IRE Recap
2025 International Roofing Expo in San Antonio, Texas
by Marcus Dodson, Publisher
The International Roofing Expo® (IRE) headed to San Antonio, Texas, for its annual show in February 2025 at the Henry B Gonzales Convention Center. Attendees got a first-hand look at the newest tools, technologies, and resources available to professionals in the roofing industry. The trade show was dynamic and exciting, with roofing contractors, superintendents, foremen, architects, designers, estimators, building owners, facility managers, specifiers, CEOs, and general managers exploring all of the new tools on display, making connections, and having fun.
At this year’s event, attendees explored booths that featured hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers on the trade show floor. There was an unbelievable amount of multi-dimensional products, services, and technologies available for attendees to learn about, from a variety of exhibiting companies. Interactive product demonstrations took place all over the trade show floor, and educational sessions were available to everyone that wished to learn more about the newest practices in the roofing industry. As usual, key suppliers were on exhibit and provided educational solutions for challenges that the roofing industry faces today.
Same as last year, the Metal Marketplace was a popular spot for attendees to gather and learn about the latest cutting-edge metal products, designs, building concepts, tools, and services from metal roofing manufacturers. The Business and Technology Pavilion showcased the latest products and services available that can help businesses run more efficiently, effectively, and safely. These included mobile, wireless, and web-based programs for insurance, finance, credit, estimating, labor, weather, and more. Lead generation tools, marketing services, and project software were popular topics at this trade show spot.
An exciting Exteriors Pavilion was host to the latest windows and siding products and services. The pavilion hosted critical education, building clinics, and exhibit space dedicated to residential exterior projects and products, empowering business owners to expand their product and service offerings. There were several demonstrations of new innovations and practices for exterior replacement projects.
“This year, IRE showcased exciting advancements in the roofing industry, especially on the insulation front,” said Marcin Pazera, Senior Director of Technical Affairs with the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association. “Manufacturers are making significant strides in the development of products to support efficient and more sustainable roof system designs. For instance, many roof insulation solutions on the floor this year rethought fastener placement or included thermally broken fasteners to mitigate thermal bridging and heat transfer in low-slope roof applications. These types of innovations can help improve whole building energy performance of the structures we live and work in.”
National Women in Roofing (NWIR) hosted its eighth annual NWIR Days ahead of the trade show. Professional, like-minded, good-spirited women from all facets of the roofing industry came together to experience insight, inspiration, and fun. Sessions covered topics including business development, communications, career development, recruitment, roofing technology advancements, hands-on product demonstrations, and networking. There was a light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and an evening activity for NWIR Day attendees.
First-time IRE attendees were invited to the First-Time Attendees Reception. National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) staff, attendees, manufacturers, and IRE show organizers went over how to get the most out of your IRE experience. Immediately following the First-Time Attendees Reception was the Welcome Party. Guests enjoyed beer, wine, sodas, and hors d’oeuvres while listening to live music and dancing. The Welcome Party was an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues, meet up with old friends, and make new connections.
“The IRE is the cornerstone for the roofing and exteriors business. The emphasis on community, learning, and nurturing emerging talents reflects our commitment to addressing the sector’s current needs and future challenges,” said Rich Russo, Group Event Director for Informa Markets and the International Roofing Expo. “The growth the market is experiencing and the enthusiasm we have seen over these three days reflects the industry’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.”
The 2025 IRE hosted one major keynote speaker. On February 19, Ried Ribble, former Congress Representative from Wisconsin and retired NRCA CEO, spoke about the American dream and how it can actually be pursued in 2025. His extensive history in the industry as well as experience as a congressman has made Ribble the perfect voice for the roofing industry. Ribble was an incredible and compelling speaker, and his speech was definitely a highlight of the expo. Recognizing the Hispanic community’s significant contributions to the roofing industry, this IRE utilized a new technology to translate and transcribe the keynote address, the entire conference program, and all four show floor demonstration clinics into Spanish, offering critical resources and support to help business thrive.
The local chapter of Rebuilding Together partnered once again with IRE to give back to a local community for the 16th Annual Community Service Day Project. Volunteers from across the country gathered to donate time, labor, and supplies to help a community member with roof repairs. The team of volunteers contributed landscaping as well as fence, soffit, and fascia repair, deck construction, and a new roof installation, with donations from Fry Roofing and GAF. Demonstrating the IRE’s commitment to service and well-being, the industry extends beyond the show to build stronger neighborhoods.
“There is no connection like an in person face-to-face meeting, where you can actually establish a relationship with someone,” said Keenan Perry, Director of Field and Event Marketing with SRS Distribution. “The IRE is the place to make those connections. If you are considering attending or exhibiting, absolutely make that call. Come to the IRE. If someone were asking me if I would exhibit, I would absolutely say, come exhibit. Learn about what people’s needs are. It will help you grow your business. This is the show to go to. Our experience at the 2025 IRE has been by far the best that I have seen in my five years of exhibiting here at the show and cannot wait for next year.”
It was another fantastic year for the national roofing industry event. Attendees left San Antonio with the tips, tricks, and tools needed to bring continued success to the roofing industry in 2025. Please join us next year from January 20-22, 2026, in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 2026 International Roofing Expo.
