By Emma Peterson. 

A look at APOC's new products and programs designed to strengthen contractor success.  

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), our crew from The Coffee Shops™ had the opportunity to host a live soundstage in the lobby (shoutout to our friends at SRS Distribution who sponsored it!). If you weren’t able to attend the show this year or are wanting to catch up on things you missed while there, all of our soundstage interviews and videos are available on demand on our YouTube channel! 

One such video features an interview between Karen Edwards and Justin Powell, ICP Group’s executive VP of sales. Justin was at the show representing APOC, an ICP brand. Most people know APOC for their high-performance roof coatings. But their coatings are just the beginning of what they have to offer contractors. Justin shared, “We offer a complete solution for everything from applied to roof coverings. So, whether it's repair products, coatings or something else, like underlayments, we have it.” 

Speaking of underlayments, a highlight from APOC’s booth this year was their newest innovation – the APOC Tuff-Grip™ 30 Premium Synthetic Roofing Underlayment. This product is “a premium synthetic roofing underlayment engineered for maximum strength, durability and installation efficiency. Designed with high traction and slip resistance that enhances safety and productivity — even on steep slopes.” 

This new, innovative product was just one of APOC’s many exciting announcements from the show. Their team was also promoting the new APOC contractor loyalty program. Justin explained:  

We really want to support our contractors, that’s why we have a new contractor loyalty program. The really exciting thing about this loyalty program is it gets you access to all of our trainings as well as rewards throughout the year. For example, right now we have a promotion on all our repair products since it’s repair season around the country. 

To learn more about how APOC is supporting their contractors, with both products on the roof and programs off the roof, watch our full interview with Justin.

From moments of personal growth to powerful reminders of why relationships matter, our crew experienced IRE as a celebration of progress, both individually and collectively. 

Trade shows are often measured by square footage, attendance numbers and new product launches. But for The Coffee Shops™ crew, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) reminded us that the heart of this industry has always been its people. 

Here’s IRE 2026, told through the voices of our crew. 

Growing into new roles and new confidence 

Jessica Bravo, our En Español program coordinator, reflected on how much can change in just one year when opportunity meets courage: 

IRE 2026 was one for the books. For me, it was an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. Last year, I was running the camera; this year, I was the one doing the interviews. It means a lot to reflect on where I am now compared to where I was just a year ago. 

I love IRE because it creates space to connect with the Spanish-speaking community and get real face time with contractors. It’s an incredible environment to connect, network and learn.  

Alberto and I had the chance to walk the show floor and connect with many of our partners, including QXO, MuleHide, TAMKO® and SRS Distribution. We also connected with SRS Para Latinos partners, vendors, ambassadors and award winners. 

Stay tuned for all the En Español interviews coming soon! 

Alberto Torres, our Spanish content coordinator and newest crew member, echoed Jessica’s sense of growth as he experienced IRE from a completely new perspective this year. 

In previous years, I attended as a guest, but this time, I was working the show. 

Since IRE is the biggest event in the roofing industry, it felt a little intimidating at first. But once I arrived, everything started to fall into place. I met Jessica at the SRS Para Latinos lounge, and the confidence she had in me was bigger than the confidence I had in myself. She handed me the camera and told me to start recording like it was the most natural thing in the world. I was the new guy standing in the middle of so many Hispanic professionals – people who have built strong careers in the industry – waiting to watch other leaders receive their awards. And honestly, you know how intimidating that can feel. But I took a deep breath and started recording. 

The show was incredible, and I couldn't have done it without the support and encouragement from my crew members at RoofersCoffeeShop®. What stood out the most to me wasn't just the size of the show floor, but the sense of community. IRE truly feels like more than an event – it feels like a reunion. Not only inside the convention center, but outside of it too, people were genuinely happy to see each other, connect and spend quality time together. 

This experience reminded me that the roofing industry is built on relationships, and that there's a place for all of us to grow, contribute and be seen. 

