By Emma Peterson. 

General Coatings is sending two lucky SPFA Convention and Expo attendees down the yellow brick road while they’re in Vegas this year! 

It might not be the Emerald City, but Las Vegas does have “buildings as tall as Quoxwood trees” and “wonders like [you’ve] never seen.” And this year, it will also have the 2026 Spray Polyurethane Foam Association (SPFA)’s annual convention and expo! With educational breakout sessions, two-days of expo hall, certification activities, networking and more, this is the industry’s #1 event for spray foam pros. And General Coatings wants to help make your time there just a little more magical.  

If you’re in the spray foam industry, you probably already know about The Las Vegas Entertainment Center. It is one of the biggest success stories for spray foam and roof coatings, showcasing the adaptability and performance of these types of products. And, thanks to General Coatings, you can experience the magic of the venue for yourself while in Vegas for the SPFA show!  

General Coatings is running a giveaway for two lucky professionals to visit the “merry old land of Oz” at The Las Vegas Entertainment Center. This is more than just a screening of the Wizard of Oz, it is an immersive experience. Thanks to the 160,000 square foot screen, you will be able to watch the tornado swirl around you, step into Munchkinland and truly be transported “somewhere over the rainbow.”  

And you don’t have to tap your heels three times to enter this giveaway! Here’s how it works:  

• Fill out the giveaway form
• Two winners will each receive four tickets  
• Show options: Tuesday or Wednesday evening  
• Giveaway closes Saturday, March 21  
• Digital tickets distributed Monday, March 23 

If you are heading to SPFA, this is your chance to turn your conference week into an epic night out with your team, customers or family. 

Enter General Coating's giveaway for your chance to see Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Wizard like you've never seen them before.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Ready for a week of education, certification and high-impact networking? Join professionals from across the country in Las Vegas from March 22-25!

Success in the spray foam industry requires more than high-quality rigs and strong crews. It demands awareness of market trends, access to the latest technology and relationships that help businesses stay competitive. That is exactly what contractors, suppliers and industry professionals will find at the SprayFoam 2026 Convention and Expo, hosted by the Spray Polyeurathane Foam Alliance (SPFA) at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

One event, endless opportunities

SprayFoam 2026 places every critical resource under one roof. The two-day expo hall offers the chance to compare products, secure equipment and material contracts and evaluate new technologies that can help define business success in 2026 and beyond. From leading suppliers to cutting-edge equipment innovators, attendees can explore solutions that directly impact productivity, profitability and long-term growth. 

For contractors looking to scale operations or improve efficiency, having face-to-face conversations provides clarity that simply cannot be matched online. If you're attending, make sure your time on the expo floor leads you to booth #106 to talk to the CoatingsCoffeeShop® crew!

Explore the entire expo map!

Deep education that drives performance

Education remains a cornerstone of the convention, with more than 50 breakout sessions covering topics from technical application to business management. This type of targeted learning helps contractors reduce risk, improve quality and position their companies as trusted experts in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Whether attendees are refining installation practices, strengthening safety programs or improving operational strategy, the sessions are designed to deliver practical takeaways that can be implemented immediately.

Check out the full education schedule.

Networking that moves businesses forward

Networking at SprayFoam 2026 goes far beyond exchanging business cards. With thousands of industry professionals in attendance, the event creates an environment where meaningful relationships are formed and new opportunities emerge.

These conversations often lead to partnerships, mentorship and collaborations that support long-term success. In an industry built on trust and reputation, the value of connecting with the right people cannot be overstated.

See the different events at this year's show!

On-site certification creates immediate value

SPFA is making it easier than ever for companies to elevate their teams by offering Professional Certification Program (PCP) opportunities on location in Las Vegas. Bringing certification directly to the show allows contractors to invest in workforce development without the added time and travel typically required.

The schedule includes a VIP Field Exam Experience running March 21 through March 23, exam preparation courses on March 22 and 23, written exams available March 22 through March 25 and free field exams offered March 20 through March 23.

Thanks to financial support from the Sig Hall Memorial Fund, all field exams are free of charge. Enrollment fees are also waived for new PCP participants, allowing companies to save between $250 and $350 per person while strengthening their professional credentials.

Sign up for certification exams and preparation courses online.

