Attendance at the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas on Feb. 16-18 was up 18 percent compared to last year’s show in New Orleans.

Attendance at the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas on Feb. 16-18 was up 18 percent compared to last year’s show in New Orleans.

Industry professionals who attended the show at the Las Vegas Convention Center said the increase in attendees solidifies the event as the industry’s most trusted source for leading-edge products and educational seminars.

Hanley Wood Exhibition, which presents the show, said the attendance was 8,139 as participants came from all segments of the roofing industry, including commercial and residential contractors, builders, remodelers, building owners, facility managers, manufacturers, architects, engineers and other ancillary industry professionals.

With 879 booths and 394 exhibiting companies, the tradeshow floor featured products, new value-added services and the most innovative ideas in roofing materials and related products. The Expo’s educational conference also featured 41 educational sessions. Conference attendance increased 25 percent and totaled an impressive 4,163 sessions sold, organizers said. The show's opening day featured the Keynote Address by former Super Bowl champion quarterback Joe Theismann. Discussing how the lessons he learned on the gridiron helped him succeed in the business world the NFL broadcaster explained his strategies for succeeding under pressure and adapting quickly to unexpected situations.

The Product Showcase offered the hottest industry trends and the latest new, cool and green products. From a selection of 27 products, a panel of industry experts awarded EverCo, LLC, with the “Best New Product” for its skylight guard. The panelists also awarded Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance with “Best Green Product” for its biotray vegetative roof delivery system.

The 2012 International Roofing Expo will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.Click here for more information on the 2011 IRE.