This article Reprinted from Western Roofing magazine, January/February 2007, Volume 30, number 1

 

 

IRE Comes West

Thousands Expected to Gather for 2007 IRE in Las Vegas, Nevada

by Kim Rogers, Hanley Wood Exhibitions

 

The roofing industry’s most innovative products and services will take center stage as the 2007 International Roofing Expo® (IRE) returns to Las Vegas, Nevada, March 6-8. The IRE offers an opportunity to learn, network and make informed buying decisions, all under one roof and in just three days.

                  The IRE will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where attendees will get glimpse of the newest, most advanced materials, equipment, tools, services, and technological advancements from more than 450 exhibiting companies in 1,050 booths.

                  “The International Roofing Expo gives roofing professionals a chance to see what’s new in the commercial, residential, metal, asphalt and slate roofing marketplace,” said Rick McConnell, vice president of Hanley Wood Exhibitions, owner and producer of the Expo.

                  This year’s event is expected to attract thousands of attendees, including contractors, builders, replacement contractors, remodelers, building owners, facility managers, consultants, architects and designers, from rookies to seasoned veterans with every size budget.

 

On the Show Floor

                  Held on the show floor in booth 1071, a series of Live Demonstrations will offer attendees the opportunity to see state-of-the-art roofing techniques in actual jobsite conditions from APOC/Gardner Gibson, Grace Construction Products, Johns Manville, On Center Software, Kassel & Irons, OMG, Kirsch Building Products, and MonierLifetile.

                  In addition, attendees will want to see Dow Chemical Company, TruFast, United Solar Ovonic, and DuPont Building Innovations present their own “infomercial” of their equipment, materials, and techniques in the Exhibitor Product Clinics.

                  Twelve percent larger than last year, the metal roofing marketplace will feature the latest products, services, and technologies to help attendees profit in the metal roofing sector.

 

Educational Programs

                  With 50 sessions, the conference program features seven educational tracks addressing key roofing segments, including technical, general business, leadership/management, sales and service, money matters, and workplace safety. Courses were designed especially for roofing contractors, architects, designers, consultants, owners, CEOs, general managers, manufacturers, suppliers, salesmen, estimators, building owners, facility managers, superintendents, and foremen.

                  Designed to help attendees advance their businesses and careers, all 50 sessions have been registered for RCI continuing education hours and for the AIA/CES learning units. In addition, 31 courses have been approved by Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Construction Industry Licensing Board [Education Provider No. 0003200].

 

New in 2007

                  Of the 50 sessions, 44 feature new topics, with six of last year’s most popular sessions repeated due to high demand:

•               A new legal/HR track was added this year so attendees can receive professional tools and resources to help build and protect their businesses.

•               A highlight of the Money Matters track is a two-part QuickBooks training series that teaches attendees how to use this cutting-edge software to generate and customize reports and translate profit/loss statements.

•               The spouse program has been revitalized to include a more education-oriented program for the involved spouses who are looking for ways to help manage and grow their businesses.

 

Special Events

                  Kicking off the Expo on Tuesday, March 6 at 9:45 am will be the inspirational Keynote Address, The Pursuit of Happyness, by best-selling author, Christopher Gardner. Gardner’s inspiring true-to-life rags-to-riches story will detail his journey from a homeless single father to a self-made millionaire, a story of his refusal to give up on his quest for the American dream and his duties to his son. Gardner's life story and best-selling book is now the subject of a major motion picture starring Will Smith.

                  For great networking opportunities, attendees can join colleagues for the opening night Welcome Party on Tuesday, March 6 at Studio 54 at the MGM Grand from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Enjoy an evening filled with complimentary beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres, chart-topping dance music, live dancers, bungee jumpers, and acrobats. Shuttle service will be provided from the LVCC, with return service back to the official show hotels. All guests must be 21 years of age for admittance.

 

Registration

                  Space in the educational sessions is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For more information regarding registration, visit www.TheRoofingExpo.com or call (866) 860.1970.

 

√√√√ Sidebar √√√√

Schedule of Events:

Monday, March 5

Conference        7:00 am - 6:00 pm (NRCA courses)

Tuesday, March 6

Conference        7:45 am - 9:15 am

Exhibits                 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday, March 7

Conference        7:45 am - 11:15 am

Exhibits                 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday, March 8

Conference        7:45 am - 11:15 am

Exhibits                 11:00 am - 3:00 pm •••