Celebrating milestones and making space for belonging 

This year’s show marked a major milestone for the National Women in Roofing’s NWIR Days that preceded IRE. Megan Ellsworth, our multimedia director, captured the emotional weight of the moment: 

The biggest highlight for me the week of IRE was National Women in Roofing Days. We celebrated 10 years of the association, and it was an emotional and deeply meaningful two days full of connection, learning and growth. Some stand out moments from the day for me were the Survivor themed class about building resiliency, Mandy McIntyre's class on confidence and the founders' keynote talk in the morning.  

Having watched the creation of NWIR from the age of 17 to now has been an honor and a privilege. Getting to see my mom, Heidi J. Ellsworth, and the other three founding women talk about the struggles, the joys and the triumphs of starting NWIR was heartwarming and shows me truly how far we have come, and also how far we have yet to go. 

Relationships are the foundation of the industry 

Again and again, our crew came back to the same realization that IRE is powered by relationships. Dani Sheehan, content strategist for The Coffee Shops elaborated: 

I spent all three days walking the show floor with Camden during interviews, and it was such a powerful reminder of the impact this industry has. Being there made it possible not just to see the show, but to truly experience it, hearing the different stories of partners we work with every day and learning sides of their businesses we don’t always get to see. 

Running into familiar faces from last year, reconnecting with friends and spending time with partners like CertainTeed was easily one of the highlights of the week. It was positive, energizing and genuinely fun. 

James Ellsworth, our CFO, felt as if that sense of connection showed up in unexpected places: 

It was quite a good, positive week. The sound stage at IRE did 89 recordings over the course of three days, and Karen took on the bulk of those. We had experts from around the industry all wanting to get in on the booth and the sound stage. The green room that we had was quite the hot spot. All the people wanted to hang out there and relax. And it was a lot of fun this morning having Alberto and Jessica hand out our backpacks. We had little kids wearing them, which was really cute. We had The Coffee Shops everywhere, and it was really quite impressive. It was a great week, very busy and very successful. 

Storytelling as a service to the industry 

At the center of it all was a shared purpose: telling the industry’s stories and making sure no one feels left out. Karen Edwards, The Coffee Shops’ COO, made her mark interviewing industry connections on the soundstage: 

Being on the sound stage and interviewing our partners, vendors and manufacturers from across the show was incredibly rewarding. It’s so cool that we’re able to bring a little piece of IRE to the people who aren’t able to attend. 

Our goal is really to focus on the industry – telling the stories, having those conversations and sharing those interviews – and as Heidi says, uplifting and amplifying the entire industry. It was a fabulous week. 

Lauren White, our editor in chief, summed it up best when she reflected on what it means to show up with intention: 

It's always so fun to see the same faces year after year… for us to be able to go on to the show floor and to highlight those booths and ask them, 'What do you want to showcase?’ people were just very appreciative of us coming to their booths, showing off their booths and chatting with them. 2026 is the year of growth. 

IRE 2026 reinforced something we already know but never want to take for granted: this industry is built on people who show up for each other. Whether it was stepping into a new role, celebrating a milestone, reconnecting with old friends or creating space for new voices, IRE proved once again that roofing is a tight-knit, incredible community. 

And for our crew, it was an honor to be part of it. 

Check out our YouTube playlist for more insights from industry experts!

From packed aisles and live demonstrations to soundstage interviews and meaningful conversations, WOC 2026 showcased the innovation and heart of the industry. 

World of Concrete (WOC) 2026 defined the scale and energy of the construction trades coming together this year. Our crew had the unique opportunity to be present at both the International Roofing Expo (IRE) and World of Concrete, moving between two massive shows, two soundstages and countless conversations. Here’s a closer look at how it went and what it means to capture the stories that matter most to the industry. 

For Heidi J. Ellsworth, president and CEO of The Coffee Shops™, the week was all about participation: 

We were able to really tell the stories of those in this industry through interviews on the floor, live conversations on our soundstage and just through all the activities that we participated in, from National Women in Roofing Day to Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA) meeting, ROOFPAC, Roofing Alliance Student Competition and RT3 panel. I feel that we not only told the stories, but we participated in a way that really helps to elevate the industry.  

It was a truly spectacular week, and big shout out to Informa and NRCA for everything that they do to make this show such a success.  

Experiencing the scale and energy 

Moving between both shows gave the crew a front-row seat to the size, diversity and momentum of the construction and coatings industries. Dani Sheehan, content strategist, described the experience of opening day at WOC: 

Day one, when everything opened, Camden and I had the chance to walk the show floor and people were literally shoulder to shoulder. You couldn’t move; it felt like a school of fish just moving through the crowd, but the energy was palpable. It was so cool to see it, to witness it and to watch as that energy carried into conversations and demonstrations with our partners. 

World of Concrete offered the opportunity to explore new dimensions of familiar brands. Dani and Camden highlighted time spent with manufacturers and coatings experts: 

Our first interview of the day was Sika. Learning about all their wall coatings and the trainings they lead was really interesting – it was a part of their business I was unfamiliar with. Then, we got to hang out in the outdoor demonstration area with our friends from ICP Group. APF Polymer Surfaces and Pli-Dek were there showing us some amazing decorative floor coatings. It was almost hard to get to the interview because so many people were at the demo. We loved engaging in these conversations and having the chance to ask them questions in real time. 

Bringing the industry together 

While much of her week centered around IRE, Karen Edwards, COO of The Coffee Shops, had some time to experience WOC firsthand, emphasizing that whether our crew is on the soundstage or walking the show floor, the mission remained the same: 

In the last two hours of the show, I was able to go over to WOC with Heidi, visit some existing customers, talk to some new customers and really see the size and breadth of the show. It’s really impressive and incredible. We’ve been using the tagline recently, ‘Your industry, Your stories,’ and that’s our goal, really, is to focus on the industry, telling the stories, having those conversations, sharing those interviews and uplifting the entire industry. 

For Karol Weyman, product and business development director, WOC was unlike anything she had experienced before: 

World of Concrete did not disappoint — it was the largest show I’ve attended in my career. CoatingsCoffeeShop™ was located right in the lobby, and we had an incredible number of people stop by to share their stories. The passion across the industry was contagious. My role at the show was to oversee the booth and serve as a soundstage host, which gave me the opportunity to connect with contractors who have been in the industry for over 40 years, as well as manufacturers, distributors and service providers who are truly committed to supporting and advancing the industry. We also attended several outstanding charity-focused events, which reinforced one clear takeaway: this is an industry that genuinely values giving back and paying it forward. 

Evelyn Witterholt, content developer, shared a similar sentiment: 

World of Concrete lives up to its name, both in size and impact. It was our first time exhibiting at WOC and being positioned in the lobby meant we got to be on the frontlines of this incredible show. We got to meet people from all sectors of the industry, many of which were excited to talk to us about their businesses. With three indoor halls and two outdoor exhibits, there was plenty of exploring to do at the show. I particularly enjoyed watching the concrete double disc trowel agility course competition. I can't wait to see what WOC 2027 has in store! 

Training, competition and innovation 

From outdoor exhibits to emerging technology, innovation was everywhere. Megan Ellsworth, multimedia director, was struck by how much hands-on learning and competition took place throughout the event: 

There was the brick layer competition, and that was super fun to watch all the brick laying teams competing out in the bronze lot exhibit area working so hard to get every brick laid right.

The outdoor exhibits were my favorite – it was really cool to see big name brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and even more! One thing that I love that is growing in the trades right now is women joining crews. There weren't many out there, but there were more than I have ever seen before, and I loved seeing that. I spoke to so many companies that were exploring the world of 3D printing, especially with concrete and that fascinated me. Quikrete was a standout in their capabilities of 3D printing with concrete, and the creations they had on display were somewhat mind-blowing. It is brilliant to see the innovations and what will be taken back home with contractors from the show and how the building trades industry grows after shows like World of Concrete. 

For our crew, World of Concrete was inspiring to participate in – listening, learning and amplifying the voices shaping what comes next. 

Check out our YouTube playlist for more insights from industry experts!

