Building connection through education and community

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Contractors gather for learning, networking and market insights at RCAW’s annual trade show. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth spoke with leaders from the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) about the upcoming March trade show. Amanda Fields, executive director of RCAW and Emerson Pagel, with ABC Supply and the RCAW Board of Directors, discussed the event’s special opportunities for participants to gain education and community connection.  

Amanda explained the event is centered around the association’s mission, which emphasizes providing resources, advocacy and training opportunities that help contractors build sustainable businesses across Washington state. The goal is for the trade show to be a practical forum for face-to-face learning and regional connection in a way that cannot be achieved digitally.  

Emerson emphasized how roofing is a relational industry, where success and connections are built through shared experience rather than transactions. “We're doing things that, while we're not changing the world itself, but we're changing somebody's world every day,” Emerson said. Roofing work directly affects peoples’ homes, livelihoods and trust. At the trade show, competitors, industry veterans and new contractors will have the opportunity to exchange insight shaped by decades of different experiences on the jobsite.  

The trade show itself is designed to feel immersive rather than overwhelming, bringing together roughly 45 vendors alongside a full slate of education. Sessions range from jobsite safety and workforce development to marketing strategy, brand building and insurance supplementation, reflecting the realities contractors are navigating right now. Amanda framed the programming as an extension of the association’s broader purpose. “I’m passionate about supporting our industry, building community and making sure contractors have a voice at the table,” Amanda said. That approach shows up in sessions built for both field crews and owners, including Spanish-language fall protection training and certifications that meet evolving workforce needs. By housing education, products and peer insight under one roof, the show gives contractors space to compare systems, ask questions and make informed decisions in real time. 

Networking continues beyond classrooms through evening events and informal gatherings. The Industry Insider event on March 12 includes networking, vendor setup and the Excellence in Roofing awards. The trade show follows on March 13 at Muckleshoot Casino, bringing attendees together for educational sessions and exhibits to explore. Amanda and Emerson encourage participation by showing up, engaging with peers and investing in growth.  

Listen to the podcast to learn more about the RCAW trade show and registration details!