Level up your learning at IRE 2025

By Emma Peterson. 

From tech panels to building clinics, learn about all the education opportunities at the upcoming IRE show! 

The International Roofing Expo (IRE) showcases the roofing industry on another level. From incredible networking and community spaces to an expo hall with more than 500 booths to explore, there is no shortage of things to see at this year’s IRE in San Antonio, Texas! And as you explore the expansive opportunities, there are countless ways to take your exploring to another level through educational events.  

The IRE conference program features industry experts in the roofing and exterior construction industries. With over 45 educational sessions across nine different tracks, there are classes for every level of experience, from seasoned professionals to those new to the industry. Here at The Coffee Shops™, we are especially excited for the Navigating the Technology Landscape session that will be moderated by The Coffee Shops’ own president Heidi J. Ellsworth. The panel features Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) members and will take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.  She and the other experts there will be looking at the RT3 business maturity guide and the contracting business technology that it highlights. They will also be looking at the RT3 technology landscape resource for further context on technological solutions available to contractors. 

In addition to the conference program education sessions, the IRE team has incorporated education opportunities throughout the show floor. These offer attendees convenient and accessible opportunities to enhance their experience with small-group technical sessions. Run on a first-come first-serve basis, these opportunities cover everything from digital marketing and customer service to single-ply roofing training and manufacturer tool demonstrations. There are four main categories that the show floor sessions can fall into: 

1. Building clinics: These are the main exhibit hall opportunity. They are interactive sessions that cover topics like metal shingles, standing seam, flashing and more in real-world installation context.  
2. Exhibitor seminars: Taught by incredible members of the exhibitor community, these sessions are a great space to hear in-depth and innovative analysis of practical solutions for your business. 
3. Exhibitor demos: The IRE show floor hosts some of the biggest suppliers and manufacturers in the industry and watching their demonstrations is a great way to see their cutting-edge solutions in action! 
4. Education stage: This is a special section of the show floor set aside for more formal sessions hosted by industry members like the Certified Contractors Network. 

Keep an eye on IRE’s website as we get closer to the February 2025 show in San Antonio, Texas to hear more about the education opportunities available!