Excitement is building around the 2014 International Roofing Expo® (IRE) as the clock ticks closer to the show, which will be held Feb. 26-28. Following shows in Orlando and San Antonio, the IRE returns to the glitz and glamour of its long-time host city, Las Vegas. This year’s IRE promises to be the must-attend event it has always been, bringing together roofing professionals with manufacturers and suppliers. This year’s expo is a unique opportunity for industry professionals to network, learn about new products and market trends, and showcase their own capabilities.

“Over three days attendees can gain insight and inspiration while experiencing what’s new and how to maintain success in the ever-evolving world of roofing,” said Tracy Garcia, CEM, director of the IRE.

With all the education, ideas, leads and products you’ll find at the IRE, you will find that what happens in Vegas shouldn’t stay in Vegas.

 

On the Show Floor

With more than 500 exhibiting companies and 16 hours of exhibit time, you will find a wide range of multi-dimensional manufacturers and suppliers of all sizes displaying thousands of innovative, profit-driving, audience-engaging products, services, technologies and equipment in more than 1,000 booths.

On display will be a number of products designed to help you profit, including gutters, insulation, ladders, coatings/adhesives, siding, built-up roofing, fasteners, TPO, machinery equipment/tools, EPDM, metal roofing, modified bitumen, roof/decking materials, PVC, roof pavers, walkways/ballast, shingles, skylights, slate, spray polyurethane foam, tile, vapor retarders, ventilation, waterproofing, and much more.

Find exactly what you need to keep your business on the cutting edge in the Product Showcase, where you will see, try and compare the latest products in the following categories: new, sustainable, safety and made in the USA. Located on the show floor, this area is a must see for attendees looking for great products in a direct, non-selling environment. A panel of industry experts will select the “Best New Product” based on innovation, productivity and cost effectiveness — it’s like the Oscars for new roofing products.

Stop by the Metal Marketplace on the show floor to find cutting-edge manufacturers supplying creative and innovative metal products, designs, building concepts, tools and services. If metal is your specialty, you will find what you need here.

In the Technology & Business Services Pavilion attendees will find the latest business and technology products and services that will help your business run more efficiently and effectively, and provide you the opportunity to meet with the suppliers who are changing the face of this segment of the industry and can assist you in selecting the right products to help you manage your business.

Attendees will learn tricks, tips and detailed instructions from OMG and Equipter as they present Exhibitor Product Clinics showcasing their products, equipment and materials. Giving attendees a chance to meet with exhibitors in a small group setting, these dynamic and interactive clinics are presented daily throughout the show.

 

Special Events

Frank Abagnale, subject of the blockbuster book and movie, “Catch Me if You Can,” will provide the Keynote Address on Feb. 26. By the time he was 21, Abagnale had posed as a commercial pilot, an assistant attorney general, a college professor and a pediatrician — and had cashed $2.5 million in fraudulent checks. Now one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery and embezzlement, his incredible first-person story is guaranteed to entertain, amaze, motivate and enlighten. Sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products, the keynote address is free with all registration packages, but advance registration is required.

After a full day of networking and learning, head over to the Welcome Party to unleash your imagination at this not-to-be missed party at LIGHT Nightclub in the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. This new nightclub merges cutting-edge creativity with incredible music to produce a new kind of nightclub experience with state-of-the-art visual effects and world-renowned DJs. You will discover countless opportunities to mix and mingle with old friends, network with industry leaders and innovators while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and soda. Sponsored by Karnak Corporation and USG Securock Roofing, all guests must be 21 years of age with valid I.D. and IRE name badge. Admission is free for conference registrants; there is a $45 admission fee for Expo Only registrants before Jan. 15 ($55 thereafter). Advance registration is required.

Show participants are encouraged to arrive a day early, roll up their sleeves and give back to the Las Vegas community by participating in Community Service Day’s home renovation and revitalization project sponsored by Sika Sarnafil. Held Feb. 26 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., volunteers are needed from a variety of construction disciplines to help repair the homes of unemployed and disabled families in Las Vegas. All skill levels are needed, from professional to skilled to amateur. Register to participate when you register for the show; tax-deductible monetary donations can also be made during registration. Lunch will be provided by OMG Roofing Products.

New this year, attendees have the opportunity to find new products and meet new exhibitors by participating in the Treasure Quest game. Participants will follow a treasure map to each of the participating treasured exhibitors across the show floor and receive a jewel stamp on their map. Once the map is full of the allotted stamps, attendees will be entered for a chance to win $3,500 cash presented by Oscar Goodman, former Las Vegas Mayor and Host Committee Chairman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

 

Educational Sessions

Through the educational conference, attendees can choose from 44 knowledge-building sessions in eight tracks where you will learn the best practices and the latest technologies designed to improve your skills and grow your business. With 90 percent new topics, sessions will cover OSHA’s new regulatory update, roofing industry update, NRCA’s Young Contractors Committee Roundtable, fall recovery procedures, Executive Leadership Roundtable Discussion, Sales Boot Camp — and much more.

Held Wednesday through Friday, classes are 90 minutes in length and do not overlap the exhibit hall hours, allowing you ample time on the show floor.

Tracks cover technical, workplace safety, leadership/management, green building, legal/HR, money matters, sales/service and general business.

Sessions are specifically targeted to commercial/residential/metal contractors, owners/CEOs/general managers, superintendents/foremen, architects/designers/consultants, salesmen/estimators, manufacturers/ suppliers and building owners/facility managers.

To read the session descriptions, click the Conference tab and then the Sessions link at www.TheRoofingExpo.com. You can search the full conference schedule by session title, track, date, speaker and/or keyword.

Designed to help attendees advance their businesses and careers, many sessions have been approved by Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Construction Industry Licensing Board and RCI Inc.

 

For More Information

All educational sessions are ticketed events and require registration. Space in sessions is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For more information regarding registration, visit www.TheRoofingExpo.com/Attendee/RegForm or call 708-498-2408 or 866-860-1970.

With all the technology available today, there are so many ways to stay connected to the IRE, such as the free mobile app which can be downloaded by searching IRE in the iPhone, iPad or Android app store. The IRE is also on various social media sites: