Attend IRE Virtually

By Lauren White, RCS Assistant Editor. 

Log in March 2-4, 2021 for educational sessions, a virtual tradeshow, whiskey and cigar pairings and more! 

No matter where you are in the world, make sure you’re near your computer March 2-4, 2021 for the virtual portion of the International Roofing Expo (IRE).  This virtual three-day event will take place in addition to the physical trade show that is scheduled for August 10-12 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.  There’s something for everyone, so don’t miss out! 

What should you expect from the 2021 Virtual Conference and Expo?  More than 20 live and on-demand educational sessions, an exhibit and product directory and a networking platform.  Attendees and exhibitors will be able to chat, video call and more to engage with one another. 

“We are thrilled about the addition of a complementary virtual event and being able to provide the industry with more of the education and content they look forward to every year,” said Ray Giovine, group director for the International Roofing Expo / Informa Markets. 

Industry experts will share their knowledge with attendees through various educational sessions.  There are six different tracks of sessions so you can conveniently find the education you need.  The tracks include: Business, Legal/HR, Technical, Workplace safety, Windows and siding, Exhibitor seminars.  Take a look at the schedule to see what you have to look forward to. 

Tuesday, March 2 

Each day will start with a Ask the Experts Live session.  On Tuesday, Reid Ribble, CEO of National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), is the opening keynote speaker and will discuss “The Industry in a Post-Pandemic World,” taking viewers through what happened during an unprecedented 2020, in addition to discussing what will come next. 

Our very own RCS partner, Heidi J. Ellsworth, will present “How the Industry is Dealing with the Labor Shortage by Embracing Diversity, Technology and the Next Generation” with Alison LaValley, vice president of strategic projects and development for NRCA, in addition to Roscoe Green, Cotney Construction Law partner.  During the session, the team will share current roofing initiatives from the NRCA Diversity and Inclusion committee, Roofing Alliance, National Women in Roofing (NWIR) and Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3). 

“NRCA Technical Operation Committee: Steep-Slope Roofing Development and Issues” will be presented by Mark Graham and Maciek Rupar.  The two will share an overview of what NRCA’s Technical Operations Committee has identified as issues in steep-slope roofing. 

Ryan Groth, founder of Sales Transformation Group, will share how companies can confidently forecast revenue in his session, “How to Create Sales Predictability by Transforming Your Team.” 

There will also be two on-demand sessions presented by NRCA that will be available starting on March 2.  Reid Ribble will present “Training and Sustaining Your Workforce,” and Bill Good and Dhaval Gajjar will present “A College-Level Course on Roofing! Who Knew?” 

Wednesday, March 3 

Join a panel of experts to answer roofing industry technical issues in the Technical Q&A live session.  During this hour, you’ll have an opportunity to share your experiences and have your questions answered.  

Viewers will learn ways to train staff who are working remotely from Anna Chapman Anderson, Owens Corning Business Accelerator, during her session, “Jumpstarting a Virtual Training System."   

During “Empowerment in the Face of Uncertainty: Empowerment Through Belief of Self,” presented by NWIR, Jill Keuth will discuss how women are rising and leading in the industry, in businesses and in their communities and homes. 

Thursday, March 4 

Start your day with the Ask the Experts Live session, “Current COVID-19 Legal Issues.”  Join Trent Cotney and John Kenney from Cotney Construction Law, Michelle Boykin, the COO and integrator of Rackley Roofing Company and Ken Kelly, president of Kelly Roofing.  This panel will discuss legal issues that impact roofing professionals. 

Learn how to protect profit margins and use a higher price to increase sales from John DeRosa of SRS Distribution, during “Advanced Pricing Strategies.” 

During “NRCA Technical Operations Committee: Low-Slope Roofing Development and Issues,” Mark Graham, NRCA vice president of technical services, will share low-slope roofing issues that have been identified by NRCA’s Technical Operations Committee. 

“Ways to Maximize Communication and Collaboration Tools,” presented by NWIR, will provide attendees with tips on how to improve communication in the field and increase efficiency by utilizing technology. 

When you’re not attending educational sessions, check out the virtual trade show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST each day.  Make sure you stop by our RoofersCoffeeShop® booth, and visit our RCS partners too: 

• ABC Supply 

• AccuLynx 

• ATAS International Inc. 

• Beacon Building Products 

• BITEC, Inc.  

• DaVinci Roofscapes 

• Duro-Last, Inc.  

• Equipter 

• GAF 

• Georgia-Pacific Building Products 

• International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) 

• Johns Manville 

• KARNAK Corporation 

• Malarkey Roofing Products® 

• National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) 

• Nearmap 

• Owens Corning 

• Polyglass U.S.A. Inc. 

• S-5! 

• SRS Distribution, Inc. 

• TAMKO Building Products LLC 

• The SOPREMA Group – SOPREMA, Chem Link, DERBIGUM 

See the full list of exhibitors here.   

Even though IRE is virtual, there will still be opportunities for networking and fun!  Tuesday evening, join in for a whiskey and cigar bar tasting, hosted by SRS Distribution and Versico.  Leslie Sbrocco, the wine/spirits expert for NBC’s Today Show and the Emmy-Award winning host of 100 DAYS, DRINKS, DISHES & DESTINATIONS, will present a whiskey and cigar pairing.  Leslie will share tips for pairing a variety of whiskeys and bourbons to the perfect cigar.  Log in early because the first 200 people to attend will receive a special gift!  You’ll need to practice your poker face for Wednesday’s Virtual Poker Night sponsored by NWIR.  Socialize and network with your fellow roofing professionals all while having some fun!  And on the last day of the conference, enjoy a special presentation of Cirque du Soleil.  They will perform two of their must-see shows, Mystère and “O”! 

Get your free pass to the virtual expo compliments of RCS.