Invest in your business future

Industry events are more than dates on a calendar. They are strategic investments in the future of a business. SprayFoam 2026 is the perfect example of this. Designed to bring the entire spray foam industry together, the event delivers the tools, insights and connections companies need to build momentum for the year ahead. If growth is part of your plan for the coming year, this is one event that deserves a place on your schedule.

Register, explore the full event lineup and learn more at SprayFoamShow.org.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how SPFA is bringing the global spray foam industry together for education, networking and more this March!  

In a new episode of CoatingsCast™, Megan Ellsworth had the chance to interview Lisa Smith, the director of member engagement for the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), about SPFA’s upcoming SprayFoam Convention and Expo! This year’s show will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from March 22-25. Lisa shared a bit about the background of the event:  

This is the largest spray foam gathering for professionals across the globe. We have visitors and exhibitors from around the world coming together to share their knowledge and to see what's new in the industry...Really, whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned expert, a contractor or supplier, this is the place to be. 

So, what does this year’s SprayFoam Convention and Expo have in store for attendees? Sunday (3/22) and Monday (3/23) will be all about the SPFA certification programs. Lisa explained, “Those first two days will be full of courses to prep people for the actual certification written and field exams.” These exams are a great way to level up your skills and differentiate yourself from competitors.  

Moving into Tuesday (3/24) and Wednesday (3/25), the show will host breakout education sessions and open the expo hall to attendees looking to explore. Lisa highlighted some of the changes they made this year to the schedule: 

For the breakout sessions, we expanded the amount that we were offering. We were originally going to have 35 sessions and we now have 50. These sessions cover everything from regulatory updates to women in spray foam...And for the first time ever we’re going to be recording the sessions! So, if you didn’t get the chance to attend one in person, look out for a link after the show; we’ll be sending the recordings to anyone registered for a full convention pass or a one-day only pass. 

And if that all wasn’t enough to keep you busy, SPFA is also coordinating a couple of affiliate events during the show. Lisa explained, “On Sunday we have the Spray Foam Magazine Contractor of the Year party. Then Monday is the Spray Foam Worldwide party. Both of these are separate registrations from your show registration. And then we are revamping our National Industry Excellence Awards on Wednesday after the exhibit hall.” 

Overall, if you operate in the spray polyurethane coatings world, you do not want to miss the 2026 SprayFoam Convention and Expo! As Lisa put it, “This is your chance to be around people who want to help your business grow. Yes, they might be your competitor, but when you’re at the show, everyone just wants to help everybody. It's such a great community and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of that.” 

Listen to the whole conversation with Lisa or Watch the episode to learn more about this year’s SprayFoam Convention and Expo! And if you haven’t, make sure to get your ticket to the show.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how roofing associations are able to strengthen the industry by uniting our voices. 

Looking at the news today, it is impossible to ignore the continuous fluctuation of immigration policies in the United States. This nebulous environment has had a devastating impact on the roofing and construction industries where it is estimated that one in three workers are foreign-born. Here at The Coffee Shops™, we have heard stories from across the industry of raids and other harsh policy implementations that are harming crews and industry professionals who are just trying to do their jobs.  

But there are ways that we as an industry can come together to create a better future where borders are secure and our hardworking roofers are protected. To learn how industry leaders and associations are working towards this goal, we sat down with Will Lorenz of General Coatings for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

The importance of associations 

Will is the president of General Coatings and an active member of many industry associations, such as the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) and National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). In each of these different facets of his professional life, immigration policy has been a huge topic of discussion, and one he has taken seriously. He shared, “The big thing is that these aren’t just local issues, they’re federal. So, to figure out how to navigate them, associations are key.”  

Why are associations so important for issues like this? As Will explained, they have the ability and resources to listen to each individual member and turn those concerns and opinions into cohesive, group action. As Will puts it, “Associations bring together contractors and manufacturers from every area to share what's important to them and what can help the economy grow so we can all work towards getting more people roofs that keep them clean and dry.” 

NRCA and the Dignity Act 

A great example of a roofing association unifying industry voices is the NRCA’s support of the Dignity Act. The Dignity Act is a bipartisan effort to create legal paths for foreign-born workers in the U.S. The bill was brought to the House of Representatives by Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and Maria Salazar (R-FL). Representative Salazar explained the goal of the Act:  

The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: Secure the border, stop illegal immigration and provide an earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work. No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future. 

