On Tuesday, Aug. 10, the 2021 International Roofing Expo (IRE) got underway at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. 

Ray Giovine, group show director at Informa Markets and the IRE Show, welcomed the attendees as the Expo Hall opened saying, “First off I’d just like to thank everybody from the bottom of our hearts for coming here to Vegas to take part in the International Roofing Expo. We had an exciting start to the morning already with some of our sessions and great speakers.”

Rod Petrick, president of Ridgeworth Roofing Co. Inc. and chairman of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) also welcomed the audience saying,

Guidelines
Health and safety were paramount.

All exhibitors and attendees were required to wear masks.

Conference sessions
There was a loaded conference session, with topics ranging from health and safety to marketing to legal and technical issues to leadership—and more.  

Roofing & Exteriors’ Chief Editor Rachel Williams moderated a panel entitled “Growing Your Roofing Business with Another Product Line - Expanding into Windows & Siding, etc.”

Panelists included Scott Siegal, president, Certified Contractors Network; Jennifer Silver, owner, Roofing Utah; Kevin Bumstead, president/senior project consultant, Stan’s Roofing & Siding; John Martindale, owner, Certified Contractors Network; and Dave MacLean, EVP, Brothers Service.

"If you’re not profitable in your roofing business, adding another complicated product line isn’t going to help you," Siegal said. "Sometimes it's like starting a whole new business, depending on the product."

Silver suggested investing in a complementary product line that utilizes the same leads and customers to maximize costs.

Brad Humphrey, VP of HR and Employee Development at Pavecon, gave a riveting session—“Coaching People to Peak Performance”—sharing anecdotes along with wisdom to a packed house.

“It’s hard enough finding people,” he said, after acknowledging the current labor shortage. “Keeping them is even harder.

“It takes strength of character, controlled patience and strategic foresight to coach and to lead today’s workers,” Humphrey continued. “Becoming an effective coach begins with recognizing that is no longer about ‘me.’”

Fun in the sun
Other highlights included a First-time Attendees Reception—a poolside networking event—which preceded the Welcome Party featuring live music and complimentary drinks and appetizers.

Also, outside was JobNimbus’s asphalt rig and SRS Distribution’s Extreme Tailgate Party. 

Education
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is hosting educational events—both the ProCertification Online Knowledge Exam and ProCertification Hands-on Performance Exam.

Show floor education centers were home to exhibitor-presented seminars and—new this year—the Windows & Siding Theater. 

Attendees also enjoyed on-site demonstrations on the show floor.

Coinciding with IRE, the National Women in Roofing seminar took place Sunday.

NRCA is the Official Show Sponsor. Roofing Contractor is the show’s Official Publication and Roofing & Exteriors is the Official Digital Media Brand.