Held immediately prior to the opening of the show, the Keynote Address will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 9:45 to 10:50 a.m. in South Pacific E. The Keynote is sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products, exhibiting in booth #949.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to hear Frank Abagnale discuss his incredible life story,” IRE Group Director Lindsay Roberts said. “As one of the world's most respected authorities on preventing fraudulent business practices, his message is compelling, motivating and entertaining.”

His best-selling book, Catch Me if You Can, was released as a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg and featured an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken and Martin Sheen.

His rare blend of knowledge and expertise began as a teenager. More than thirty years ago, he was known as the Great Imposter, one of the world's most famous professional check writers. He cashed $2.5 million in fraudulent checks in every state and 26 foreign countries during a five-year period. Between the ages of 16 and 21, he successfully posed as an airline pilot, an attorney, a college professor and a pediatrician. Apprehended by the French police when he was 21 years old, he served time in the French, Swedish and U.S. prison systems. After five years he was released on the condition that he would help the federal government, without remuneration, by teaching and assisting federal law-enforcement agencies.

Abagnale now lectures extensively at the FBI Academy and for the field offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is a past faculty member of the American Bankers Association's Security Officers School. More than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations and law enforcement agencies use his fraud prevention programs.

In his second book, The Art of the Steal, Abagnale advises individuals and businesses how to prevent fraud, identity theft, credit card crimes, theft in the workplace, on-line scams and street crime.

“Frank Abagnale is a truly special speaker to have at our event,” said Bill Good, executive vice president of NRCA, the show’s official sponsor. “I have no doubt that our members will learn a great lesson from his story, as well as be greatly entertained.”

In his third book, Stealing Your Life: The Ultimate Identity Theft Prevention Plan, Abagnale exposed the astonishing tactics of today’s identity theft criminals and offered powerful strategies to thwart them.

The Keynote is included free of charge in all registration packages, but advance registration is required. Online registration will available beginning in mid-September.

For more information, visit www.theroofingexpo.com.