Attendance, Square Footage Figures Document Banner Year for 2018 IRE

The International Roofing Expo (IRE), sponsored by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), was held February 6-8, 2018, and 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. According to Informa Exhibitions, the 2018 IRE spanned 137,480 net square feet, the largest in the show’s history, and attracted 10,076 roofing professionals from 62 countries. There were 467 companies that exhibited at the event.

“The passion in the industry, our media partners, and show sponsor, the NRCA, really make the IRE a remarkable show,” said 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,” noted 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 percent 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.

The National Women in Roofing (NWIR) held a full day of education, mentorship, and networking on February 4. The 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 more than 65 attendees and sponsors to give back through their annual Community Service Day, held February 5. They adopted and repaired three homes for families unable to do so themselves.
The 2019 IRE will be held February 11-13 at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Attendee registration will open in the fall. Those looking to exhibit can contact [email protected].