The International Roofing Expo (IRE) isn’t slowing down due to COVID-19. In fact, it’s bringing two events to the roofing industry in 2021, starting with a Virtual Event taking place March 2-4.

As the official publication of the IRE, RC is offering a promo code that will not only comp the $55 registration fee for the virtual event, but also provides a free expo pass for IRE’s in-person event this August. Keep reading to receive the code!

Although the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back the IRE’s in-person event to Aug. 10-12, roofing professionals can still learn about the latest news, products and information during the three-day virtual event. The event features live virtual presentations, on-demand seminars and a virtual exhibit hall featuring a searchable directory of more than 55 exhibitors.

“We realize that not everybody’s going to be able to participate in the in-person event in August, so we’re hoping to capture a lot of the education and a lot of the essence of the show,” Ray Giovine, group director for the International Roofing Expo & Informa Markets, told RC. “By offering this virtual event in the original timeframe of the originally scheduled event, we’ll be able to accommodate both audiences.”

Attendees will hear from experts in everything from the business and legal side of the industry to technical and safety presentations, all without having to leave their home or office. On demand sessions will also be made available starting March 2, which can be viewed at any time. Online access to the platform for on-demand viewing will be available until April 2.

“And this being a virtual event, it’s possible during the event to devour the education, have some meetings and still go into the field on the same day,” Giovine said.

Much like the in-person IRE, each day will feature fun activities to enjoy while networking with like-minded peers. On March 2, SRS Distribution and Versico is hosting “Whiskey + Cigar Bar: A Tasting,” where an expert explains the perfect pairings of cigars and spirits. The first 200 people to attend will receive a gift, so sign up and grab a glass and your favorite cigar for this entertaining event. See below for more details.

Check out the events scheduled for Day One of the IRE Virtual Event here, and use the promo code found below to register for free!

NOTE: All event times are EST. Schedule and events are subject to change.

Ask the Experts Live Day One: The Industry in a Post-Pandemic World

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. (LIVE SESSION)

Speaker: Reid Ribble

It’d be an understatement to say 2020 was a year unlike any other. The roofing industry, let alone the country, dealt with a virus that’s killed more than 500,000 Americans, caused major unemployment and an economic crisis. And yet, the roofing industry thrived. National Roofing Contractors Association CEO Reid Ribble will walk through the unprecedented period of history to discuss how the roofing industry persevered and how it will to grow beyond this pandemic.

How The Industry Is Dealing With The Labor Shortage By Embracing Diversity, Technology And The Next Generation

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Speakers: Alison LaValley, Heidi J. Ellsworth, Roscoe Green

In this presentation, NRCA Vice President Alison LaValley, Heidi Ellsworth of HJE Consulting Group and Roscoe Green of Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will address how industry associations are addressing the growing labor shortage in the roofing industry through research, technology and diversification. Attendees will take away ideas for becoming involved in key industry organizations that can help their recruiting and retention efforts as well as engaging their customers and employees.

NRCA Technical Operations Committee: Steep-Slope Roofing Development and Issues 

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Speakers: Mark Graham, Maciek Rupar

The NRCA’s vice president of technical services, and NRCA director of technical services will provide an overview of the steep-slope roofing issued being discussed by the NRCA. These include updates to the NRCA Roofing Manual, roofing-related changes made to the 2021 I-codes and product standards to step-slope roofing and underlayments.

Employee Retention and Development are as Easy as SME  

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Speaker: Chris Czarnik 

In this presentation, attendees will hear from Chris Czarnik of Career [RE]Search Group on how to create subject matter experts (SME) within their organizations that can instigate growth, development and retention.

Fall Protection Competent Person for the Roofing Industry

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Speaker: Frank Marino, CSP

Falls remain one of the top killers of roofers and OSHA’s most-cited violation. Frank Marino of Safety Check Inc. will give contractors the tools they need to comply with OSHA safety standards and eliminate falls on the job, from recognizing fall hazards to evaluating the use of fall protection equipment designed for roofing.

How to Create Sales Predictability by Transforming Your Team

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Speaker: Ryan Groth

Ryan Groth of Sales Transformation Group will educate attendees on how to confidently forecast revenue, including identifying the cause of the problem to the solutions that will help roofing businesses forecast targets and earn wins in their markets.

Whiskey + Cigar Bar: A Tasting, hosted by SRS Distribution and Versico

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

NBC’s Today Show wine/spirits expert and host of PBS’ “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations” show, Leslie Sbrocco, will dive into a variety of whiskeys and bourbons and discuss tips on pairing them with the perfect cigar to bring out their flavor profiles. The first 200 attendees will receive a gift from SRS and Versico that includes a pair of whiskey glasses and a cigar.

Eager to sign up for the IRE Virtual Event? Then head to the IRE’s registration page, fill out the form and enter the promo code EXFR914 in the “Discount Code” field. This provides a free pass to the event and a free expo pass to the show later this year in Las Vegas.

The International Roofing Expo is sponsored by NRCA, and Roofing Contractor is the official show publication. GAF is the title sponsor of the IRE Virtual Edition.