There’s a noticeable shift at the 2025 International Roofing Expo in San Antonio. Typically, the three-day event starts at the beginning of a week, but this year’s IRE show begins mid-week and takes roofing professionals into the weekend.

A shift in the schedule shouldn’t deter any attention or block another chance at record attendance.

“We are going to do a San Antonio takeover,” said Event Marketing Manager Danielle Griffin, noting that the roofing industry’s showcase is the only event at the Henry B. González Convention Center this week. “It will be awesome to see all the roofing pros come in [to town].”

Momentum for this year’s show started to generate at the close of last year’s show in Las Vegas, where more than 14,500 roofing professionals representing at least 55 countries packed a show floor filled with more than 600 vendors.

Organizers said they and exhibitors were excited about returning to Texas, where the 2020 and 2023 shows drew record attendance to Dallas. According to data from the 2023 IRE in New Orleans, 32% of IRE attendees come from the Southwest, including Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma. 

“We’re sold out and have no more booth space, so we’re actually kind of trying to squeeze some booth space in here and there,” said Show Director Rich Russo, of Informa Markets last fall. “But it’s going to be jam-packed with products, exhibitors, service providers and attendees.” 

Russo said the focus of the show rests on three pillars: creating more networking opportunities for contractors and attendees; offering more learning and education; and showcasing innovation.

Those efforts involve hosting meetups for Latino contractors and exterior contractors during the Welcome Party and other events; opportunities for tabletop discussions where attendees can discuss the issues they care most about; and for the first time, an appointment-setting feature. 

“Through our mobile app, our attendees and exhibitors can connect, set up a dedicated time where they can meet, and talk about all the things they’re promoting at the show,” Russo said.

Also available on the mobile app are maps of the show floor and specialized pavilions, a full list of exhibitors, education session details, special events, digital show guide, dailies and more.

EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

There are 46 educational sessions on the agenda for roofing contractors and other industry professionals to choose from this year. “We have a lot of ‘hot’ topics covered this year, and a lot to offer our Hispanic attendees — including sessions in Spanish for the first time,” said Brandi McElhaney, senior conference manager. "We also want to focus on what’s happening for the next generation of roofers.” 

Other focus areas include technology, workforce development, mental health, metal roofing and private equity ventures. Show organizers responded to the growing number of Hispanic contractors drawn to the show and wanted to create a value-add to encourage their crew members to participate.

Based on feedback from focus groups conducted onsite, seminar sessions throughout the show will be available in Spanish through Wordly AI, a translation software program available on smartphones and other mobile devices.

“We want people to bring their earbuds because that content will be available in Spanish, both verbally and in transcript form,” Russo said. “We want to make sure we’re accommodating as much as possible for the Hispanic community so that they come, engage, learn and educate with everybody else.”

PREMIER PRODUCTS

Last year, the International Roofing Expo launched the first annual Innovative Product Showcase and Awards Program for candidates in the People’s Choice and Experts’ Choice’ categories. The awards program is designed to recognize and celebrate cutting-edge solutions emerging in the roofing and exterior industry.

Attendees could view the products and services in the showcase area located in the lobby and cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award across each category. Overall, about a dozen products were selected winners by the public vote and experts.

The program returns to this year’s show and appears to be bigger and better with more than 50 products in the running. There will be some intriguing competition in nine specific categories ranging from business software and technology to waterproofing, coatings and sealants. The winner won’t be declared without the support of the voting public via an online portal on the IRE website. The winners will be announced March 12.

Criteria for winning include uniqueness in the market, overall value proposition, presentation and market viability.

EXTERIOR EXTRA

After launching the first Exteriors Pavilion at the 2022 IRE in Dallas, show organizers have continued the commitment to grow beyond roofing and into some specialty areas.

In order to address the needs of under-served residential replacement contractors adjacent to the roofing space, the pavilion continues to focus on residential exterior products and projects like siding, windows, weather barriers and other exterior features. 

Factors like extreme weather events coast-to-coast, the lowering of some key interest rates, and home equity levels remaining near record amounts have created an opportunity for roofing contractors looking to expand offerings. Of the contractors that attended IRE 2023, two-thirds are involved in residential, more than one-third (34%) indicated they install siding, and roughly one-quarter (24%) install windows, according to data released by Informa.

This year, the show offers more hands-on building clinics, demonstrations and other educational opportunities on the show floor. Features include:

• A walled, enclosed area with classroom-style seating for educational sessions led by industry experts
• Fully-built demonstration spaces where products and production skills can be put to the test
• Larger dedicated exhibit space for manufacturers and service providers for roofers and exterior specialists. 

Each day of the show, the Exteriors Education Stage will feature some of the industry’s most experienced and innovative speakers discussing a wide range of topics from homeowner survey data to technology tips that boost profitability.

REGISTER NOW!

You don’t have to wait until you arrive at the Henry B. González Convention Center 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 casts a wide net — industry veterans and rookies — to learn about the products, trends and people influencing roofing markets today. Registration is available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contractors will find the education and insight they need and the networking opportunities that may help build their business.

All educational sessions require registration. Space in sessions is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Complete your registration by logging into your customized registration dashboard and contacting an IRE registration customer service agent at 866-860-1970 or online at theroofingexpo.com.