Will added, “The Dignity Act is about people who are already here working, not people standing at the border...These are people who are good citizens, who have clean records, who are responsible and offer benefits to America because they have capabilities that we need here to keep our economy moving forward and our industry successful.”  

By publicly supporting the Dignity Act, NRCA is helping professionals like Will get their concerns heard by policymakers on a federal level. "What I really love about NRCA and the Roofing Alliance," Will stated, "is that they're committed to not only just putting on good roofs but building the industry long term with a payback mentality to help lift people up.”  

Listen to the full episode to learn more about how to make your voice heard through industry associations.

Our industry thrives because of leaders who commit their lives to perfecting their trade. Melvin Stumler, founder of Insulated Roofing Contractors, was one of those leaders. SPFA extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Stumler, who passed away on January 25, 2026. 

Melvin’s dedication to the craft helped elevate the professional standards we all strive for today. By championing quality installations and fostering a culture of expertise at IRC, Melvin didn’t just build a company—he helped build the reputation of the entire spray foam roofing industry. We recognize his decades of service and the lasting footprint he leaves on our trade.

Learn more about Melvin Stumler.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

From new podcasts to technical research and workforce development, SPFA is strengthening resources that help members stay competitive and compliant.

The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) continues to expand its support for contractors, suppliers and manufacturers through education, recognition and technical resources designed to strengthen the spray foam industry.

As 2026 gets underway, SPFA is rolling out new programs, research, publications and professional development opportunities that help members stay informed, compliant and competitive.

Introducing the Foam-It-Right® Podcast

SPFA recently launched the Foam-It-Right® Podcast, an original podcast series focused on real conversations that matter in the field. The podcast is designed to help professionals:

• Work smarter and more efficiently
• Stay compliant with changing regulations
• Grow sustainable spray foam businesses
• Navigate jobsite challenges

Supplier members can also participate through Season, Episode and Ad Roll sponsorships, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For sponsorship information, contact Aubrey Barto at abarto@sprayfoam.org.

Celebrating industry excellence

SPFA congratulates Wedge Roofing for earning the Silver Award in the 2026 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards at the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas. Recognition like this highlights the craftsmanship and professionalism driving the roofing and spray foam industries forward.

SPF roof performance proven through research

SPFA continues supporting independent research validating spray foam roofing performance. A recent RICOWI inspection evaluated an SPF roof system at Texas A&M University in College Station following a severe hail event. Using a 50 mil polyurea and 40 mil silicone coating, the SPF roof successfully withstood 1-inch diameter hail, demonstrating strong performance when compared with other roofing systems.

For more information or the full RICOWI report, contact Jason Hoerter, SPFA director of technical services, at jasonhoerter@sprayfoam.org.

Education, webinars and technical tools

SPFA continues expanding educational offerings including:

• Tech Tuesday Webinar: Overview of safer consumer products regulations impacting spray foam insulation and how California continues to influence national compliance
• New homeowner marketing brochure: Protecting Spray Foam in Your Home with Fire-Protective Intumescent Coatings, created to help contractors educate homeowners and building owners on code requirements

Resources are available through the SPFA Member InfoHub and at sprayfoam.org.

Get involved through SPFA committees

SPFA members are encouraged to participate in committee activities shaping the future of the industry. Upcoming meetings include:

• Marketing Committee – February 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST
• Membership Committee – February 17, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST
• Safety Committee – April 10, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. EST

Meeting details and participation information are available in the InfoHub.

Innovations in foam editorial opportunity

SPFA is accepting submissions from manufacturer, supplier and distributor members for its upcoming "Innovations in Foam" editorial series. This initiative provides high-value exposure while highlighting technical advancements within the industry.

To participate, contact Aubrey Barto at abarto@sprayfoam.org.

Growing the SPFA community

SPFA continues to welcome new members from across the country, reflecting continued growth in spray foam roofing, insulation and building envelope markets.

PCP certification and workforce development

SPFA is expanding professional certification opportunities through:

• PCP Roadshows hosted nationwide
• On-site exam prep and testing at major industry events
• PCP prep courses and written exams available in Spanish online and at SprayFoam 2026

These programs support workforce development and reinforce professionalism across the spray foam industry.

