The 2012 International Roofing Expo doesn’t takes place until February in Orlando, but a recent “Space Draw” for the show actually shows us signs of recovery in the roofing industry.

The 2012 International Roofing Expo doesn’t takes place until February in Orlando, but a recent “Space Draw” for the show actually shows us signs of recovery in the roofing industry.

Participating companies and other companies that made their choices in the Early Space Draw contracted for 758 booths and 75,800 net square feet, which means translates into about 85 percent of the show floor.

Those numbers mean 2012 Space Draw participants exceeded the 2011 number.

Lindsay Roberts, Director of the Expo, said the Space Draw results bring a “positive energy to the show while setting the tone for an outstanding event.”

More than 290 exhibitors were assigned space, including 3M, GAF, ABC Supply, Johns Manville, OMG, Owens Corning, Air Vent, BASF, Metalforming, Englert, Polyglass, Dataforma, Malarkey Roofing Products, Carlisle, CertainTeed, USG and Eagleview Technologies. And the best thing is, Roberts said, inquiries and booth reservations continue to come in on a daily basis.

First time Space Draw exhibitors included Airo Marketing, Extreme Weather Predictions, Elk River, DynoRaxx, Roofing Risk Advisors, NRCA Retirement Program, Global Wrap and QualCraft Industries.

OK, the economic downturn may not be over, but don’t tell that to IRE officials as the 2012 show in Orlando could be one of the biggest attended events ever.