By Emma Peterson. 

Learn why CDS branches are contractors’ go-to resource for low-slope roofing success.  

Starting a new commercial roofing project? Get all the tips and tools that you could need by visiting the location of one of SRS Distribution’s Commercial Distribution Specialist (CDS) teams! These teams have been awarded special designation for having a wealth of in-depth knowledge about all things to do with low-slope products and systems. When you visit a CDS designated location, you have the opportunity to access resources that will help your next project run smoothly and efficiently. These resources include:  

• Expertise: From choosing the right material for your project to setting up a timeline for success, the teams at CDS branches understand all parts of the low-slope roofing process. Don’t miss out on the invaluable resource they represent.   
• Products: CDS locations are stocked with a wide range of commercial products from manufacturers like Carlisle, Johns Manville, GAF, Elevate and Versico. Whether you are looking for polyiso insulation, bonding adhesives, fasteners or something else related to low-slope roofing, you can find it in a CDS showroom. 
• Logistics: And help from a CDS team is not limited to just their branch location! CDS employs a fleet of crane trucks and knuckle booms that make getting your materials simpler than ever. With options for both ground drops and roof top deliveries, this is a powerful resource for keeping your commercial projects on schedule.  

Overall, visiting a CDS location is a sure-fire way to elevate your next roofing project. And with 45 locations across 22 states, there is likely a team near you! 

Learn more about working with Commercial Distribution Specialists!

By Emma Peterson. 

Trent Cotney explores the role of advocacy and Roofing Day 2026 in relation to protecting workers in today’s immigration climate. 

The state of the labor force in roofing and construction has always been a top issue for the industry, but the immigration policy changes of the last year have made it more of a pressing concern than ever. Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese stopped by for a Coffee Conversations webinar to discuss what contractors can do to combat these concerns.  

The state of labor and immigration today 

Since January of 2025, there has been a huge uptick in ICE (immigration and customs enforcement) activity. In relation to roofing, we’ve seen ICE raids on every type of workplace in the industry, whether it's the job site, the office or the manufacturing warehouse. This has caused a level of deep fear and concern in employees and employers. Trent shared what he’s seen:  

There's a lot of concern among contractors about how to help their employees and crews...And we have dozens upon dozens of contractors that are currently in the process of defending I-9 audits. These audits are when the government will issue a notice of inspection, and they'll ask to see your I-9s. Then, based on what they see, you could be subject to fine or, more importantly, they run the information and determine the status of your workers, and you could potentially lose workers as a result. 

Protecting your workers and business 

So, what can contractors do in 2026 to protect both their business and their crew? When it comes to protecting your crew, Trent’s advice is to make sure everyone knows their rights. He explained, “The goal is always to tell the truth and cooperate, but everyone also needs to know and assert their rights. Like, your crew has the right to remain silent, they've got the right to counsel, all those types of things. So, really helping your employees learn and understand that is one of the biggest things you can do for them.”  

As for your business, it’s important to use contract provisions to clarify things like worksite access. Trent explained, “You can't have a contract provision or something that says that if I lose workers because of ICE, you should pay me more money. But one of the things you can do is make a provision that defines the worksite as a controlled access zone.” From there, if the owner of the site allows others onto the site that cause damages or delays to work, you can submit a claim or change order based on that provision.  

While both pieces of advice from Trent are a step towards protecting your crews and business in the short-term, he is the first to point out that they are not long-term solutions to labor issues and immigration challenges. As he put it:  

Overall, it’s a frustrating situation because the U.S. has an almost a zero-tolerance policy as it relates to immigration, but also doesn't a clear-cut way to bring workers in that makes common sense. The H-2B visa process is flawed, it's still seasonal and still requires at least 6 months lead time to kind of figure it out. And I’ve worked with contractors that have tried to do employer sponsorship, which is a very bureaucratic, confusing process that can span years. And the truth is we want legal, hard workers to come here, work and pay taxes and boost our economy. 

Making long-lasting change, together 

So, how do we get to that ideal place where hard-working people can legally come experience the American Dream for themselves and our industry gets the labor it needs? Group action in support of immigration reform – like what the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is doing with Roofing Day, which will be held April 14-15, 2026.  

Roofing Day is an annual event that organizes members of the roofing industry into a group that goes to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the industry. And this year, NRCA has announced that one of the primary issues they’re going to talk about at Roofing Day is the need for immigration reform.  

