Ribble Returns to Roofing for IRE Keynote

The Honorable Reid Ribble will return to the roofing industry to deliver the keynote address on Feb. 19 in San Antonio.

Ribble, a three-decade-long roofing contractor from Wisconsin, served as CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) for five years before retiring from the industry in 2022. That was the last time the former three-term congressman took the IRE stage, where he delivered a rousing and emotional keynote speech reflecting on a multi-faceted career and demonstrated his passion for the roofing trade.

“We can never expect young people to be drawn to our industry or respect what we do until we respect what we do,” he said to a standing ovation in New Orleans. “Once you have self-respect … nothing that can pull that away.”

Show officials said they expect him to draw on some of the fiery passion and perspective after stepping away from the industry to deliver an update on the state of the American dream – and how it relates to the roofing industry.

Ribble will also provide his broad view of the American dream's actual state and why so many people still seek it despite what pundits, politicians, and economists say.

Giving Back Big

Roofing professionals industry-wide are known for giving back throughout the year. Still, a pillar of any IRE is how the roofing community shows gratitude to the event’s host city through the annual Community Service Day. Volunteer efforts aimed at improving the quality of life for San Antonio residents for years to come begin early on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

As they have for the past 15 years, dozens of roofing contractors and other industry professionals will use their expertise or sheer determination to perform repairs and hands-on restoration to homes in need.

Partnering again with Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit geared toward helping homeowners in need, the volunteers will get to work in neighborhoods with residents who otherwise would not be able to afford critical home improvements.

The full day of volunteering typically includes making significant home repairs for displaced residents, assisting with roof replacements, exterior maintenance and various renovations. Attendees may participate in the Give Back Program to celebrate and positively impact the local municipality. If not able to volunteer in person, attendees can donate to Rebuilding Together during the registration process.

Sika Sarnafil returns as the event’s primary sponsor. Additional sponsors will be announced as the event draws closer.

Organizers with National Women in Roofing (NWIR) plan to have another big presence during the 2025 IRE in San Antonio, and they’ve revamped the annual NWIR Day's schedule accordingly.

“We’ve adjusted our format to where the optional events such as yoga and book club are now on the front end,” said Katie Bodiford, NWIR executive director.

For the first time, NWIR will take its planned agenda of sessions off-site from the IRE host facility, starting with yoga and book club events on Feb. 16. Traditionally, NWIR Days hold an all-day education and networking event before the International Roofing Expo, followed by an optional half-day with fun opportunities to better connect with like-minded peers. This year, organizers wanted to shift things up, including hosting NWIR Days — a conference tailored toward women in the roofing industry to hone their business and leadership skills — at the Grand Hyatt River Walk.

The day wraps with an exclusive tour of the Natural Bridge Caverns, a cave system located 18 stories below Texas, followed by a buffet dinner in the Hidden Wonders Ballroom for 200 attendees.

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Feb. 17, attendees may participate in 32 educational sessions covering leadership to work-life balance. This year’s theme is “Focus.” Comedian Katie Goodman will aim to inspire attendees with her witty and encouraging style and show how to apply improv comedy skills to every aspect of life during the event’s keynote.

For more information and to register, visit nationalwomeninroofing.org/nwir-days.

Online Registration is Open

You don’t have to wait until you arrive in San Antonio to start your IRE 2025 experience. Start the fun now by registering online at theroofingexpo.com.

The largest roofing show in North America draws industry veterans and rookies alike to learn about the products, trends and people influencing roofing markets today. Contractors will find the education and insight they need and the networking opportunities that can help build their business. Early-bird pricing ends on Jan. 23.

Online registration for the IRE 2025 is now open