2026 IRE Recap
2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada
by Marcus Dodson, Publisher
The International Roofing Expo® (IRE) had its largest show yet in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees got a first-hand look at the newest tools, technologies, and resources available to professionals in the roofing industry. The event attracted a strong international audience, with attendees from Canada, Mexico, China, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Colombia, and beyond. Everyone was eager to gain insights into the North American roofing market, which holds a major share of global revenue.
At this year’s event, attendees explored booths that featured over 700 exhibitors on the trade show floor, with more than 180 new exhibiting companies joining in on the fun. There was an unbelievable amount of multi-dimensional products, services, and technologies available for attendees to learn about, from a variety of exhibiting companies. Interactive product demonstrations took place all over the trade show floor, and educational sessions were available to everyone that wished to learn more about the newest practices in the roofing industry. As usual, key suppliers were on exhibit and provided educational solutions for challenges that the roofing industry faces today.
Same as last year, the Metal Marketplace was a popular spot for attendees to gather and learn about the latest cutting-edge metal products, designs, building concepts, tools, and services from metal roofing manufacturers. The Business and Technology Pavilion showcased the latest products and services available that can help businesses run more efficiently, effectively, and safely. These included mobile, wireless, and web-based programs for insurance, finance, credit, estimating, labor, weather, and more. Lead generation tools, marketing services, and project software were popular topics at this trade show spot.
An exciting Exteriors Pavilion was host to the latest windows and siding products and services. The pavilion hosted critical education, building clinics, and exhibit space dedicated to residential exterior projects and products, empowering business owners to expand their product and service offerings. There were several demonstrations of new innovations and practices for exterior replacement projects. The Pro Contractors Pavilion returned as a key feature on the show floor, serving as a dedicated space for collaboration between home improvement professionals and roofing contractors. This expansion fostered new business opportunities and strengthened industry partnerships.
“This year’s International Roofing Expo was a testament to the strength and growth of the roofing and home improvement industry,” said Rich Russo, Show Director for the IRE. “With record-breaking exhibitor participation, new initiatives, and a strong presence of decision-makers, IRE 2026 proved to be the centerpiece of the innovation and collaboration that drive this industry forward.”
National Women in Roofing (NWIR) hosted its ninth annual NWIR Days ahead of the trade show, celebrating ten years of empowering women, building community, and elevating the roofing industry. Professional, like-minded, good-spirited women from all facets of the roofing industry came together to experience insight, inspiration, and fun. NWIR Days attendees enjoyed hands-on learning labs, expert-led breakout sessions, mentoring roundtables, networking events and celebrations, and of course, a few surprises as they toasted to a decade of excellence.
First-time IRE attendees were invited to the First-Time Attendees Reception. National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) staff, attendees, manufacturers, and IRE show organizers went over how to get the most out of your IRE experience. Immediately following the First-Time Attendees Reception was the Welcome Party. Guests enjoyed beer, wine, sodas, and hors d’oeuvres while listening to live music and dancing. The Welcome Party was an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues, meet up with old friends, and make new connections.
“If you are in the roofing industry, IRE is a great place to make connections, meet new people and learn about new products. If you have a business and want to understand what your market is doing, it is a great place to check out the landscape, what your competition is up to, and learn more,” remarked Danielle Wells, President of Progressive Materials.
The 2026 IRE hosted an industry outlook panel discussing the key insights, emerging trends, breakthrough products, and game-changing innovations that are shaping today’s dynamic marketplace. On January 20, the panel did a dive deep into the compelling data points that reveal exciting opportunities and provide strategic understanding of industry projections for residential and commercial roofing through 2026 and beyond. The speakers at the panel included industry experts McKay Daniels, COO of the NRCA; Trent Cotney, Partner and Construction Team Leader at Adams and Reese, LLP; Mitch Henderson, CO-CEO at MyClearInisghts Hub; Jill Bloom, Group Publisher at Roofing Contractor; and Art Aisner, Editor in Chief at Roofing Contractor.
IRE 2026 continued to champion initiatives that foster inclusivity and community engagement within the roofing industry: The Hispanic Contractors Program, providing networking and educational opportunities to empower Hispanic professionals in the sector. Roofers in Recovery returned for its second year, contributing vital mental health resources and support to industry professionals. The 17th annual Community Service Day, sponsored by Sika®, Atlas, Roofing Contractor, Centimark®, Reliable Onsite Services®, Western Elite, Farrell Roofing, and in partnership with Rebuilding Together® Southern Nevada, saw volunteers repair homes for local residents, with materials generously donated by GAF.
“The IRE is the cornerstone for the roofing and exteriors business. The emphasis on community, learning, and nurturing emerging talents reflects our commitment to addressing the sector’s current needs and future challenges,” said Rich Russo, Group Event Director for Informa Markets and the International Roofing Expo. “The growth the market is experiencing and the enthusiasm we have seen over these three days reflects the industry’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.”
It was another fantastic year for the national roofing industry event. Attendees left Las Vegas with the tips, tricks, and tools needed to bring continued success to the roofing industry in 2026. IRE 2027 will return to Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center February 16-18, 2027.
