IRE 2025: What’s Happening at the Largest Roofing Expo

The annual International Roofing Expo® (IRE) is set to take place at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 19-21, 2025.

If your business is related to roofing, siding, gutters, or the construction industry, IRE is not to be missed. It’s an opportunity to learn what’s new in roofing, including techniques in specialized training and effective business strategies, market trends, and more. It’s also a great time to network with roofers, contractors, manufacturers, and distributors.

“One of the great things about IRE is that we get to talk to customers face to face. They can ask questions, see a machine demo, and interact with our trainers and techs. All of our NTM knowledge is there in one place,” says NTM Account Manager Gabriela Blanco. “It’s a wealth of knowledge under one roof.”

IRE is the largest event for roofing and exteriors in North America. The annual event offers networking and educational opportunities for all those involved in the industry. You can find out about the latest products and innovations, materials and suppliers, and developing technologies. It’s also a great way to connect with others in the roofing industry.

“IRE gives us the opportunity to hear directly from our customers and show how portable rollforming works,” says NTM Vice President Terry McGuire. “The metal construction industry is only growing, and our team has been working hard to innovate new features based on customer feedback. We’ve got some new machine offerings coming this year that we’re all really excited about.”

New Tech Machinery (NTM) will exhibit at the trade show to highlight our popular portable rollforming machines, new machine features and profiles, and more. Visit us at booth #10054.

This article offers an overview of what’s featured at IRE.

In this article, we’ll explore the following: 

• What is the International Roofing Expo?
• Keynote speakers, educational sessions, and special events
• Tips to help you get the most out of IRE

About the International Roofing Expo (IRE)

For over 65 years, IRE has brought together contractors, builders, manufacturers, and suppliers to discover the latest in roofing, and to learn new skills to improve their operations and businesses. It’s an opportunity to hear keynote speakers discuss the future of the industry, attend floor demos and educational classes, and learn how to improve and grow your business.

IRE Keynote Speaker

The Future of Roofing and the American Dream (Feb. 19)

Reid Ribble, Former NRCA CEO, shares his insights on the current state of the American dream and why so many people continue to seek it.

Education Sessions

IRE features 60+ education sessions. Below are a few highlights related to metal roofing. For a full listing, click here.

Deep Dive: State of the Industry 2025

February 19, 8:15 AM – 9:15 AM

Roofing contractors remain busy across North America and demand continues to indicate a healthy marketplace. Yet, clear challenges in workforce, production efficiency and cost controls remain. Roofing Contractor, the official show publication of the International Roofing Expo, again surveyed roofing contractors and industry stakeholders for insights into the issues, products and innovations driving the marketplace. The annual survey and resulting data is the basis for Roofing Contractor’s comprehensive 2025 State of the Industry report, which gauges the pulse of industry professionals today while providing insight into the trends driving the future. Join Roofing Contractor and their research partners from myCLEARopinion Insights Hub and the law firm Adams and Reese for a deep dive into the data points that provide a better understanding of industry expectations for residential and commercial roofing in 2025 and beyond. In addition to an engaging presentation of the survey results, attendees will also get first-hand insight from industry experts on market performance, emerging trends, and much, much more.

Marketing Automation & Funnels That Convert More Leads

February 19, 8:15AM – 9:15 PM

Speaker: Bruce Porter, President/ CEO at SWAT Marketing Solutions, Inc.

Automation is the future of digital marketing while converting more website traffic into qualified leads. This class will teach you how automation can help you effectively communicate with your online visitors and convert more sales. This class will cover the following:

• How to nurture the client through the entire buy cycle
• What marketing components can be automated
• How to create marketing funnels for greater conversions”

Leveraging Sustainability to Win Work

February 19, 11:00 AM – 11:40 PM

Sustainable roofing solutions don’t have to add a lot of cost to your project or your customer. On the contrary! Join us for some case studies that show how typical roof assemblies can help your customers meet their sustainability goals without breaking the budget. Get ahead of the regulations driving sustainable requirements, learn where to find resources, and leverage this information to bring value to your customers and differentiate yourself from the competition.

Standing Seam Installation

February 6, 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM

Metal roofing continues to grow in popularity and in market share across building sectors. Understanding the factors influencing the choice of materials, forming of panels and proper installation techniques, improves contractor efficiency and building owner satisfaction.  In this series of clinics, presenters from the Metal Construction Association and Metal Roofing Alliance, discuss choosing the right material for the job, present industry best practices for the installation of metal shingles and standing seam panels and demonstrate proper techniques for on-site rollforming.

Building Tomorrow: Navigating the Future of Energy Efficiency Mandates and Their Impact on Building Products and Building Codes

February 19, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Navigating the Future of Energy Efficiency Mandates and Their Impact on Building Products and Building Codes is a panel discussion focused on the evolving landscape of energy efficiency mandates, including the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. Industry leaders and experts will explore the latest mandates, their implications for building products, and how they influence building codes. The panel will address challenges, opportunities, and strategies for compliance, state government involvement, as well as the broader impact on sustainability and innovation in new and retrofit construction and design. Attendees will gain valuable insights into preparing for and adapting to these critical changes in the industry.

