The International Roofing Expo, North America’s largest gathering of professionals in the roofing and exterior industries, has concerted efforts to support the Hispanic roofing community through strategic partnerships with leading associations for its 2024 event, Feb. 6-8, in Las Vegas. 

In a Jan. 8 news release, Informa Markets, the show’s producer, said focusing on Hispanic contractors to learn about new products and trends and offer education opportunities will help IRE “become the beacon of inclusion and opportunity” for the growing segment within the industry.

Informa said that the roofing industry in the United States employs more than 200,000 professionals, and nearly 30 percent of the workforce identifies as Hispanic or Latino, highlighting the need to expand opportunities for collaboration and education. 

This year, IRE has partnered with industry leaders and Hispanic-oriented roofing associations, including

• The National Hispanic Contractors Association 
• Latinos in Roofing Association
• Latinos en Roofing
• Labor Central
• Southeast Contracting Services

The expo will feature Teresa Ramirez, president of Southeast Contracting Services, on a panel titled Diversity and Inclusion for the Hispanic Community on Feb. 6. Sergio Terreros, CEO of NAHICA, will lead a discussion in Spanish on Feb. 7 titled “How to Start with Commercial Projects,” designed for small and medium roofing companies looking to expand and start working on commercial roofing projects. 

Jason Stanley, founder of Labor Central, an on-demand labor marketplace connecting roofing contractors to roofing crews, will participate in a roundtable discussion on Feb. 7 titled “Industry Image and Outreach in Roofing.”

"IRE aims to amplify voices and provide targeted resources that cater to specific needs by creating a dedicated space for Hispanic roofing professionals to connect with industry leaders to gain insight and knowledge," said Rich Russo, IRE’s show director. 

"The Hispanic roofing community represents a large and influential voice of the roofing sector, and it is important that IRE recognizes this dynamic group and provides resources through partnering with leading individuals and associations to share expertise," Russo added.

Key initiatives Informa says it has undertaken to connect with the Latino workforce include email communications translated to Spanish, dedicated social media posts and video testimonials shared with partners on IRE media channels. 

On-site initiatives include

• Ribbons to identify Spanish speakers
• Bilingual registration staff
• Signage identifying Spanish-speaking exhibitors
• The Para Latino Lounge, a space where presentations are held in Spanish, sponsored by SRS Distribution
• A dedicated area at the “Welcome Party

Exhibiting company Latinos en Roofing, founded by Amparo Sancen, supports the Latino community in person at the 2024 expo, providing resources, tools and knowledge to grow roofing businesses.

Registration is open now for the 2024 International Roofing Expo. To learn more, visit theroofingexpo.com.