This article Reprinted from Western Roofing magazine, March/April 2007, Volume 30, number 2

2007 International Roofing Expo Recap

Thousands Gather for 2007 IRE in Las Vegas, Nevada

by Marc Dodson, editor

It wasn’t a dramatic change from last year, but it was a change none-the-less, and for the better. The International Roofing Expo (IRE) was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 6-8, 2007. This was the third IRE, formerly the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) trade show, since the sale of the exposition to Hanley Wood. The NRCA is still actively involved in the event, holding their annual meetings, fund-raising tournaments, and awards dinner in conjunction with the conference. The association is also the official sponsor of the event.

Last IRE offered noticeable improvements, and this third year was a continuation and refining of a tested formula. Once again, the exhibit floor was well attended, as were the seminars. There were about 50 seminars this year, with a multitude of seminar topics ranging from how to better motivate employees, to application of specific types roofing materials, to construction contracts, to the nuts-and-bolts of construction accounting. All 50 sessions were registered for RCI continuing education hours and for AIA/CES learning units.

In order to fit all these seminars in the allotted time frame, the seminars ran concurrently. This unique schedule meant that an attendee would always find a seminar of interest, but it also meant the attendee would have to choose between competing seminars. Despite the configuration however, most of the seminars were filled to capacity, and only a few had vacant seats.

While official attendance figures weren’t available at press time, attendance at the seminars and on the trade show floor looked better than last year. Most exhibitors that we spoke with were pleased with the turnout. A few of the exhibitors did voice concern about some of the non-roofing industry attendees. Several also mention that a few of the booths had gone to non-roofing-specific companies. However, for the most part, the show was well received by exhibitors and attendees alike.

Once again, demonstrations were the order of the day on the exhibit floor. Many companies took the opportunity to demonstrate their products and application right in their booths. Other exhibitors took advantage of the large, bleachered demonstration arena on the exhibit floor. The demo area featured live demonstrations every few hours on the proper application of specific roofing materials from cold-applied, to peel-and-stick membranes, to equipment. The arena usually played to a good-sized crowd.

The IRE was kicked off with an inspirational Keynote Address, The Pursuit of Happiness, by best-selling author, Christopher Gardner. Gardner’s inspiring true-to-life rags-to-riches story detailed his journey from a homeless single father to a self-made millionaire. Gardner's life story and best-selling book is now the subject of a major motion picture starring Will Smith.

Next year, the IRE will once again be held in the West. The conference will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center, February 21-23, 2008. •••