The International Roofing Expo (IRE) is back in New Orleans Feb. 1-3 for an in-person event that organizers say should feel a lot more like “normal” to roofing contractors and other attendees.

For starters, the Big Easy is no stranger to roofers as the host of the North American roofing industry’s largest event three times since 2010 — the last in 2018. That show drew more than 450 exhibitors and 10,000 to Bourbon Street.

As the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the 2022 show is expected to draw industry stakeholders from around the world for a glimpse of the newest products and latest innovations in the market. The expo has a lot to offer roofing contractors looking to grow their businesses, learn new skills and enhance their careers in several ways. Along with new products from the industry’s top suppliers and manufacturers, the event features numerous networking opportunities and more than 60 educational sessions presented by industry leaders.

“The IRE is the leading event for industry professionals looking to learn about the latest trends, discover new business solutions and make industry connections,” said IRE Group Director Ray Giovine. “We’re looking forward to bringing everyone together again in New Orleans.”

Attendees with a Super Pass will have access to 45 conference sessions, 20-plus show floor educational sessions, the exhibit hall, keynote session, and the welcome party. The Expo Hall Pass includes access to the exhibit hall, more than 20 educational sessions on the show floor, and the keynote address by National Roofing Contractors Association CEO Reid Ribble.

Safety First

Informa, the company coordinating the IRE, is following state and local regulations and guidance for its in-person event taking place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. There is no proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test requirement for attending the IRE.

As of Jan. 12, the City of New Orleans is requiring masks to be worn in all indoor public spaces for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within the past 72 hours are required to access indoor dining and entertainment spaces, including some IRE-related events. 

To make it easier for attendees to visit the city and take part in activities outside of the trade show, the IRE is providing COVID-19 testing on-site at the convention center for anyone who is not fully vaccinated. The AllSecure program used in Las Vegas will be in place, as will the option for contactless registration.

“Participants will see the same level of precautions we had in Las Vegas,” said Shelby Snelson, show manager with Informa Markets. “We’ll have enhanced cleaning going on in the background, we’ll have increased air circulation in the building, and other measurements just to provide the safe and healthy environment to make everyone feel comfortable.”

The show floor will be larger than in last August, and there are dozens of educational sessions and seminar presentations planned throughout the show, including specialized training sessions offered by the NRCA.

Show Time!

Other highlights from a revamped show floor on the convention center include hundreds of the top suppliers and manufacturers in the roofing industry offering the latest innovations. There will be several exhibitor-presented seminars taught right on the show floor in a safe and socially distanced manner, and some exhibitors will offer product clinics with live demonstrations from the experts that helped developed them.

Another contractor-favorite feature will return to the IRE show floor in New Orleans, the Product Showcase. There, contractors can get up close to the latest products that may unleash their potential for profitability and operational success in the coming years. They can get inspired with ideas on how to transform their business at this critical time in the industry.

Several specialty roofing products and services will also be on display for roofers looking to expand their business horizons. Suppliers and manufacturers in key markets will be waiting to share how to address some of the evolving trends and business needs roofers face today.

• The Windows and Siding Pavilion will return with a host of the latest products and service offerings in exterior remodeling. This year’s floor plan also includes and education theater for demonstrations and displays.
• Contractors in the metal roofing space can visit the Metal Marketplace Pavilion and discover all the new, creative innovations companies are making to make metal more attractive and useful to consumers. The latest materials, roll-forming equipment, components and other tools will be on display in a special area for nearly three dozen exhibitors.
• The latest software, technology and innovative services making an impact with roofing contractors will be part of the action in the Business & Technology Pavilion. Roofers can get the latest from lead generation and digital marketing and sales in one spot.