Across the show floor, soundstage interviews and educational sessions, IRE 2026 made it clear that the roofing industry is not standing still. 

While community defines the heart of the International Roofing Expo (IRE), innovation defines its pace. From AI-driven tools and smarter products to immersive booths and hands-on demonstrations, our crew experienced IRE 2026 as a snapshot of where the industry is headed. Here’s a deeper look at how it went, as told through the voices of our crew members who spent the week capturing it. 

Technology everywhere 

One of the most immediate takeaways from IRE 2026 was just how visible technology has become across the show floor. Megan Ellsworth, multimedia director, shared: 

One theme that did stand out for me at IRE was the sheer amount of technology and AI companies at the show and the innovations through technology that big name distributors and manufacturers are implementing. Contractors were a buzz with all the new technology at their fingertips through either their distributor, CRM or manufacturer that is for sure. 

That buzz extended to manufacturers, distributors and long-established brands bringing tangible, jobsite-ready solutions to the floor. Karen Edwards, COO, emphasized, “I was most impressed by the manufacturers that continually innovate and bring new solutions that help contractors work smarter, more efficiently, the products that perform better. It’s incredible.” Startups and established brands showcased tools that have the potential to fundamentally change how contractors work day to day.  

Innovation on display: Booths, launches and customer stories 

For crew members walking the show floor, innovation stood out not only in the products themselves, but in how exhibitors chose to present their stories. Lauren White, editor-in-chief, explained: 

It’s always so fun to see the same people each year, and also to see how some of our customers’ booths have grown over the years. Some companies who started with a single table and a small footprint now have the biggest LED screen that Informa has ever seen, like Roof Scout. Central States Manufacturing had a huge, amazing booth as well and it looked really great and made a statement. 

Everyone puts so much time and energy into making their booths look good and flow, and they’re really proud of them. There’s a lot of intentional planning that goes into that. For us to go onto the show floor and highlight those booths – asking what they want to showcase and positioning ourselves where they feel best – is really special. People are so grateful for the opportunity to talk about their latest products and recent launches and show them off in their booth. 

Drake Porter, industry relations coordinator, echoed this sense of creativity and experimentation they witnessed across the show floor: 

Just seeing what all these folks are doing, whether it's tools or materials or an amazing Trash Rocket or a giant screen at Roof Scout was really cool. My favorite interview of the day was Western States Metal Roofing, where she talked about different shingle sizes, metal and the 3D-printed display she created for the booth. 

Across the span of three days, Lauren and Drake had the chance to dance with the Pink Panther from Owens Corning®, assist the BITEC® magician in passing cards around to the crowd and made custom hats with TRA Snow and Sun, further highlighting the vastness of this year’s exhibitor booths. 

Education contractors can use 

Education once again proved to be one of IRE’s strongest assets, especially as conversations around AI moved from theory to application. Heidi J. Ellsworth, president and CEO, moderated a panel discussion focused on AI in practical business settings: 

We were fortunate enough to be part of the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) panel talking about AI in real-life situations. It really talked about not only where the roofing industry is going, but what you need to look at and be aware of. 

The IRE educational courses throughout the week really help contractors build their business, so they can leave IRE with a strong to-do list, which I think is really important. 

What stood out most to Karen was the engagement: “It’s impressive to have 100 people in a room who want to learn about AI at 8:30 in the morning and nobody was scrolling through their phone during that presentation. They were engaged and eager to learn.” 

Telling the industry’s stories 

One of the ways innovation came to life at IRE 2026 was through storytelling itself. James Ellsworth, CFO, exclaimed, “The soundstage did 89 recordings over the course of three days. We had experts from around the industry all wanting to share on the soundstage.” As Karen hosted the majority of these interviews, she reflected, “Being able to bring a little piece of the show to those people who weren’t able to come was heartwarming. They can tune into our videos, and they can see what’s new.” The theme that consistently emerged was adoption. As Lauren noted, “People are really adopting tech and AI, which is great to see in an industry that’s typically slow to adopt. 2026 is the year of growth.” Across tools, technology, education and storytelling, IRE 2026 highlighted real solutions, real learning and real momentum. And the industry is clearly ready for what’s next. 

