Roofing professionals will return to one of America’s most historic and vitally important cities — affectionately known better as the Big Easy — for the 2018 International Roofing Expo® (IRE), Feb. 6-8. The annual celebration of all-things-roofing continues to be one of the most important trade shows of the year for the roofing industry, with this year’s show expected to feature more than 460 exhibiting companies in a familiar space. The IRE was last in New Orleans in 2015, and drew more than 9,300 attendees from across all 50 states.
Building off the momentum from the 2017 IRE in Las Vegas — which set an all-time attendance record at more than 11,200 — this year’s show is shaping up to be memorable. Attendees can participate in more than 40 educational sessions and more than 30 educational presentations from industry experts. The backdrop for all of it is the show floor, which will provide hands-on information on the latest products, developments and trends making an impact on the industry.
On the 131,000-square-foot show floor attendees can expect to see, touch, feel and experience the full gamut of products, value-added services and the most innovative ideas in roofing materials and technology. From major corporations to innovative new start-ups, they’ll find every conceivable segment of the industry in one place, at one time.
Learning is a vital part of the IRE. The educational conference program offers brilliant speakers, fresh ideas and continuous inspiration through 122 education hours and 44 new sessions. The three-day event is packed with sessions led by industry experts covering hot topic areas including emerging technology, metal roofing, drones, labor, safety, roof decks, asphalt shingles, solar, low-slope roofing, profitability, codes/standards, leadership/employment, and more.
Show Floor Highlights
Stop by the Business & Technology Pavilion to find new tools and resources that will help you run your business better, faster and safer. Find the latest industry solutions to generate more revenue, including mobile, wireless and web-based programs for insurance, finance, credit, estimating, labor, weather, and more.
Get to know the Equipter, OMG and Soprema teams and their products in-depth and in-person through the Exhibitor Product Clinics held daily on the show floor. You can make a better purchasing decisions after seeing a demo and having a Q&A session with product experts about the functionality and capabilities.
Stay on the cutting-edge of what’s new from leading manufacturers supplying creative and innovative metal products, designs, building concepts, tools and services. If metal is your specialty, you will find exactly what you need in the Metal Marketplace.
To build your business and keep your company thriving into the future, stop by the Product Showcase where you will explore innovation as you see, try and compare a wealth of dynamic products. The unique layout offers a time-saving overview of what’s new on the show floor.
Show Floor Education
Exhibitor-Presented Seminars provide outstanding opportunities to get exciting new information and in-depth analysis presented by our exhibitor community. These 45-minute sessions will provide practical, innovative ideas and solutions to invigorate your business.
Learn essential content to help you deliver profits and streamline processes by attending The Roofing Institute, sponsored by Johns Manville. You’ll refine your technical skills, learn top marketing and sales strategies to improve your bottom line, and sharpen your leadership skills to lead your team to success.
The GAF Education Center is dedicated exclusively to roofing industry education, not product pitches. Through a series of 45-minute sessions, expert trainers will help you build skills, think critically and arm you with practical solutions to work smarter.
Special Events
Known as one of the greatest NBA players of all time, Julius “Dr. J” Erving will share what he has learned through triumph and adversity during the keynote address from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6. As Dr. J reveals his personal tactics for overcoming challenges and cultivating a champion’s mindset, you will walk away from this Keynote Address enlightened and with a deeper understanding of the power of grace, humility, hard work and collaboration on the drive to success. The Keynote is sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products.
Join us at historic Generations Hall for an evening of Louisiana culture, food and drink at the Welcome Party. Network with industry friends and leaders while experiencing delicious hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and soda. New Orleans-based party band, The Bucktown All-Stars, will provide the live music.
Sponsored by Tremco, all guests must be 21 years of age with valid ID and IRE name badge.
Endless amounts of fun and a customized tailgating RV await you outside the show floor in the parking lot of the Riverwalk Outlet Parking Lot. At the SRS Extreme Tailgate, you will network with industry friends and leaders in the sunshine while taking a break from the busy show floor to relax and enjoy a refreshing beverage in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Register Now!
All educational sessions require registration. Space in sessions is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For more information regarding registration, visit www.TheRoofingExpo.com or call 244-563-3147 or 866-860-1970. To register on-site, proceed to the registration counter in Lobby A at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, La., 70130.
