Inside the NTRCA’s Not-So-Mini Trade Show

By Jenny Yu. 

With a low-cost, high-impact format, this trade show exhibited how roofing events can deliver value for every part of the business. 

The 2025 North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) “Not-So-Mini” Trade Show may be in the rearview mirror, but its unique structure and inclusive spirit are still worth spotlighting. Designed for efficiency, accessibility and participation, the event exemplified how a trade show doesn’t have to be sprawling or flashy to make a big impact. 

With over 60 exhibitors presented in a simple tabletop format, the four-hour event stood out for its practicality. “It’s not like a big 10 by 10 booth with all the bells and whistles,” explained Kristen Harford, NTRCA’s executive director, in this episode of Roofing Road Trips®. “It’s really just a tabletop, with quick setup and quick turnaround. That lets us keep it super affordable for the exhibitors.” 

The streamlined layout also made the experience smoother for attendees. “You show up, do your registration and then you snake through it,” said Bret Foster, president of NTRCA. “There are tables on both sides of the aisles, making it easy to talk. You just can stop at the ones you’re interested in or all of them. It’s always good to catch up and meet new people.” 

But perhaps the most compelling takeaway from this year’s event was who it served — not just contractors or sales teams, but anyone involved in the roofing business. Chris Arrington, owner of Arrington Roofing and NTRCA president-elect, emphasized the breadth of value across departments. “There’ll be companies there that are wrapping vehicles or insurance or drone inspections,” he noted, “so it really encompasses not just roofing, but the roofing business, too.” 

Chris makes it a point to bring his full team to the event. “I bring everybody who can come. Typically, in the trades, the business is the hardest part because we’re all probably excited about and good at doing the trade,” he shared. “I think [attending the trade show] is important for anybody that’s doing anything in a roofing company.” 

In short, the NTRCA trade show not only offered networking opportunities, but it also presented a blueprint for how roofing events can create meaningful connections across every corner of the industry in small, bite-sized formats.  

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about the impact of the 2025 NTRCA Not So Mini Trade Show.