Check out our YouTube playlist to hear from the experts themselves!

By International Roofing Expo (IRE).

Congratulations to all of the 2026 IPSA winners – Their innovations are set to transform and shape the future of our industry!

The votes are in, and the future of roofing has been decided! Meet the winners of the 2026 International Roofing Expo® Innovative Product Showcase and Awards Program (IPSA) – the game-changing innovations that are officially taking our industry to new heights.

After an incredible response from roofing professionals who cast their votes both online and on the show floor in Las Vegas, these groundbreaking solutions have risen to the top, proving they're not just products – they're the tools that will reshape how we work and drive our businesses forward. From cutting-edge materials to revolutionary tools and services, these winners represent the very best of what's possible when our industry comes together to celebrate innovation.

The People’s Choice

People’s Choice is determined by the industry, roofing professionals casted their votes both online and onsite at IRE 2026, early January through February 5th. Here are this year's winners: 

• Business, technology software and services: VILPE Sense Leak Detectors by VILPE Oy
• Coatings, caulks and sealants: FiberSeal Base by Fluid Applied Roofing
• Gutters and roof drains: Sasquatch Structural Gutter Protection System by E-Z Gutter Guard
• Roofing products: Elevate Max PVC Single-Ply Roofing Membrane by Elevate
• Safety and fall protection: LifeGrab Upper and Lower Ladder Stabilizers by On Top Safety
• Siding and insulation: ThermaThin™ 7 by Carlisle Syntec Systems
• Solar panels and products: KAST Connect by KAST
• Tools, equipment and machinery: Burro Volt by Donkey Forklifts
• Water proofing, flashing, vapor barriers, underlayments and insulation: AeroNet by Benjamin Obdyke

The Experts’ Choice

The Experts’ Choice award winners were selected by industry experts. The winners stood out from the competition in their ability to boost performance, drive sales, enhance customer satisfaction, improve worker safety or establish a new industry standard in the field. 

• Seal Bond® FlexCurb™ Universal Curb Kit by Seal Bond
• Duro-Last PVC to TPO Tie-In by Duro-Last
• LifeGrab 360° Roof Bracket and LifeGrab Elevated Roof Bracket by On Top Safety
• ThermaThin™ 7 by Carlisle Syntec Systems
• SOPREMA MINI-MACADEN® by SOPREMA
• AeroNet by Benjamin Obdyke

Learn more about these incredible products!

By Emma Peterson. 

Industry experts break down the economic, technological and industry shifts to watch this year. 

During the second day of the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), we got the chance to host a live Coffee Conversations with Julissa Chavez of SRS Distribution, Dean Curtis from Ingage and Jack Gottesman of IKO Industries! Now available on demand, this episode dove into the biggest trends and challenges facing the roofing industry in 2026. Keep reading to see some of the topics this expert panel highlighted to keep an eye on!  

Economics 

As we head into 2026, a lot of contractors and business owners are feeling the residual effects of last year’s unstable market. The panels consensus on what to do about this? Focus on your business and your team. Dean opened the conversation, saying, “The best thing you can do right now is invest in your talent. The talent you have on your team is going to determine how well you can do this year.” 

Mergers and acquisitions 

Another topic that’s been top of mind for many people from 2025 is the rise of mergers and acquisitions in the industry. Dean shared some of his insights into how these affect contractors in 2026:  

If you look at the way the market is consolidating in a lot of places, it might become a goal for smaller business to build themselves up to be part of an acquisition or for sale. This is a very viable option in 2026 and to do this you need to focus on professionalization. So things like profit, loss, delivery – all of these metrics are super important if that’s your goal. 

Technology 

And we cannot talk about trends to keep an eye on without talking about technology and AI. Julissa explained:  

AI is changing the game tremendously...In some ways it is making it tougher for sales reps to get a homeowner’s trust. It used to be simple, we were the professionals. But now with AI, homeowners are trying to do a lot more research, which is great, but things like ChatGPT aren’t always right... So it’s really important to focus on preparing your reps to educate homeowners on their roofing options. 