Supplier corner and industry promotion

Suppliers can engage directly with contractors through SPFA networking events, sponsorships and promotional programs designed to foster meaningful business connections. SPFA also encourages members to contribute articles, insights and success stories to SprayFoam Professional, helping shape the future of industry education and communication.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

SprayFoam 2026 offers something for every role within a company, from owners and managers to applicators and field crews.

The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) is bringing the spray foam industry together in a big way with SprayFoam 2026, an event designed to help contractors, suppliers and manufacturers prepare for the year ahead. With education, certification, networking and live media coverage all under one roof, SprayFoam 2026 is shaping up to be a must-attend event for anyone working in spray foam roofing and insulation.

A tradeshow built for growth

Attendees can expect:

• More than 50 breakout sessions covering technical application and business management
• A two-day expo hall featuring the latest equipment, materials and technologies
• Direct access to manufacturers, suppliers and distributors
• Certification prep and professional development opportunities

This is where education meets real-world application, helping companies strengthen their teams and position themselves for long-term success.

CoatingsCoffeeShop live at SprayFoam 2026

CoatingsCoffeeShop will be onsite throughout the show with a full sound stage, bringing live interviews and industry conversations straight from the tradeshow floor. The team will be interviewing spray foam contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, association leadership, industry partners and other professionals! 

In addition, CoatingsCoffeeShop will moderate a contractor panel on the State of Spray Foam, a panel that promises honest insight into market conditions, workforce challenges, material trends and opportunities ahead. These conversations will elevate contractor voices while extending the impact of SprayFoam 2026 far beyond Las Vegas.

Book early and plan ahead

The official host hotel for SprayFoam 2026 is the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, offering an exclusive SPFA room block rate of $142 per night for recently renovated Luxe Rooms. With March Madness taking place at the same time, rooms are booking quickly. The discounted rate is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the block is full or until the February 26 cutoff date.

Make SprayFoam 2026 your competitive advantage

If you’re serious about growing your business, strengthening your team and staying competitive in 2026, SprayFoam 2026 delivers the education, relationships and insight you need.

1. Register your team
2. Secure your hotel room early
3. Attend live interviews and panels
4. Connect with industry leaders shaping the future of spray foam

Your next opportunity starts at this show. Learn more and register today at sprayfoam.org.

Jason Hoerter joins SPFA with a deep history in the spray polyurethane foam sector, most recently serving as an SPF insulation & roofing engineer and technical advisor at a leading polyurethanes manufacturer. 

The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) announces the appointment of Professional Engineer (P.E.) and Registered Roof Observer (RRO) Jason Hoerter as its new director of technical services. This move reinforces SPFA's commitment to advancing the technical standards and regulatory positioning of the spray polyurethane foam industry, building on a foundation of excellence.

Mr. Hoerter joins SPFA with a deep history in the spray polyurethane foam sector, most recently serving as an SPF insulation & roofing engineer and technical advisor at a leading polyurethanes manufacturer. His experience as a P.E. and RRO enables him to connect with architects, specifiers and code officials, making sure that SPFA's technical guidance is both trustworthy and practical.

“Bringing Jason Hoerter aboard is an investment in the future of the spray polyurethane foam industry,” said Frank Mortl III, CAE - SPFA executive director. “This commitment to having a full-time, high-level engineer on staff helps SPFA continue to lead with authority, ensuring our members are equipped with the most accurate and actionable technical guidance available.”

A strategic investment in technical knowledge

To leverage decades of institutional knowledge and ensure uninterrupted member support, Mr. Hoerter will spend his first six months working directly with SPFA Technical Consultant, Dr. Rick Duncan. This process is designed to ensure a smooth handover of complex technical projects, ongoing research initiatives and institutional knowledge critical to the SPFA's mission.

"The opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Duncan during this strategic transition is invaluable," said Mr. Hoerter. "I look forward to working with our members to address the technical and regulatory challenges of tomorrow, while strengthening spray polyurethane foam's overall market position."

Jason Hoerter will be in attendance at SprayFoam 2026 in March at Westgate Las Vegas and looks forward to connecting with members and industry partners. For the latest SPFA news, updates and membership information, visit sprayfoam.org.

