Following brunch, keynote speaker Lelia Gowland will take the podium to relay her experiences advocating for women in workplace negotiations and career decision-making as a renowned business consultant. Gowland, a New Orleans native, founded her company, Gowland, LLC, on Equal Pay Day in 2013 and through her work with companies across the country has become a recognized thought leader in workplace dynamics for women.

“It’s going to be a full day, mind, body, spirit, we’ve got it all,” said NWIR President Shari Carlottzi. “There will be a lot of takeaways to help build your business, invest in your company and empower you to be the best you can be, and do all we can to really promote the women of our industry.”

Several breakout sessions with volunteer facilitators from across the roofing industry will follow until 5 p.m. The event will rival with Super Bowl Sunday, which the organization has embraced in order to be part of the build-up to IRE 2018. The group will host a ‘tailgate’ party to celebrate the cultural phenomenon that has become of professional football’s biggest game.

“To wrap up things we thought we’d have our own tailgate to interact and have a social hour,” said even co-chair Tara Gerhardt, marketing manager with Duro-Last Roofing. “We thought it would be a great end to the day … together.”

Registration is open now on the IRE website, and can be made simultaneously with registration for the expo. The cost is $50 for current NWIR members and $110 for non-members, which does include a full-year membership in the organization. Visit nationalwomeninroofing.org for more information.