Prefinished Metal Panels

February 19, 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM

Metal roofing continues to grow in popularity and in market share across building sectors. Understanding the factors influencing the choice of materials, forming of panels and proper installation techniques, improves contractor efficiency and building owner satisfaction. In this series of clinics, presenters from the Metal Construction Association and Metal Roofing Alliance, discuss choosing the right material for the job, present industry best practices for the installation of metal shingles and standing seam panels and demonstrate proper techniques.

This course is focused on considerations when choosing a quality preformed metal shingle for your project, practical installation techniques and overall best practices. We will cover considerations for panel and accessory selection, how to layout panels when dealing with roof penetrations, and installation techniques for perimeter detailing and common penetrations.

Standing Seam Basics

February 19, 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Attention to detail on a roof installation can be the difference between chasing leaks and a great reputation. Pick up roofing tips from our pro, Tony Blue while he points out common shingle and flashing mistakes and creates solutions for roof problem areas. Attendees will learn to identify and address known problem areas before the roof is installed, develop a basic understanding of standing seam and it’s growing popularity and why flashing is KING and must be done correctly. Each clinic is meant to benefit those installing or those overseeing a roof installation.

• Common flashing solutions and how to order them.
• Why standing seam is a superior system?
• Discuss different options, materials, profiles.
• Necessary tools.

Understanding Metal Roofing: Part I

February 20, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

This course is an advanced building block for the metal roofing essentials covered in earlier Overview Part I. This extended course will cover the coil coating process, common and popular Steep Slope construction and critical details of low slope installation, in addition to curved applications and wind issues. Finally, the program delves into system design, drainage principles and system selection criteria including the principals of water-shedding and hydrostatic designs. Attendees will gain insights into trade terms and industry reference sources. About 70% of the course is devoted to principals of design, fabrication, thermal response, and other topics that are applicable to any metal roof in any application; the other 30% is divided equally betTUen steep and low slope material.

Understanding Metal Roofing: Part II

February 20, 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

This course is an advanced building block for the metal roofing essentials covered in earlier Overview Part I. This extended course will cover the coil coating process, common and popular Steep Slope construction and critical details of low slope installation, in addition to curved applications and wind issues. Finally, the program delves into system design, drainage principles and system selection criteria including the principals of water-shedding and hydrostatic designs. Attendees will gain insights into trade terms and industry reference sources. About 70% of the course is devoted to principals of design, fabrication, thermal response, and other topics that are applicable to any metal roof in any application; the other 30% is divided equally betTUen steep and low slope material.

Standing Seam Installation

February 20, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Metal roofing continues to grow in popularity and in market share across building sectors. Understanding the factors influencing the choice of materials, forming of panels and proper installation techniques, improves contractor efficiency and building owner satisfaction. In this series of clinics, presenters from the Metal Construction Association and Metal Roofing Alliance, discuss choosing the right material for the job, present industry best practices for the installation of metal shingles and standing seam panels and demonstrate proper techniques. 

This course is focused on considerations when choosing the right standing seam metal roof system for your project, practical installation techniques and overall best practices. We will cover considerations for panel and accessory selection, how to layout panels when dealing with roof penetrations, and installation techniques for perimeter detailing and common penetrations.

How to Grow Your Business With Metal Roofing: Make More Money With Metal Roofing

February 20, 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

Metal roofing is creating more opportunities than ever for contractors to expand their product offering, elevate their profitability and take advantage of what is happening in the market today. With this training, we will showcase the advantages of metal roofing and how to overcome obstacles to adding metal roofing to grow their business.

Learning Objectives #1:  How to obtain education and support to learn the benefits of metal roofing
Learning Objectives #2: How to integrate metal roofing into your marketing and in-home sales strategy
Learning Objectives #3: How to quote metal roofing with confidence
Learning Objectives #4: How to order and install metal roofing as a core component of your business

Fabricate and Install Your Own Standing Seam

February 20, 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM

Attention to detail on a roof installation can be the difference between chasing leaks and a great reputation. Pick up roofing tips from our pro, Tony Blue while he points out common shingle and flashing mistakes and creates solutions for roof problem areas. Attendees will learn to identify and address known problem areas before the roof is installed, develop a basic understanding of standing seam and it’s growing popularity and why flashing is KING and must be done correctly. Each clinic is meant to benefit those installing or those overseeing a roof installation.

• Watch us lay out and install standing seam.
• Here we will roll out panels on a roll former.
• We will discuss the benefits of making your own panels.

Standing Seam and Flashing Techniques, From Basic to Advanced

February 20, 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM

Attention to detail on a roof installation can be the difference between chasing leaks and a great reputation. Pick up roofing tips from our pro, Tony Blue while he points out common shingle and flashing mistakes and creates solutions for roof problem areas. Attendees will learn to identify and address known problem areas before the roof is installed, develop a basic understanding of standing seam and it’s growing popularity and why flashing is KING and must be done correctly. Each clinic is meant to benefit those installing or those overseeing a roof installation.

