The 2022 International Roofing Expo (IRE) is less than a month away, and roofing professionals may feel like they’re still wrapping their heads around the IRE that took place in Las Vegas last August. But RC has you covered.

The pandemic forced the 2021 IRE to take place later than normal, causing a quick turnaround as event organizers get the largest roofing show back to its regular schedule. Taking place Feb. 1-3, 2022 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the 2022 IRE is expected to feel more “normal.”

“We’re looking forward to bringing everyone together again in New Orleans for another edition of the International Roofing Expo,” said IRE Group Director Ray Giovine.

We put together a list of some things you can do now to make the most of the IRE’s return to the Big Easy.

If you’re planning on going, whether it’s as an exhibitor or attendee, don’t forget to register! Visit the IRE website’s registration page to claim your spot now.

Like the 2021 IRE, registration at the event will be contactless to adhere to safety protocols, but with some modifications.

“One of the solutions we found is a hybrid approach, so those who like the digital badges will have a digital badge option,” said Shelby Snelson, show manager with Informa Markets. “Those who prefer their traditional printed badges, we will also have printed badges this year on site."

Informa, the company in charge of running IRE, has stated it will follow all state and local regulations and guidance regarding the pandemic. As of publication, there is no longer a statewide mask mandate in Louisiana, and attendees will not need to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results to enter the venue.

“Of course, masks are still recommended and strongly encouraged by the CDC, so anyone who feels comfortable and wants to wear one of those we’ll certainly encourage that,” said Snelson.

Informa will continue providing safety and sanitation practices through its Informa AllSecure standard, which includes enhanced cleaning, sanitizer stations, social distancing practices and increased air circulation.

Visit roofingcontractor.com or the IRE’s Health and Safety FAQs page to stay on top of the latest safety guidelines.

Determine what issues or challenges you’re facing. Are they figuring out what technology can help your company? Best practices for dealing with supply shortages? How to expand and grow your business?

Take a moment to jot down your top questions and remember that the IRE is the best place to meet with thousands of peers who are going through the same struggles as you. There are plenty of networking events and educational sessions to attend to find the answers to your questions.

No matter what you’re interested in, whether it’s updates on the state of the industry, improving in-home selling or technical details about roofing systems, there’s an educational session for you to attend.

Informa makes it easy to keep track of what sessions you’re interested in attending. By visiting the IRE website, attendees can browse more than 60 conference and show floor sessions presented by industry leaders and add them to a Show Planner. Simply create a My Show Account and add events to your calendar with a couple of clicks.

Attendees will not want to miss this year’s keynote speaker — roofing industry veteran Reid Ribble, CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

Ribble will kick off the 2022 IRE with a presentation at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 1 titled, “Lessons … An insider’s look at 40 years of learning, falling, failing, and succeeding.” He will share a life’s worth of lessons learned from his father, his roofing business, his time in Congress and leading the roofing industry as the NRCA CEO.

Educational sessions and networking are great, but when it comes time to implement the strategies you learn about, you want the best products and services at your fingertips. This year’s show floor will be larger than the 2021 event, with hundreds of suppliers and manufacturers returning in full force with product samples and live demos.

It can be easy to become overwhelmed when walking the show floor, so take a moment and view the exhibitor list and show floor plan on the IRE website and determine which companies are offering the solutions you need. Stop by RC’s booth (#2025) and say hi!

SRS Distribution has earned a reputation for holding one of the best concert events at the IRE, and once again, this year will be no exception as it holds a concert to benefit mental health featuring country duo Big & Rich.

Held 5 p.m. Feb. 2 at The Sugar Mill, the concert will include a special appearance from actor Bradley Cooper as well as musical guests Randy Rogers Band and Parker McCollum. The concert will raise funds for the One Family Foundation and One Tribe Foundation (formerly known as 22 KILL), which help ease the burden on people impacted by cancer and provides suicide prevention services for veterans, respectively.

Food and drink are included, so come hungry and thirsty! More details can be found at srsdistribution.com.

Women attending the IRE can meet with professional, like-minded women from all facets of the roofing and construction industry during the Fifth Annual National Women in Roofing (NWiR) Day.

The annual event, taking place Jan. 30, invites women to enjoy a day-long event that encourages the sharing of ideas, strategies and tactics that can lead to success. As a bonus, all NWiR attendees receive a complimentary IRE Expo Hall Pass.

Don’t worry guys, you aren’t being left out. NWiR invites and welcomes men, supporters and guests to attend the evening reception following NWiR Day. Visit nationalwomeninroofing.org for more details.

Community Service Day is among the events returning for the 2022 IRE. On Jan. 31, volunteers will partner with Rebuilding Together to make critical home repairs for those in need, including victims of Hurricane Ida.

Skilled volunteers are needed from a variety of construction disciplines. Don’t have particular construction skills? No worries — anyone can sign up to volunteer upon registering for the IRE. Donations are also accepted with a goal to raise $10,000.

The roofing industry works hard and plays hard, and there’s no shortage of things to do and places to eat in New Orleans after a day at the IRE. Check RC’s IRE page for a list of restaurants to try and attractions to check out while attending. Hours and availability are subject to change due to the pandemic.