All of this comes down to meeting homeowners where they are and right now where they are is in the digital world. Jack added some of his thoughts to the discussion, sharing, “We redesigned our website last year to try and build a better relationship with the visitors. We looked at the analytics and created an experience around what their expectations and interests are.”  

Conclusion 

At the end of the day, 2025 was a bit of a bumpy ride for many business owners and professionals. But we weathered it by adapting and growing, which is exactly what we will do as we start 2026. Julissa summed it up, saying, “Roofing has always been about being able to adapt and leveraging, the moment. This remains true for 2026...H ere at SRS our focus for the new year is our customers... We want to help our customers grow in different segments, because as they grow, we grow at the same time.”   

Watch the entire Coffee Conversations on demand for more insights into the 2026 industry outlook.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

From new podcasts to technical research and workforce development, SPFA is strengthening resources that help members stay competitive and compliant.

The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) continues to expand its support for contractors, suppliers and manufacturers through education, recognition and technical resources designed to strengthen the spray foam industry.

As 2026 gets underway, SPFA is rolling out new programs, research, publications and professional development opportunities that help members stay informed, compliant and competitive.

Introducing the Foam-It-Right® Podcast

SPFA recently launched the Foam-It-Right® Podcast, an original podcast series focused on real conversations that matter in the field. The podcast is designed to help professionals:

• Work smarter and more efficiently
• Stay compliant with changing regulations
• Grow sustainable spray foam businesses
• Navigate jobsite challenges

Supplier members can also participate through Season, Episode and Ad Roll sponsorships, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For sponsorship information, contact Aubrey Barto at abarto@sprayfoam.org.

Celebrating industry excellence

SPFA congratulates Wedge Roofing for earning the Silver Award in the 2026 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards at the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas. Recognition like this highlights the craftsmanship and professionalism driving the roofing and spray foam industries forward.

SPF roof performance proven through research

SPFA continues supporting independent research validating spray foam roofing performance. A recent RICOWI inspection evaluated an SPF roof system at Texas A&M University in College Station following a severe hail event. Using a 50 mil polyurea and 40 mil silicone coating, the SPF roof successfully withstood 1-inch diameter hail, demonstrating strong performance when compared with other roofing systems.

For more information or the full RICOWI report, contact Jason Hoerter, SPFA director of technical services, at jasonhoerter@sprayfoam.org.

Education, webinars and technical tools

SPFA continues expanding educational offerings including:

• Tech Tuesday Webinar: Overview of safer consumer products regulations impacting spray foam insulation and how California continues to influence national compliance
• New homeowner marketing brochure: Protecting Spray Foam in Your Home with Fire-Protective Intumescent Coatings, created to help contractors educate homeowners and building owners on code requirements

Resources are available through the SPFA Member InfoHub and at sprayfoam.org.

Get involved through SPFA committees

SPFA members are encouraged to participate in committee activities shaping the future of the industry. Upcoming meetings include:

• Marketing Committee – February 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST
• Membership Committee – February 17, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST
• Safety Committee – April 10, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. EST

Meeting details and participation information are available in the InfoHub.

Innovations in foam editorial opportunity

SPFA is accepting submissions from manufacturer, supplier and distributor members for its upcoming "Innovations in Foam" editorial series. This initiative provides high-value exposure while highlighting technical advancements within the industry.

To participate, contact Aubrey Barto at abarto@sprayfoam.org.

Growing the SPFA community

SPFA continues to welcome new members from across the country, reflecting continued growth in spray foam roofing, insulation and building envelope markets.

PCP certification and workforce development

SPFA is expanding professional certification opportunities through:

• PCP Roadshows hosted nationwide
• On-site exam prep and testing at major industry events
• PCP prep courses and written exams available in Spanish online and at SprayFoam 2026

These programs support workforce development and reinforce professionalism across the spray foam industry.