About the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA)

The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) is the voice, recognized resource and educational authority of the spray polyurethane foam industry. SPFA’s core mission is to support the health of the industry and to serve its participants, promoting best practices and growth through a number of core initiatives, educational resources, events and much more.

By Emma Peterson. 

Smart SPF strategy, high-performance products and on-the-fly adaptation helped this team keep Tesla’s sprawling Austin Gigafactory watertight. 

There are countless contractors and installers who are getting on the roof every day to install coatings on roofs. To highlight the impressive work of this industry, the Spray Polyeurathane Foam Alliance (SPFA) hosts the National Industry Excellence Awards annually. These awards showcase the incredible craftsmanship, skill and work that SPFA members put into their projects. Today, we’re taking a look at one of the runner ups of the 2025 Specialty Applications award – Brazos Urethane! 

Brazos Urethane has spent over three decades as one of the premier waterproofing, roofing and insulation contractors in the U.S. For the nominated project, they partnered with Green Shield Products for the materials necessary to complete the single-ply membrane that was installed on the roof. The project in question? The Tesla Gigafactory in Austin, Texas.  

This factory, which has a roof of over 3.5 million square feet, had some unique challenges for the contractors. These included unpredictable weather and the need for operations such as installation of robotic manufacturing equipment to happen simultaneously as the roofing process. The key to managing both of these issues was a unique system of installing and moving roof penetrations on a daily basis to keep the building watertight the entire time.  

The key to this plan was the use of GreenSeal 3.0 closed cell spray polyurethane foam (SPF). Spray foam is a naturally closed cell product, which means it is great at preventing moisture intrusion. It is also a quick-to-dry product, making it perfect for the critical areas that needed to be sealed faster than membrane application would allow. At the end of the day, the Brazos team of 30-50 people were able to complete the project in 730 days using equipment like the Graco E-10.  

Check out some more incredible projects that were highlighted in the 2025 National Industry Excellence Awards.

Original image source: Tesla

By Dani Sheehan. 

Roofing Day in D.C. 2025 offered a glimpse of what real progress can look like: passionate professionals sharing real-world insights to help shape better policy. 

Each spring, roofing professionals from across the country head to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the issues that matter most to their businesses and their communities. Roofing Day in D.C. 2025 was no exception — bringing together contractors, manufacturers and association leaders to meet with lawmakers and make their voices heard. For Will Lorenz, president of General Coatings Manufacturing Corp and longtime board member of both the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), this year marked his seventh time in attendance. For Frank Mortl, SPFA’s executive director, it was his second time in attendance. 

“It’s always great to show a consistent face and be here in front of our representatives and senators and tell them how important the NRCA’s mission is and talk about the labor issues and tax policy issues our industry is seeing,” Will emphasized. 

Labor, tax policy and training 

Among the most pressing issues discussed were the labor shortage, tax fairness for small businesses and the need for increased funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These are concerns felt across the roofing industry, and Will emphasized how interconnected they are when it comes to building a successful business. “To grow opportunities for the roofing contractors, we have to have sufficient labor. We have to have high-quality employees that are well-trained, so we need funding for CTE training,” he explained. “And we need equitable tax policies so that small businesses, the real engines of America, can compete effectively with large corporations. Some of these policies have been incredibly disruptive for small business owners.” 

Face-to-face advocacy still matters 

Frank echoed the value of in-person advocacy, noting that while emails and phone calls have their place, nothing beats face-to-face engagement with elected officials. “It wasn’t just a one-way street,” he shared. “We were able to take in their questions, their concerns and identify how it all fits into the big picture — particularly when it comes to roofing, keeping folks safe and keeping folks dry. If it doesn’t have a roof, it’s a fence. And that really resonated with them.” 

He added that bipartisan cooperation was a theme that emerged from several meetings with lawmakers. “We met with senators and representatives from both sides of the aisle,” he said. According to Will, “There’s a real desire to find common ground, and NRCA did a great job preparing us to have productive conversations.” 

“There’s a coordinated effort that allows us to be fully educated as advocates,” Frank emphasized. “And once you’re in those rooms, it becomes clear — democracy still works when we show up and engage.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how the spray foam industry is working to move the needle in the right direction.