What's new at the International Roofing Expo 2023

Rich Russo, Show Director for the International Roofing Expo (www.theroofingexpo.com) chats with Pro Remodeler's Erika Mosse and Building Design+Construction's David Barista about the new programs and initiates at IRE 2023, March 7-9, 2023, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

Here is more information on IRE 2023:

The International Roofing Expo®—North America’s Largest Roofing Event—Returns in Dallas 

The International Roofing Expo, the largest North American roofing event organized by Informa Markets, has announced its full schedule of events and the speaker lineup for March 7-9, 2023, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. 

The IRE will showcase new and innovative products from more than 500 exhibitors from around the world, including Owens Corning, Polyglass, TennSmith and Tesla, aimed at addressing the growing industry, now estimated at $56.7 billion. The Exteriors Pavilion will host top manufacturers and suppliers like CertainTeed Siding, LP SmartSide Siding & Trim, Marvin Infinity Windows, the Vinyl Siding Institute and Westlake Royal Building Products. 

The IRE is set to deliver more than 60 educational sessions taught by industry experts and has a full conference program featuring 45 sessions. Industry professionals can gain insight on material sourcing, business practices and other information beneficial for the roofing and exterior industries. 

“The International Roofing Expo is an integral meeting place for industry professionals to come together to address the challenges and trends that the roofing and exteriors industries are currently facing,” says Rich Russo, IRE show director. “The roofing industry is a critical market in construction and the International Roofing Expo presents solutions to constant needs, including enhanced safety, sustainability and durability.” 

A focal point of the IRE, the 14th annual Community Service Day project will be back in Dallas Monday, March 6, before the expo opens, to support the local community. IRE, in partnership with Rebuilding Together North Texas, repairs homes for those in need in the metropolitan Dallas area, ensuring the health and safety of the community. Community Service Day is sponsored by Carlisle, Centimark, GAF, OMG® Roofing Products, Roofing Supply Pro and Sika Sarnafil (primary sponsor). 

“A key pillar of the International Roofing Expo is the annual Community Service Day that aims to serve local areas while also bringing together our roofing community,” says Kevin Thornton, senior vice president, construction for Informa Markets. “We invite professionals to volunteer their skills and expertise to rebuild homes, and there is a great turnout with palpable enthusiasm from the hard-working volunteers and dedicated sponsors who look forward to this each year.” 

Speaker and author Chris Czarnik will deliver the keynote address Tuesday, March 7, at 9:30 a.m. Czarnik will outline real-world strategies around employee recruitment, engagement and retention, providing insight on overcoming current industry challenges stemming from the national labor shortage. The Associated Builders and Contractors reports scarcity of more than 650,000 construction professionals. Czarnik, a former military officer with more than 20 years of experience as a human resource manager, career services manager and job search adviser, will provide advice regarding innovative approaches to job searching. 

A recent addition to IRE, the Exteriors Pavilion will return with demonstrations of new innovations and practices for exterior replacement projects. Educational sessions include: 

• The Keys to Rapid Growth and Profitability for Siding, Replacement Window, and Roofing Contractor and How to Hire the Right Personnel-And Avoid the Wrong One, presented by Dave Yoho Associates 
• The Basics of Vinyl Siding Installation and Tools of the Trade, presented by David W. Verbofsky and Rob Balfanz 
• Vinyl Siding Institute, How to Leverage your Distributor as a Partner for Success in Today’s Environment presented by Greg Bloom, Erik Zadrozny 

Register online at theroofingexpo.com to receive press credentials to meet with exhibitors of interest and report on the latest industry trends in roofing and exteriors.