Supplier corner and industry promotion

Suppliers can engage directly with contractors through SPFA networking events, sponsorships and promotional programs designed to foster meaningful business connections. SPFA also encourages members to contribute articles, insights and success stories to SprayFoam Professional, helping shape the future of industry education and communication.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

How IRE's Community Service Day gave back to the community that hosted this year's expo. 

The roofing industry is built on protecting homes and strengthening communities, and that commitment was on full display during the 17th Annual International Roofing Expo (IRE) Community Service Day. Held on Monday, January 19, 2026, the initiative brought together volunteers to revitalize Las Vegas homes and give back to local residents in need.

Participants donated their time and skills to repair homes for low-income Las Vegas residents who otherwise would not be able to complete critical exterior improvements. The effort reflects a long-standing industry tradition of service, showing that roofing professionals do far more than install systems, they help create safer, stronger communities.

The 2026 projects focused on two homeowners facing physical and financial challenges. One recipient was a recently widowed, disabled 78-year-old woman who has owned her home for 39 years but is physically and financially unable to maintain it. Volunteers also assisted a 73-year-old couple who have struggled to keep up with painting, exterior repairs and yard cleanup due to age and finances. Both households expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ willingness to help repair and maintain their homes.

Community Service Day has become a meaningful part of the expo experience, offering attendees an opportunity to arrive early, work side by side with industry peers and make an immediate impact in the host city. Each year, the IRE partners with a local nonprofit to complete critical home repairs through volunteer labor, monetary donations and sponsor support.

IRE itself is where residential and commercial roofing professionals unite to discover new products, gain expert training and build powerful connections that help grow their businesses. The success of Community Service Day is made possible through collaboration across the industry, with volunteers contributing both labor and expertise to ensure homeowners can remain safe and secure.

Sika Sarnafil has been the primary sponsor of this day for 17 years, providing $15,000 to Rebuilding Together each year. GAF donated shingles for a vital re-roofing project. Farrell Roofing donated the labor for the roof replacement. Additional sponsors include Atlas, Centimark, Western Elite and United Rentals.

For many who participate, the experience goes beyond a single day of volunteering. It restores pride for homeowners, reinforces the industry’s culture of service and reminds everyone involved why roofing matters so deeply, not just as a trade but as a way to protect lives.

Learn more about Community Service Day and future events by visiting the official International Roofing Expo.

The awards program is an industry recognition program that celebrates the most cutting-edge solutions that are available in the roofing and exteriors sector.

Informa Markets, The International Roofing Expo® (IRE), announced the winners of their annual Innovative Product Showcase and Awards Program for People’s Choice and Experts’ Choice. The awards program, powered by the International Roofing Expo, is an industry recognition program that celebrates the most cutting-edge solutions that are available in the roofing and exteriors sector.

The Innovative Product Showcase and Awards Program entries were on display at the International Roofing Expo 2026, January 20-22 in Las Vegas. Attendees viewed the products and services in the showcase area and cast votes for the People’s Choice Award across eight categories. The People’s Choice Award is presented to one winner in each program category. Voting opened in early January and ended on February 5.

“Our warmest thanks to all companies that brought their innovations to the 2026 IRE Innovative Product Showcase and Awards program this year, and to all who voted to recognize industry excellence,” Rich Russo, show director for the International Roofing Expo. “Spotlighting the products and services that are redefining possibilities in our market is fundamental to our collective progress. Congratulations to our remarkable 2026 award winners for setting new standards of innovation!”

The People’s Choice winners:

• Business & technology software & services: VILPE Sense Leak Detectors by VILPE Oy
• Coatings, caulks and sealants: FiberSeal Base by Fluid Applied Roofing
• Gutters and roof drains: Sasquatch Structural Gutter Protection System by E-Z Gutter Guard
• Roofing products: Elevate Max PVC Single-Ply Roofing Membrane by Elevate
• Safety & fall protection: LifeGrab Upper and Lower Ladder Stabilizers by On Top Safety
• Siding & insulation: ThermaThin™ 7 by Carlisle Syntec Systems
• Solar panels & products: KAST Connect by KAST
• Tools, equipment and machinery: Burro Volt by Donkey Forklifts
• Water proofing, flashing, vapor barriers, underlayments and insulation: AeroNet by Benjamin Obdyke

The Experts’ Choice award winners were selected by industry experts. The winners stood out from the competition in their ability to boost performance, drive sales, enhance customer satisfaction, improve worker safety or establish a new standard in the field.

