The International Roofing Expo (IRE), sponsored by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), concluded with success. The business-to-business expo and conference connected manufacturers and suppliers of roofing products, services, and technologies, with roofing contractors from across the U.S. and the globe.
The 2018 IRE spanned 137,480 net square feet and attracted 10,076 roofing professionals from 62 countries, 467 companies exhibited at the event.
“The passion in the industry, our media partners, and show sponsor, the NRCA, make the IRE a show to attend,” expresses Tracy Garcia, CEM, show director. “It’s a collaborative industry event, giving buyers the opportunity to see innovations while taking part in an educational program.”
“It was a successful week in New Orleans, and NRCA couldn’t be prouder to collaborate with Informa to produce such an informative convention and trade show,” adds Reid Ribble, NRCA CEO. “Roofing contractors are enthusiastic and optimistic about the upcoming 2018 roofing season, and it showed by their attendance this year at the International Roofing Expo.”
At the forefront of the exposition is a conference program developed with insight from an advisory panel comprised of exhibitors, attendees, media, and other thought-leaders. The program goes beyond the technical skills contractors need by also including marketing and sales training that are necessary for their businesses. Legal, HR, and recruitment were also recurring themes through the three days of education.
“The conference program was well-attended,” says Brandi McElhaney, senior conference manager. “In comparison to last year, we saw a 7 percent increase.”
Complementing the core conference program, IRE also hosted The Roofing Institute, sponsored by Johns Manville and the GAF Education Center. Both included technical and business-related topics. Equipter, OMG Roofing Products, and Soprema offered product clinics on the show floor.
The National Women in Roofing (NWIR) held a full day of education, mentorship, and networking. The NWIR is a platform, through its membership and councils, for women and men, new and established, to find ongoing success working together in the roofing industry. The NWIR also held a reception.
Prior to the show, the IRE worked with over 65 attendees and sponsors to give back through their annual Community Service Day. They adopted and repaired three homes for families unable to do so themselves.
Tremco sponsored the welcome party, which was held at Generations Hall, and led by musicians who lead attendees to the venue, filled with chandeliers and old-world charm.
Throughout show hours, SRS Distribution brought back the SRS Extreme Tailgate.
The 2019 IRE will be held Feb. 11-13, at Music City Center in Nashville. Attendee registration will open in the fall. Those looking to exhibit can contact [email protected].