International Roofing Expo has Banner Year in New Orleans, Prepares for Nashville

This year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE) was the most well attended in the event’s history with a seven percent increase over last year. 

New Orleans, LA —The International Roofing Expo® (IRE), sponsored by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), concluded this month with great success. Held February 6-8, 2018, the business-to-business expo and conference connected manufacturers and suppliers of roofing products, services, and technologies, with roofing contractors from across the United States and the globe. 

The 2018 IRE spanned 137,480 net sq. ft., the largest in the show’s history, and attracted 10,076 roofing professionals from 62 countries. 467 companies exhibited at the event. 

“The passion in the industry, our media partners, and show sponsor, the NRCA, really make the IRE a remarkable show,” expressed Tracy Garcia, CEM, Show Director. “It’s a truly collaborative industry and event, giving buyers the opportunity to see new innovations while taking part in a powerful educational program.” 

"It was an incredibly successful week in New Orleans, and NRCA couldn’t be prouder to collaborate with such a wonderful group from Informa to produce such a compelling, informative and thriving convention and trade show,” added Reid Ribble, NRCA’s CEO. “Roofing contractors are enthusiastic and optimistic about the upcoming 2018 roofing season, and it showed by their attendance at this year’s International Roofing Expo.” 

At the forefront of the exposition is a conference program developed with insight from an Advisory Panel comprised of exhibitors, attendees, media, and other thought-leaders. The program goes beyond the technical skills contractors need by also including marketing and sales training that are necessary for their businesses. Legal, HR, and recruitment, a hot topic in the industry, were also recurring themes through the three days of education. 

“This year’s conference program was the most well-attended in the event’s history,” said Brandi McElhaney, Senior Conference Manager. “In comparison to last year, we saw a 7% increase.” 

Complementing the show’s core conference program, IRE also hosted The Roofing Institute, sponsored by Johns Manville and the GAF Education Center. Both included technical and business-related topics. Equipter, OMG Roofing Products, and Soprema offered product clinics on the show floor. 

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) held a full day of education, mentorship, and networking on Sunday, February 4. NWIR is a platform, through its membership and councils, for women and men, new and established, to find ongoing success working together in the roofing industry. The NWIR held a reception the following day. 

Also prior to the show, the IRE worked with over 65 attendees and sponsors to give back through their annual Community Service Day, held Monday, February 5. They adopted and repaired three homes for families unable to do so themselves. 

In the evening of February 6, Tremco sponsored the Welcome Party, which was held at Generations Hall, and led by musicians who led attendees to the elegant venue, filled with beautiful chandeliers and old-world charm. 

Throughout show hours, SRS Distribution brought back the SRS Extreme Tailgate. 

The 2019 IRE will be held February 11-13 at Music City Center in Nashville, TN. Attendee registration will open in the fall. Those looking to exhibit can contact sales@theroofingexpo.com. 

Photo credit: 2018 International Roofing Expo® 

About International Roofing Expo The International Roofing Expo is the must-attend event for commercial and residential roofing professionals to stay abreast of market directions, trends and cutting-edge technology. The official show sponsor is NRCA; the official show publication is Roofing Contractor; and the digital destination and official residential publication is Replacement Contractor. Formerly owned by NRCA, the show was sold to Hanley Wood Exhibitions in May 2004. Hanley Wood Exhibitions was acquired by Informa Exhibitions U.S. in December 2014. 

About Informa PLC The International Roofing Expo® is part of Informa’s Global Exhibitions Division. With over 200 trade and consumer exhibitions annually, Informa Exhibitions is a global market leader in such end markets as Beauty, Construction & Real Estate, Design, Life Sciences, Maritime, Health & Nutrition, Natural Products, Agriculture and Pop Culture. Through face to face and digital channels, our transaction-oriented exhibitions and trade shows enable communities to engage, experience and do business. In doing so, we bring together people who want to buy and sell, network, do business and gain inspiration. Our industry insight, coupled with our innovative and entrepreneurial approach, provides them with the opportunity to create business advantage and access markets. 

Informa Exhibitions is a division of Informa PLC, a leading business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events business, creating unique content and connectivity for customers all over the world. Informa PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.” www.informaexhibitions.com.