The roofing industry is a competitive market with companies coming and going all the time.
Equipment, techniques, and technology change quickly. Staying on top of what’s new can be the edge you need to grow your business and separate yourself from other roofers.
Whether you’re attending to see the latest trends and cutting-edge technology, network with industry peers, or simply pick up some knowledge, investing a little time and money into a trade show can pay off in many ways.
To help you decide which annual conventions, trade shows, and roofing industry events are right for you and your team to attend, here’s a list of some of the most innovative roofing events happening across the USA.
1. North East Roofing Contractors Association Expo
Date: March 12-14, 2024 Location: Encore Boston Harbor, Everett, MA Cost: Sessions and events are sold a la carte based on membership status. Click here for registration info.
As the only major roofing trade show in the Northeast United States, this expo draws from throughout the New York and New England regions. Designed for roofing contractors, architects, engineers and manufacturers, the event draws 2,000 professionals annually to network, learn, and experience the latest the industry has to offer.
2. Roofing Day in D.C.
Date: April 16-17, 2024 Location: Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington, DC Cost: Click here for cost and registration info.
Along with hearing from expert speakers and sitting in on panel discussions, Roofing Day in D.C., also provides the opportunity to meet with congressional members and their staff. As one of the smaller conferences on this list, the networking opportunities become more intimate, and opportunities to meet one-on-one with peers remain available throughout the weekend. This year’s advocacy issues include Workforce Challenges and Pro-Growth Tax Reform.
3. Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Expo
Date: June 4-7, 2024 Location: Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL Cost: Free for roofing contractors. Click here for registration info.
With more than 4,500 roofing and sheet metal contractors in attendance each year, this is one of the largest gatherings of roofing professionals in the Southeast. Held in conjunction with the FRSA Convention, there’s plenty to see and do while visiting the 240 exhibiting companies offering the latest roofing products and services. While roofing professionals are admitted free, there’s a fee for non-exhibiting manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers.
4. Texas Roofing Conference
Date: Sept. 11-13, 2024 Location: Irving Convention Center, Las Colinas, TX Cost: General admission starts at $879. Click here for registration info.
Hosted by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, this expo offers educational sessions and two days of exhibits showcasing the latest products and innovations. Special events include golf and other networking opportunities where contractors, builders, architects, and other roofing professionals come together to socialize. A one-day pass to the expo is available exclusively for roofing contractors at a lower price.
5. Western States Roofing Expo 2024
Date: Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2024 Location: Paris Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV Cost: TBD. Registration opens April 20, 2024. Click here for registration info.
In celebrating its 50th year this fall, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association hosts this three-day event dedicated solely to the roofing industry. With 24 educational opportunities, two keynote luncheons, golf and social events, the trade show offers the opportunity to grow personally while networking and building relationships. The Roofing Games shingling competition is a fixture at the annual Western Roofing Expo, as contestants match their skill and knowledge, putting their brains and brawn to the test.
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6. Midwest Roofing Contractors Association Conference
Date: Oct. 21-23, 2024 Location: Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN Cost: $350 for members, $550 for nonmembers. Click here for registration info.
This conference is designed for commercial and residential roofing contractors, builders, architects, and their employees. The exposition floor features manufacturers and suppliers of all sizes showcasing their products, services and innovative technology. Take part in a wide range of seminars or network with fellow roofing professionals during one of the special events.
7. RoofCON 2024
Date: Oct. 23-25, 2024 Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL Cost: Expo-only admission is free. Convention admission starts at $497. Click here for registration info.
RoofCON bills itself as a driving force in innovation for the roofing and solar industries. With more than 175 vendors onsite and 50 breakout sessions, this event is an opportunity to network, learn about cutting-edge technology, and advance your professional development. Headline speakers for 2024 include Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, author John C. Maxwell, and “Shark Tank” Investor Kevin Harrington.
8. Best of Success
Date: Dec. 4-6, 2024 Location: Hyatt Coconut Point, Bonita Springs, FL Cost: Tickets start at $875. Click here for registration info.
The Best of Success conference focuses on business growth and management with speakers providing insight into new and innovative business practices. Designed with established contractors in mind, the breakout sessions offer especially valuable networking opportunities with the men and women who operate roofing companies nationwide.
9. Roofing Process Conference
Date: Dec. 12-13, 2024 Location: Rosen Centre Orlando, FL Cost: Cost and registration information to be released spring 2024.
This relatively new convention is just entering its sixth year but offers some of the top industry speakers with its keynotes and industry experts. Along with highlighting the latest techniques, materials, and technologies, it provides an opportunity to network and exchange ideas with business owners of all sizes. For those unable to attend, past conference recordings are available for $99 through the website.
10. International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2025
Date: Feb. 19-21, 2025 Location: Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX Cost: TBD. Registration opens fall 2024.
The International Roofing Expo is North America’s largest roofing and exteriors event, bringing 65 years of experience and tradition to the industry. Along with serving as a hub for projects, technology, and innovation, the expo offers hands-on education and networking opportunities. With more than 50 educational sessions offering expert speakers, panel discussions, and group breakouts on topics such as waterproofing and sustainability, there’s something for everyone.
Why Attend?
Along with seeing technology, innovations, and trends before they hit the market, attending a roofing trade show allows for easy networking events and connecting within the industry community. A trade show is a low-cost opportunity to:
Talk to the industry leaders from across the region.
Talk face-to-face with suppliers and see firsthand what they offer.
Compare notes and challenges with colleagues in the same situations.
An in-person trade show atmosphere opens exhibitors, presenters, and attendees to collaborative attitudes with fellow industry workers. Most conferences also offer educational options to earn certification credits.
Getting Started
Not sure which trade show or annual convention is right for you? One way to connect with industry experts is to join a trade association, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
There you’ll find like-minded professionals who can share their experiences and offer assistance.
Learn More About Growing Your Roofing Business
Attending a trade show is a worthwhile investment for roofing professionals. It’s an easy way to stay updated on fast-changing trends and innovations, find inspiration, make valuable connections with industry leaders, and take your business to the next level.
For more advice and tips on running and expanding a roofing business, visit the FieldRoutes blog.