Necessary tools. 

• Mechanical lock standing seam install techniques.
• Flashing around a penetration.
• Flashing around a dormer.

Managing a Standing Seam Job: Install Concerns, Estimating, and Ordering

February 21, 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Attention to detail on a roof installation can be the difference between chasing leaks and a great reputation. Pick up roofing tips from our pro, Tony Blue while he points out common shingle and flashing mistakes and creates solutions for roof problem areas. Attendees will learn to identify and address known problem areas before the roof is installed, develop a basic understanding of standing seam and it’s growing popularity and why flashing is KING and must be done correctly. Each clinic is meant to benefit those installing or those overseeing a roof installation.

This clinic is geared towards the owner, estimator, or sales person who may be purchasing standing seam.

• Developing a relationship with your metal shop and ensuring you get what you need.
• Different profiles, gauges, materials and what works best for your company.
• See flashing profiles and how to order.

Special Events

Here’s a list of some special events hosted at IRE. Some may charge a fee.

EmpowerAll Together Reception

February 19, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

You are invited to the EmpowerAll Reception, where we celebrate unity in the roofing industry. Connect with leaders, peers and advocates who share a passion for a diverse and professional roofing community. Engage in conversations, share experiences and discover initiatives driving positive change within the industry. Sponsored by NRCA in partnership with Antis Roofing and WaterProofing, Atlas, Beacon, The Coffee Shops, Elevate, GAF, IRE, Latinos en Roofing, National Roofing Partners (NRP), National Women in Roofing (NWIR), OMG Roofing Products, Owens Corning, Soprema, SRS Distribution, Para Latinos. 

Welcome Party

February 19, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Get the IRE Party started as we celebrate the opening day of the 2025 International Roofing Expo. Connect with your fellow attendees during an evening of conversation, networking fun. The IRE Welcome Party will kick off at 5:00 pm and feature drinks and appetizers.  

For a full list of presenters, click here.

IRE Mobile App

IRE has a mobile app! Just search “Roofing Expo” in your app store.

International Roofing Expo 2024 Exhibitors

During the International Roofing Expo, hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers of roofing and exterior construction products and services will demo and showcase the latest innovations. 

THE PRODUCT CATEGORIES

•  Business Software and Technology Products
•  Coatings, Caulks and Sealants
•  Gutters and Roof Drains
•  Roofing Products (Including: Single Ply, Metal Panels, Shingles, Synthetic Roofing & Flashing)
•  Safety & Fall Protection
•  Siding & Insulation
•  Solar Panels & Products
•  Tools, Equipment and Machinery
•  Water Proofing, Flashing, Vapor Barriers, Underlayments and Insulation
•  Windows & Doors and Skylight & Roof Windows

Innovations in Portable Rollforming with New Tech Machinery, Booth #10054

New Tech Machinery has been an exhibitor at this event for over 20 years. Come visit us and meet our staff and service people, see our newest products and enhancements, watch a machine demo, and find out what to expect in 2025!

“The International Roofing Expo is the nation’s largest trade show that focuses on all aspects of roofing, and it’s a great place to learn and explore the latest trends and happenings within the industry. It’s the most heavily attended show we do each year and provides us the opportunity to showcase our equipment and meet new and existing clients.” Tom Laird, NTM Senior Account Manager.

This year’s NTM booth will feature our flagship SSQ II MultiPro Roof and Wall Panel Machine with a new z-cutter attachment. We’ll be demonstrating what the machine can do and answering questions.

We’ll also have our Mach II 5″/6″ Combo portable gutter machine that will feature an all-new tailgate with saw that attaches right to the machine.

Takeaways: Getting the Most Out of IRE

If you’re in the roofing industry, there are many opportunities for you to expand your network, education, and business just by attending the International Roofing Expo. 

To get the most out of your IRE experience, here are some tips:

• Identify what you want to take away from the IRE. It’s a lot of information, so narrowing it down to what will most benefit your operation will help you get the most out of the sessions.
• Remember to bring a pen and business cards to pass out to suppliers and attendees. Also, take brochures, catalogs, and other resources from the show floor to research or contact people and products you’re interested in later.
• Visit exhibitor booths to see products in action and ask questions. Look for the floor demos.
• Use the opportunity to network with other industry professionals and suppliers to build relationships with others in your field. If you have other members of your team in attendance, you can divide and conquer.
• Take notes and match them to the take-aways you identified. Are you getting the information you need? If not, are there sessions you can attend or people you can network with to help you reach that goal?

At New Tech Machinery, we strive to help educate and inform our customers on how portable rollforming can help increase efficiency and versatility in their business. One of the best ways to find out if portable rollforming is for you is to check out roofing conventions like IRE, see the products in person, and talk to the manufacturers themselves.

If you’re considering adding a portable rollforming machine to your business, stop by New Tech Machinery’s booth #10054 during the show to talk to one of our rollforming experts! Or reach out to us on our website, email, or phone!