The Experts’ Choice winners:

• Seal Bond® FlexCurb™ Universal Curb Kit by Seal Bond
• Duro-Last PVC to TPO Tie-In by Duro-Last
• LifeGrab 360° Roof Bracket and LifeGrab Elevated Roof Bracket by On Top Safety
• ThermaThin™ 7 by Carlisle Syntec Systems
• SOPREMA MINI-MACADEN® by SOPREMA
• AeroNet by Benjamin Obdyke

The Experts’ Choice honorees received exceptional feedback from judges:

Judges praised the LifeGrab 360 Roof Bracket as “an ingenious solution to keep roofers and rooftop laborers safely tied-off while providing complete mobility and minimizing disconnection from the tie-off point.” This innovative product is redefining safety standards for roofing professionals, ensuring both security and efficiency on the job.

The AeroNet product was commended for its ability to “provide clear-field drainage below steep-slope roof coverings where traditional installations might incur impediments to roof assembly drainage below the roof covering.” This solution addresses a critical need for effective drainage in challenging roofing scenarios, offering a reliable and practical approach to improving roof performance.

To learn more about the 2026 Innovative Product Showcase and Awards Program, please visit www.theroofingexpo.com.

About International Roofing Expo

The International Roofing Expo® is the premier event for both the commercial and residential roofing and exterior construction industries. The IRE brings the professional community together to help them stay current on trending knowledge and to see the largest selection of products and services. The event helps professionals improve their business through education, exhibitions and networking. The International Roofing Expo is owned and operated by Informa Markets. The official show sponsor is NRCA and the official show publication is Roofing Contractor. For more information, please visit www.theroofingexpo.com.

Follow International Roofing Expo on social at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to stay in touch for the most up to date information on the 2027 expo.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world's leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

By Jenny Yu.  

Heidi J. Ellsworth has been elected as one of the new NRCA directors. 

Here at The Coffee Shops™, we are proud to share that our president and CEO, Heidi J. Ellsworth, has been elected as one of the new National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) directors. The announcement was made as part of the NRCA's 139th Annual Convention, held from January 18 to 22, 2026, in Las Vegas.  

“It is a true honor to be nominated and selected to serve on the NRCA board of directors,” Heidi shared. “What the NRCA does for the roofing industry is critical to advancing professionalism, supporting contractors and protecting the long-term strength of our trade. The association’s leadership of technical services along with their commitment to career technical education and advocacy continues to move the industry forward. I am excited to contribute at a higher level.” 

With over 30 years of service to the industry, Heidi has developed the experience, connections and leadership skills that make her an invaluable voice and advocate for the roofing community. From holding positions with Malarkey Roofing Products®, Carlisle Construction Materials and Eagleview to serving on the boards of Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), National Women in Roofing (NWIR), METALCON and the International Roofing Expo (IRE), Heidi is more than ready to help guide NRCA through an evolving landscape. 

“Having been actively involved with NRCA for more than 20 years, I look forward to supporting not only the U.S. market but also the organization’s growing global initiatives,” Heidi said. “RoofersCoffeeShop® has a long history of supporting NRCA by amplifying its educational efforts, promoting workforce development and elevating the issues that matter most to roofing professionals.” 

NRCA’s board of directors focuses on strategy and accountability, keeping the interests of its members at the forefront of its work. Heidi will serve a three-year term from 2026 to 2029, starting June 1, alongside eleven other newly appointed board members.  

“By standing together as one voice, we can expand opportunities and build stronger businesses for our contracting community while also better serving the consumers,” Heidi expressed. “Everyone needs shelter, and I am proud to be part of an industry that provides the ultimate protection — the roof.” 

Learn more about the mission of the NRCA and its vision for the future of roofing.