IFD Connection Forum 2026: Connecting the international roofing community

Hosted by wienerberger and supported by main sponsor VELUX: Two days of knowledge sharing and personal connections in Vienna.

The IFD Connection Forum 2026 brought together representatives of national roofing associations, roofing contractors and industry partners at wienerberger’s headquarters in Vienna on 14 and 15 October. Personal dialogue and the exchange of experience across borders were at the heart of the event, organised by the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD).

wienerberger: Partnering with roofing contractors

Following the opening by IFD President Dirk Bollwerk, Gerhard Hanke, Interim CEO of Wienerberger AG, and Franz Kolnerberger, Head of Product Management Roof Solutions of Wienerberger AG, welcomed guests. wienerberger presented developments in the European roofing market, energy-efficient building renovation and complete roofing systems. Collaboration with roofing contractors was a key focus: practical experience helps shape product and system development, while training and digital tools support contractors.

VELUX supports the forum as main sponsor

As main sponsor, VELUX supported the IFD Connection Forum 2026 and its focus on direct contact between roofing contractors, associations and industry.

Insights from different countries

Heidi Ellsworth of RoofersCoffeeShop explained how AI-powered information searches are changing the digital visibility of companies and associations. A presentation by Estonian company Katevara focused on recycling bituminous roofing materials. Projects by Spitzer Dach from Austria and The Durable Slate Company from the USA added practical examples from roofing contractors to the programme.

On the second day, representatives of roofing associations from the USA, the United Kingdom and Germany outlined their processes for developing technical guidelines. Two parallel working groups provided space to discuss the work of the IFD commissions and the leadership of national associations. Chantal Huser of Gebäudehülle Schweiz shared approaches to attracting young talent.

Connections beyond the conference programme

A ride on a historic Viennese tram and an evening at a traditional wine tavern, or Heuriger, offered opportunities to strengthen connections and continue conversations. Participants particularly valued the many opportunities for discussion and the open exchange of ideas, reflecting the spirit of “Connect & Exchange”.

The IFD thanks wienerberger as host and VELUX as main sponsor, along with partners PREFA, Murexin and FAKRO. It also thanks the speakers and participants who contributed their experience and perspectives to the forum.

About the IFD

The International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD) brings together national trade associations and other members of the roofing industry. It promotes international knowledge sharing, develops technical recommendations and guidelines, and supports young talent as well as vocational education and continuing professional development.