DALLAS — Dr. Beck Weathers, survivor of the 1996 Mt. Everest tragedy, will provide the Keynote Address during the International Roofing Expo Feb. 17-19, 2016 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Held immediately prior to the opening of the show, the “Miracle on Everest” Keynote Address will take place on Wednesday, Feb.17 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at the Orange County Convention Center. The Keynote is sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products, exhibiting in Booth 1537.

The accomplished pathologist and amateur mountain climber will share how he was one of more than 30 climbers descending from Mt. Everest’s summit in May 1996 when a violent storm hit the mountain with heavy snow, subzero temperatures and hurricane-force winds. 

“Presumed dead and left behind on the mountain by other climbers, Dr. Weathers truly has an inspirational story to tell,” said Tracy Garcia, CEM, director of the IRE. “He is certain to enlighten the audience with the invaluable lessons he learned from facing his own death and living to tell about it.”

Universal Pictures has turned Weathers’ story into a biographical disaster drama and adventure thriller film starring Josh Brolin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Robin Wright and Keira Knightley. Slated for a limited release on Sept. 18, 2015, “Everest” will have a wide theatrical release on Sept. 25, 2015.

“Dr. Beck Weathers’ incredible story of survival has all the elements of a great adventure: heroism, bravery, human struggle against the forces of nature, physical and psychological challenges and a triumph of the human spirit,” said Bill Good, CEO of NRCA, the show’s official sponsor. “Attendees and exhibitors will be so inspired by his harrowing tale of survival.”

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

For more information, visit www.roofingexpo.com.