KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) is ready to gather under “ONE ROOF” this summer. After the cancellation of the 2020 Convention and Expo, the Florida roofing industry is excited for the educational and networking opportunities that will take place in-person during the 2021 event.

FRSA’s 99th Annual Convention and the Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Expo will return to the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, July 21-23, 2021 in Kissimmee, Fla. The event will start with a day packed with educational seminars on Wednesday. FRSA’s Educational & Research Foundation will offer a full slate of Florida-based, roofing-specific seminars. With the new Florida Building Code (FBC) 2020 now in effect and the inclusion of ASCE 7-16 in the FBC, there are many technical changes to the way roofing systems are installed. FRSA has 10 seminars focusing on these changes at this year’s event.

The foundation has also planned many educational seminars for Thursday and Friday, including: 2020 Advanced Florida Building Code 7th Edition; Top 5 Immigration Issues/E-Verify; Safety and Housekeeping – The Perfect Combination; Advanced FRSA-TRI Tile Manual 6th Edition Review; 2020 FBC Underlayment Requirements; Best Practices for Preventing Cybersecurity Breaches; Update to Florida’s Licensing Requirements; 2020 Advanced FBC; Major Changes in Metal Roofing; and Wind Mitigation Methods, the Law.

FRSA’s carefully planned seminar schedule still provides plenty of opportunities for great networking events. On Wednesday, bring your crew and treat them to one of our competitive sports tournaments. Enjoy golfing at Celebration Golf Club, fishing in Port Canaveral, or pistol and clay shooting at Tenoroc Shooting Range.

The Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Expo, the largest regional roofing expo in the country, will be open on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join roofing contractors, architects, building officials, and industry suppliers as they gather at the expo to learn about the latest products and services from more than 230 industry exhibitors. The expo will offer complimentary lunch in the Food Court, cash prizes, daily beer busts, the FRSA Affiliate Pinball Competition benefiting the Gulf Coast Kid’s House, and the FRSA 25 Square Challenge — a unique Expo game that can be accessed by downloading the FRSA event app. Simply visit the app store on your smartphone and search “FRSA” to create your profile and join in the Square Challenge fun.

While exploring everything the expo has to offer, be sure to stop by the Foundation Auction and place the highest bid to head home with great getaway vacations, sporting event tickets, unique baskets and, of course, roofing products and services. New this year, you can bid from anywhere! Text "FRSA" to 243725 or visit www.bidpal.net/frsa to register and bid online. Bidding starts on July 16 at 8 a.m. and concludes on July 23 at 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit the industry through the FRSA Educational and Research Foundation.

Additional networking opportunities include the National Women in Roofing Mentorship Session, an insight-filled session where you will hear from women in the industry about their career experiences in roofing, and the Young Professionals Panel Discussion, an open discussion with roofing professionals under the age of 40 featuring a panel of industry experts and focusing on current issues impacting the industry.

On Thursday night, make plans to attend the FRSA Officer Installation Dinner and celebrate Florida roofing professionals at this important industry event. Elections for new FRSA Officers and Directors will be held, Life and Honorary Memberships and prestigious industry awards will be presented and FRSA’s highest honor, the Campanella Award, will be unveiled during a unique display of artistry. Then support the individuals that will lead FRSA into our 100th year as they are installed as the new FRSA Executive Committee.

As part of FRSA’s commitment to put health and safety first, all events have been carefully reviewed and restructured to meet the health and safety challenges of COVID-19. FRSA is working closely with the event venue and all vendors. As part of Marriott International’s family, the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center has implemented a multi-pronged approach, including a mandatory face mask policy, physical distancing guidelines, food safety protocols and an increased emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness, as well as several other initiatives. For more information, please visit www.floridaroof.com/healthandsafety.

For more information on FRSA’s Convention & Expo or to learn about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Cheryl Sulock at 800-767-3772 ext. 177 or cheryl@floridaroof.com.