The power of connection

By Emma Peterson. 

By focusing on interaction and dialogue, the Connection Forum expands upon IFD’s mission of helping roofing professionals build relationships and share expertise across borders. 

The International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) is always striving to better serve the members and the global roofing community through innovative professional opportunities for collaboration and growth. One of the newest ways they’re working towards this goal is with the development of their Connection Forum. 

What is this new event?  

The Connection Forum is a new addition to IFD's event schedule. It places an emphasis on interactivity, with the goal of helping member associations and industry partners share challenges and compare problem-solving approaches as to strengthen the technical progress across all countries. As Coffee Shops® president Heidi J. Ellsworth writes, “[At the Connection Forum] Instead of only receiving information, participants become part of the conversation, helping shape ideas in real time while strengthening the connections that have always been central to IFD.” 

Why was this developed?  

This additional format was added to the IFD schedule of events based on member feedback requesting more opportunities for exchange and interaction. It comes at a very timely moment, as the roofing and façade sectors in many different regions face similar evolving challenges, such as sustainability and workforce shortages. As Heidi put it, “This Forum is intentionally designed to create space for open dialogue while helping to bridge the gap between global insight and local application, turning shared knowledge into practical value for all attendees.” 

When will the Forum be held? 

The first Connection Forum is hosted by Wienerberger and will be held in Vienna, Austria. It will run 14-15 October 2026 and is supported by IFD’s partners VELUX, Murexin, Fakro and PREFA. This is a great opportunity for industry partners, national associations and other roofing professionals to join a new format that carries the IFD mission of expanding how professionals connect, learn from one another and build relationships across borders.  

Learn more about the IFD’s 2026 Connection Forum.