Back in Action
International Roofing Expo Returns to Las Vegas, Nevada
by Marcus Dodson, publisher
The Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, will welcome thousands of roofing professionals to the International Roofing Expo® (IRE), which will be held August 10-12, 2021. Attendees can look forward to a unique opportunity to get a first-hand look at the latest trends, the newest products, and the most recent innovations in the roofing industry. The IRE is a great event for commercial and residential roofing professionals to stay abreast of market directions, trends, and cutting-edge technology. The IRE held a virtual edition of its show earlier in the year in March, and it will be very exciting to gather together in person in August.
On the Show Floor
With hundreds of exhibiting companies and hours of exhibit time, there will be a wide range of multi-dimensional manufacturers and suppliers of all sizes displaying thousands of innovative and profit-driving products, services, technologies, and equipment. On display will be the following products: bitumen/asphalt, BUR, coatings, sealants, adhesives, fasteners, flashing, gutters, ladders and scaffolding, metal panels and shingles, modified bitumen, roof decks, roof hatches and doors, roof pavers, fall protection, siding and insulation, single-ply roofing, solar, spray polyurethane foam, software, tile, underlayment, vapor retarders, ventilation, waterproofing, and much more.
In the Business and Technology Pavilion attendees will find the latest products and services that will help their businesses run more efficiently and effectively. The pavilion will also provide an opportunity for professionals to meet with the suppliers who are changing the face of this segment of the industry and receive guidance on selecting the right products to help manage their businesses.
Stop by the Metal Marketplace Pavilion on the trade show floor to find leading manufacturers supplying creative and innovative metal products, designs, building concepts, tools, and services. For those who specialize in metal, this is definitely an area that should not be missed. Learn tricks, tips, and detailed instructions from key exhibitors as they present demonstrations of their products, equipment, and materials at the Exhibitor Product Clinics and Education.
A new Windows and Siding Pavilion will be dedicated to the products and services for exterior contractors. The Product Showcases Pavilion will also feature some of the best products and services the industry has to offer, as well as new technology that has recently hit the market. Visitors to this pavilion will be able to vote for the best new residential and commercial products, as well as the best-in-show products.
Educational Opportunities
As always, education is a top priority at the IRE, and attendees can choose from more than 40 knowledge-building sessions in nine tracks where they will learn the best practices and the latest technologies designed to improve skills and grow businesses. The tracks are: general business, leadership, legal/HR, money matters, sales/service, sustainable building, technical, windows and siding, and workplace safety.
Sessions are specifically targeted to commercial, residential, and metal contractors; owners, CEOs, and general managers; superintendents and foremen; architects, designers, and consultants; salesmen and estimators; manufacturers and suppliers; and building owners and facility managers.
Special Events
National Women in Roofing (NWIR) is hosting the Third Annual NWIR Day on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Be among professional, like-minded, good-spirited women from all facets of the roofing industry and experience insight, inspiration, and fun. There will be plenty of time for discussion with colleagues and opportunities to grow professional networks and meet new peers. Educational sessions cover topics including business development, communications, career development, mentoring, recruitment, roofing technology advancements, hands-on product demonstrations, and a safety wear fashion show. The program includes a light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and an evening activity.
If it’s your first time attending IRE, don’t forget to attend the First-Time Attendees Reception on Tuesday, August 10, at 5:30 p.m., at the Daylight Beach Club at Mandalay Bay. You’ll hear from the industry, including the NRCA, other attendees, manufacturers, and IRE show organizers, so you know what to expect when the doors open. The First-Time Attendees Reception was created for roofing professionals who have never attended IRE so they can make the most of all the networking events, education, exhibits, and resources at the show. Make sure to bring your business cards and sunscreen for this poolside networking event.
Plan to attend this year’s Welcome Party on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. Relax, unwind, and get to know your industry colleagues as you enjoy complimentary beer, wine, sodas, and appetizers while enjoying dancing and live music from a DJ. Be sure to register in advance if you wish to attend the Welcome Party.
Returning once again is the popular SRS Extreme Tailgate. It is an opportunity to take a break from the busy show floor to enjoy a beverage and cigar while meeting the entire SRS Distribution senior management team. Enjoy the sunshine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere while checking out the customized tailgating RV. There will also be outdoor live demonstrations from Lifting Equipment Solutions where attendees can watch one of their cranes in action and discover how it can help improve access to rooftops.
Once again, the local chapter of Rebuilding Together will partner with the IRE to give back to the local community by participating in the Community Service Day’s home renovation project, sponsored by Sika® Sarnafil®. This year, the project has gone digital, and Rebuilding Together hopes to once again make a major impact. You can participate in the 12th Annual Community Service Day project by donating to help reach the goal of $10,000. Donations will go towards helping a Las Vegas resident that is in desperate need of a new HVAC system, as well as the purchase of materials needed for smaller projects. Materials include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, grab bars, fire extinguishers, ADA toilets, water heaters, security lights, and more. This year, Rebuilding Together has also adopted a local roofing project for an elderly Las Vegas resident. Lee Ann Luttrell, 73, is in dire need of a new roof for her home, and we are looking for a company that can help us with this project. Interested companies can contact Brandi McElhaney at brandi.mcelhaney@informa.com.
For even more information regarding registration, visit www.theroofingexpo.com or call (866) 860-1970. This year’s IRE is an unbeatable way to learn new skills, make powerful connections, and just plain have fun. We hope to see all of you in Las Vegas in August.
