Diversifying the industry at IRE

By Emma Peterson. 

You don’t want to miss the opportunity to join the industry community at IRE in February of 2025! 

It might seem early, but it’s time to start getting excited for the 2025 International Roofing Expo (IRE)! Whether you have spent decades perfecting your craft in the industry or are getting your feet under you, this is the place to be! In this episode of Coffee Conversations, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Danielle Griffin from Informa Markets, Keenan Perry of SRS Distribution and Wes Esquivel from SRS Para Latinos. Danielle gave a quick overview of the IRE basics, “We're taking over San Antonio and will literally be the only show at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center from February 19 through 21.” One of the big things that the panel noted was the emphasis on diversifying both product and language options. 

The show truly showcases the industry’s renewed push for more inclusivity and bilingual options. Wes explained, “When we started, this was all new to the industry. But one of the things about SRS and Para Latinos is we're disruptors. We don't do things the same old way that other people do it. And so we've piloted Latino inclusivity over three years ago and keep going. Now this is what people are looking forward to, we want to build a place where our community, including our Latino community, feel at home.” Danielle echoed his thoughts, “When I first came on board at Informa, we didn't have much communication in Spanish for our attendees. And so, through working with our partners, we were able to see that this was an area that the industry really needed some support. We're really just continuing to build upon that.” 

In addition to the changes that are happening with inclusivity, IRE is also showcasing how technology is changing the game. Keenan explained, “Historically I would say that this industry has been about 10 years behind on its adoption of technology and innovation. And over the last three or four years, I feel like we've really seen a big push within the industry of innovation and technology adoption.” This push comes in the form of CRMs, drone usage, AI and more. Attendees of the upcoming IRE can expect to see all of the innovative ways new technology is being used and integrated. 

From diversification of content to product offerings and more, the 2025 IRE is a game-changing event that you don’t want to miss. Registration for both attendees and exhibitors is now open, so get your tickets today!