It’s no secret that when it comes to fun destinations, Orlando ranks at the top of the list. Beyond the promise of amusement parks, fine cuisine, museums, galleries and beautiful weather, the roofing industry will find plenty of opportunities to network, view new products, hone their trade skills — and have some fun during the 2016 International Roofing Expo® (IRE), Feb. 17-19.

“The 2016 IRE provides roofing professionals an exceptional opportunity to see, touch and feel new products, attend exceptional educational sessions and network with peers,” said Tracy Garcia, director of the IRE. “In just three days, you’ll have access to all the latest products, services, technologies, equipment, education and innovations driving the industry.”

A few highlights of this year’s event at the Orange County Convention Center include:

On the Show Floor

With more than 500 companies exhibiting, 1,100 booths and 16 hours of exhibit time, contractors will find a wide range of multi-dimensional products, services and technologies — all designed to help them stay competitive, profitable and strong.

On display will be products to help roofing contractors profit: 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.

The Tool Zone is a brand new area of the show floor that will spotlight innovative companies providing hand and power tools used daily on jobsites. Contractors will also discover new trends and products designed to expand productivity — with many tools available for purchase on site.

Find exactly what you need in the Product Showcase to keep your business on the cutting edge. There you can see, try and compare the latest products in the following categories: new, sustainable, safety and made in the U.S.A. A panel of industry experts will select the “Best New Product” and “Best Sustainable 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 and discover 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. The Metal Marketplace is sponsored by Metal Roofing Magazine.

In the Business & Technology Pavilion, contractors will find the latest correlating products and services, while meeting the suppliers that will help them select the right trends for keeping sales up all year long.

Learn tricks and tips from Equipter, OMG and Tremco as they present Exhibitor Product Clinics of their products, equipment and materials. Presented daily right on the show floor in a small group setting, this showcase gives an up-close look at the products and services they offer.

Find new products, meet new exhibitors and taka a chance at winning $2,000 cash by participating in the Treasure Quest game. Follow the map to each of the participating booths to receive an official stamp on your map. Once you have secured all the required stamps, submit your card to be entered into the drawing; attendees must be present to win. Winners of cash and prizes are responsible for the payment of all applicable federal, state and local taxes.

Experience small group business training with executive-level professionals by participating in The Roofing Institute, sponsored by Johns Manville. During these condensed classes, contractors will sharpen and hone their business acumen, as well as increase effectiveness and productivity. Topics will range from business strategies and leadership to increasing profits and more. Held on the show floor, these Business 101 classes are free with all registration packages. Seating for up to 40 people is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Special Events

During the Keynote Address (Wednesday, Feb 17, from 9:45 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.), Dr. Beck Weathers will present “Miracle on Everest,” describing his experience as a survivor of the 1996 Mt. Everest tragedy (see more on page 16). The accomplished pathologist and recreational 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, sub-zero temperatures and hurricane-force winds. The keynote address is sponsored by Malarkey and is free with all registration packages, but advance registration is required.

After the show closes on opening day, head over to Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar for the IRE Welcome Party on Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and soda at this must-see destination featuring an open-air setting, tropical ambiance, vintage décor and upbeat Latin music. Sponsored by KARNAK and Tremco, all guests must be 21 years of age with valid ID and IRE name badge. For admittance, advance registration is required. Admission is free for conference registrants and $60 for Expo Only registrants. Complimentary shuttle service from the Orange County Convention Center is available.   

Registration

All educational sessions require registration. Space in sessions is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Online registration is avail-able 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For more information regarding registration, visit www.TheRoofingExpo.com, or call 244-563-3147 or 866- 860-1970. To register on-site, proceed to the registration counter in West Hall A at the Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Dr.