Day 2: Student competitions, educational sessions and the NRCA awards ceremony at IRE 2025

By Dani Sheehan. 

With a packed schedule of educational sessions and networking events, make sure you plan ahead for IRE 2025! 

You probably already have your walking shoes and business cards on your packing list for the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2025 – but have you packed your peppermint mints? No, we’re not subtly suggesting anything about your breath! Peppermint is known to boost alertness and memory, helping you stay sharp while navigating the packed schedule of educational sessions, networking events and product showcases at this year’s show. 

This year, The Coffee Shops will be right in the heart of the action! Be sure to swing by our booth in Alcove 1, just to the right of the Hall 2 Entrance. Grab some swag and say hello as you gear up for a full three days of roofing innovations, business development opportunities and worldly connections. 

Then, make your way to Tremco Roofing at booth #2202 to learn about their latest innovations and solutions! Look out for more information about the Tremco reception after the expo floor closes on Thursday. 

Day two, Thursday, February 20, 2025, starts off strong with the Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition. And when you’re ready to drop from attending educational sessions and walking the expo floor, join the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) for their awards ceremony from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  

With so much happening, it’s essential to plan ahead. Some key presentations on Thursday, February 20, 2025, you won’t want to miss include: 

• Heat Smart, Safe Workers: Heat Illness Prevention in the Roofing Industry | 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Presented by Cheryl Ambrose, vice president and enterprise risk management at NRCA 
• It’s All About the Testing! A Technical Understanding of Codes and Standards in the Roofing Industry | 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Presented by Jacqueline LaDuke, field testing engineer at Elevate, and Rodrigo Maese, lead project engineer, codes department at Elevate 
• Seven (7) Sales Training Basics Beginners Must Master | 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Presented by John DeRosa, director of contractor training at SRS Distribution, Inc. 
• NRCA’s Roundtable Discussion: Preparing for a New Generation | 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Speakers include Wendy Marvin, president of Matrix Roof & Home, Geoff Mitchell, CEO of Mid-South Roof Systems, Bob Morgan, owner of Upstate Roofing & Painting, David Sanders, sales training and development at Beacon Building Products, JJ Smithey, president and owner at Frost Roofing Inc., and Brad Sutter executive vice president at Sutter Roofing Company 
• Blueprint for Excellence: Building a Thriving Maintenance and Repair Department | 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Presented by Tracey Donels, CEO/Founder of Service First Solutions 
• Critical Choices: Managing Air/Vapor in Low-Slope Roof Systems | 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Presented by Scott Wood, senior building scientist at VaproShield 
• Standing Seam Installation | 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Presented by Jason Ayres, technical services manager at Sheffield Metals, Andy Lesmeister, weathertight warranty inspector at Sheffield Metals and David Stubbs, assistant technical director at Sheffield Metals 
• 52 Weeks, Engaging Sales Meetings for a Winning Culture | 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Presented by Greg Bjornson, CARE business growth lead at GAF 
• Rooftop Equipment Securement: Codes and Solutions | 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Presented by Joel Stanley, CEO and founder of Anchor Products 
• From Leaks to Likes: How Software Secrets Can Turn Your Roofing Business into a 5-Star Experience | 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. | Presented by Adam Keys, vice president of product at JobNimbus 

Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, explore new technologies or connect with the industry’s top experts, IRE 2025 has something for everyone. See you on the expo floor!

Looking to attend sessions on other days of the event? Check out what’s going on during day one and day three of IRE 2025!