DALLAS - Christopher Gardner will provide the keynote address during the 2007 International Roofing Expo (IRE), which will be held March 6-8 in Las Vegas. Gardner, the president and CEO of the Chicago-based brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co., detailed his life story in his best-selling book, The Pursuit of Happyness.

DALLAS - Christopher Gardner will provide the keynote address during the 2007 International Roofing Expo (IRE), which will be held March 6-8 in Las Vegas. Gardner, the president and CEO of the Chicago-based brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co., detailed his life story in his best-selling book, The Pursuit of Happyness. The book, which details Gardner’s struggles as a homeless single father, was made into a major motion picture starring Will Smith that was released in December. His presentation of the same name will kick off the IRE on March 6 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in Hall N1 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“We are pleased that the nation’s roofing community will have the opportunity to hear Christopher Gardner’s dynamic and candid rags-to-riches story,” said Rick McConnell, the vice president of Hanley Wood Exhibitions. “His message of overcoming obstacles, balancing life’s responsibilities and ultimately succeeding will inspire and motivate the audience, leaving them stoked for the show.”

While the keynote address is free of charge, registration is required. For more information and to register online, visit www.theroofingexpo.com.