IFD Congress & Award 2025 in Bratislava: New president, global recognition and strong signals of cooperation

The IFD Congress at the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel focused on current challenges and opportunities in the global roofing trade.

From 22 to 25 October 2025, the international roofing community gathered in Bratislava for the 73rd Annual Congress of the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD). The event opened on Wednesday evening with a warm welcome reception, where delegates from many countries met in a spirit of international friendship.

The following two days (23 and 24 October) were dedicated to expert presentations, future-oriented discussions and global collaboration.

On Thursday evening, the Slovak Roofing Association hosted a traditional Slovak dinner – a lively highlight featuring local cuisine and music that fostered intercultural exchange. The gala dinner at the Reduta Concert Hall on Friday marked the festive conclusion of the week.

IFD Congress: Future topics, dialogue and presidential transition

The two-day IFD Congress at the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel focused on current challenges and opportunities in the global roofing trade.

After opening remarks by Walter Bisig (IFD president) and Eduard Jamrich (president of the Slovak Roofing Association), as well as greetings from the city of Bratislava, the IFD presented updates on its ongoing projects and strategic developments.

International speakers provided valuable insights and practical perspectives on the future of the trade:

• “Façade of the future” – Wolfgang Häußler, FVHF e.V.
• “Climate change challenges for pitched roofs” – Ernst Gregorites, PREFA GmbH
• “Sustainable solutions for existing flat roofs” – Marc Niewöhner, Triflex GmbH & Co. KG
• “Green roofing” – Werner Venter, ZinCo GmbH
• “Successful strategies for attracting young talent in Germany” – Ulrich Marx & Rolf Fuhrmann, ZVDH e.V.

During the General Assembly on 24 October, Walter Bisig (Switzerland) handed over the IFD presidency to Dirk Bollwerk (Germany) after a successful term of office. The transition symbolized continuity and commitment – two experienced leaders sharing a strong dedication to international cooperation in the roofing sector.

Gala evening at the Reduta: Transition, appreciation and international friendship

The gala dinner at the Reduta Concert Hall was the social highlight of the week. Walter Bisig and Dirk Bollwerk jointly opened the evening, underlining a spirit of partnership and continuity within the IFD.

Eduard Jamrich, president of the Slovak Roofing Association, warmly welcomed all international guests.

In a moving speech, Henrik Mosegaard Johansen, IFD board member, paid tribute to outgoing president Walter Bisig, honoring his long-standing commitment and contribution to global cooperation.

The evening provided a festive atmosphere for personal encounters, cultural impressions – and the celebration of the IFD Awards 2025.

IFD Awards 2025: Excellence from the global roofing community

Nearly 100 projects from around the world were submitted for the IFD Awards 2025 – a prestigious international recognition of outstanding achievements in the roofing trade. The awards honor superior quality, craftsmanship and creative solutions.

“This year’s submissions once again demonstrated the diversity and creativity of our trade – and how closely innovation and tradition go hand in hand,” said Sabine Rothschuh, general secretary of the IFD.

The jury selected the best projects in four categories:

Façade

1 - Battle of Don Memorial Site (Appreggio Bt, Ervin Király and BH Metall Kft., Hungary)

2 - National Széchenyi Library Archival Center (Pilisi Pléh-Boy Kft., Hungary)

3 - Kovács Katalin National Kayak-Canoe Academy (Horex Kft, Bauer Bádogos és Szigetelő Kft., Hungary)

Flat roof

1 - SFH K. (Spitzer Gesellschaft m.b.H., Austria)

2 - Whinfell Forest Center Parcs, Subtropical Swimming Paradise (Central Group, United Kingdom)

3 - Seaplane Harbour, Estonian Maritime Museum (Aruna-Ehitus OÜ, Estonia)

Metal roof

1 - Logan County Courthouse (The Durable Slate Company, USA)

2 - Reconstruction of the former Red Cross Headquarters (Pilisi Pléh-Boy Kft., Hungary)

3 - Reduta, Bratislava (SiQiS-S, s.r.o., Slovakia)

Pitched roof

In this category, the jury awarded three equal first prizes – a clear sign of the exceptional standard of the entries:

• Christ’s College Cambridge (Claude N Smith Ltd, United Kingdom)
• Restoration of Saint Helena Cathedral (The Durable Restoration Company, USA)
• Detached House Dentling (Schmid Dachbau GmbH, Germany)

Sponsors

• Premium Sponsors: VELUX, Wienerberger, KJG
• Sponsors: Triflex, Fleck, Riwega, Fakro, Prefa

About the IFD

The International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) unites national roofing associations and companies from the construction industry. It promotes quality, safety and education in the trade and regularly organizes international congresses and the World Championship for young Roofers.