We won’t know the specific details until after this year’s U.S. Census, but the Dallas-Fort Worth area — better known as the Metroplex — is booming. Recent data shows the population across North Texas ballooned by roughly 1.3 million from 2010 to 2019, and experts project the same or slightly more growth over the next decade.

Add volatile weather and a steady, strong demand for commercial space by Fortune 500 companies, and the roofing industry is big business in the Big "D."

So it’s only fitting that the industry’s biggest show – the 2020 International Roofing Expo (IRE) — lands in Dallas Feb. 4-6 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. After consecutive years of drawing record attendance in New Orleans and Nashville, show organizers are planning on another memorable event — with everything being bigger in Texas. Here’s some can’t miss highlights:

Be part of history as Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones becomes the first woman to deliver the IRE keynote address at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 in Ballroom A.

“We’re gearing up for another incredible IRE in Dallas and are thrilled to host Charlotte Jones as the keynote speaker,” said Show Manager Shelby Snelson. “Jones’ message will resonate with everyone in the audience, and it’s an exciting milestone for the show.”

Get Smart

In addition to the keynote, the IRE offers a plethora of learning experiences for roofing contractors and others in the residential, commercial and industrial roofing space.

The IRE conference program features over 40 sessions covering a large range of topics, including industry trends, best practices, and sales and management skills. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) will also present a variety of educational sessions this year including the Pro Certification Exams and the Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition.

The learning continues on the show floor as GAF hosts sessions in its sponsored Education Center that focus on helping the entire team build skills, think critically and work smarter. Johns Manville sponsors The Roofing Institute that features small group business training to help you increase profits and streamline processes. You can also experience live product demos and exhibitor presented seminars on the expo hall floor.

There’s also ample opportunity to learn about all the latest products and innovations that will be on the market in 2020 through live demos at multiple exhibitor booths. The show floor will have roughly 500 exhibitors, including some in specific areas such as the New Product Pavilion, the Metal Marketplace and the Business and Technology Pavilion.

Get Social

There’s no shortage of places to eat and mingle in and around downtown Dallas. See our selection of highlights, and a list of things to do comprised of more than a dozen popular attractions in Dallas.

There are also several IRE-related events to be part of, starting with the official Welcome Party, sponsored by Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Bomb Factory. Polyglass U.S.A. is also holding a party from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the House of Blues. To attend, claim a wristband from the Polyglass booth.

The NRCA will offer another opportunity to socialize and help celebrate winners of some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, including the J.A. Piper award and the Roofing Alliance's Most Valuable Player and student competition at the annual Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5. There’s no charge for member or nonmembers, but advance registration is required. A cash bar will be available.

From there, IRE attendees can have fun and give back by attending the annual SRS Raise the Roof Foundation concert — featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Journey at Gilley’s Dallas.

Proceeds will again support the foundation, which was established in 2012 to help with disaster relief, military veterans, first responders and community-based programs across the country.