attending this year’s Welcome Party sponsored by Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance. Relax, unwind, and get to know your industry colleagues as you enjoy complimentary beer, wine, soda, and hors d’oeuvres while listening to The Rich Girls at The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum.
First-Time Attendee Reception—Sponsored by RoofersCoffeeShop.com: The First-Time Attendee Reception was created for roofing professionals who have never attended the IRE so they can make the most of all the networking events, education, exhibits, and resources at the show. Join other first-time attendees and get prepared for the big event. You’ll hear from others in the industry—NRCA, other attendees, manufacturers, and the IRE show organizers—so you know what to expect when the doors open.
Outdoor Events
Step outside the expo hall and join us in the parking lot for some outdoor fun.
SRS Extreme Tailgate Party—Sponsored by SRS Distribution, Inc.: This is your opportunity to enjoy a beverage and cigar while meeting the entire SRS Distribution Senior Management team in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere while checking out the customized tailgating RV.
Crane Demo—Sponsored by Lifting Equipment Solutions: Experience large equipment in action with a live crane demo by Lifting Equipment Solutions.
Roofing Competition—Sponsored by DuroLast: Watch as various teams compete against each other in a sponsored roofing competition while working on 8′ x 12′ decks.
NRCA ProCertification™ Exams: Roof system installers could sign up to take their NRCA ProCertification™ hands-on performance exams during the IRE. This unique opportunity was available on a first-come, first-served basis, and space was limited.
NRCA Events
NRCA’s 133rd Annual Convention will be held in conjunction with the 2020 IRE, including the following:
- NRCA/CERTA Train-the-Trainer Authorization Program
- NRCA Foreman Leadership Training, Level 1 (Previously for Foremen Only)—Available in English and Spanish
- NRCA/NRCA Roofing Industry Fall Protection From A to Z
- NRCA/ Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition
- NRCA/Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception
- NRCA ROOFPAC/NWIR “An Evening in the Lone Star State”
Join your peers in Dallas, Texas, for the roofing industry’s premier event. Register to attend today at www.theroofingexpo.com.