Trent, who has been to most of the events since its inception in 2015, shared a bit about how this type of collective action makes actual change: 

I’ve been there, and in D.C., they don’t understand our industry. They think of roofers and imagine a guy in a pickup truck. They don’t realize that even the roof over their head was put on by a professional company. And so going there, showing them the actual people who make up our industry, telling them our stories and bringing our issues to them...It really makes a big impact. In the past, NRCA has been able to push for great tax reforms because of Roofing Day. 

Listen to the episode or Watch the recording of this Coffee Conversation to learn more about the current state of the industry. And if you’re interested in attending Roofing Day 2026, RoofersCoffeeShop® is partnering with Elevate to give away a trip to D.C.! Learn more and enter for your chance to be a part of change.

By Emma Peterson. 

Join The Coffee Shops™ crew and our industry partners in Sacramento for four days of education, innovation and industry connection. 

The Coffee Shops™ crew is putting the finishing touches on our travel plans to get to Sacramento, California March 12–15, 2026 for the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)’s International Convention and we want to see you at our booth and soundstage, sponsored by Western Colloid!  

This year’s show is predicted to host “1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other experts” for four days of learning, networking and more! With national sponsors like Carlisle, Elevate™, GAF, IB Roof Systems™, Johns Manville, Polyglass USA Inc., Sika Corporation, SOPREMA and Versico, this show is a must-attend for professionals in all parts of the roofing world.  

Expert-led education  

This show gives attendees a chance to learn from a variety of industry leaders and experts through their cutting-edge education sessions. Here are some of the incredible presenters that will be at this year’s show:  

• Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese will be hosting a “State of the Industry” session that will explore contract provisions and other emerging regulatory trends.  
• Darren Perry of SOPREMA has a session that discusses how low slope roofing can be enhanced in response to severe climate risks. 
• Amrize’s National Technical Manager Victor Rosenthal and Project Manager Rachael DeMeio will be teaching about trends in roof re-cover applications this year. 
• Jennifer Stephan from Benchmark’s session will dive into the world of Refrigerated Processing and Cold Storage Operations in relation to industrial roofing projects.  

Check out the full speaker list online!

An expo floor route 

The Coffee Shops crew will be on the expo floor hosting a soundstage at booth #1113! Here’s just a few of the other Coffee Shops friends and partners that can be found on IIBEC’s 2026 International Convention expo floor:  

• All Weather Insulated Panels (booth #1216) 
• Anchor Products (booth #907)  
• ATAS International (booth #728)  
• BITEC Inc. (booth #1023) 
• Brava Tile (booth #208) 
• CertainTeed (booth #227)  
• General Coatings Manufacturing (booth #926) 
• H.B. Fuller (booth #113) 
• ICP Building Solutions Group (booth #133) 
• IKO Industries (booth #426) 
• Leister (booth #619) 
• Malarkey Roofing Products (booth #213) 
• MuleHide (booth #814) 
• Roof Hugger (booth #707) 
• S-5! (booth #1019) 
• Sheffield Metals International (booth #625) 
• Sherwin Williams Roofing Solutions (booth #422) 
• Tremco (booth #321) 
• USG Securock (booth #401) 
• Western Colloid (booth #923) 
• Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions (booth #433) 

Explore the full expo floor map!

Register today and make sure you stop by to say hi to us and our industry friends at the IIBEC’s 2026 International Convention!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Explore education sessions, networking events and trade show details for the 2026 IIBEC International Convention. 

As design requirements grow more complex and performance expectations rise, building enclosure professionals are looking for practical solutions backed by research, testing and real-world experience. The 2026 International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Convention and Trade Show, taking place March 12–15, 2026, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, California, brings those conversations together under one roof. 

Hosted by IIBEC, the event is expected to draw 1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other experts specializing in roofing, waterproofing, fenestration, cladding, building commissioning and exterior wall technologies. The convention features education sessions approved for IIBEC Continuing Education Hours (CEH), with all sessions submitted to the American Institute of Architects (AIA). 

The show runs March 13–14, with exhibit hall hours from 3:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Friday and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Attendees can connect with leading manufacturers and service providers while exploring the latest advancements in building enclosure technology. 

Education programming spans multiple disciplines, including below-grade waterproofing, building commissioning, business and professional development, codes and standards, exterior wall systems, research and technology, roofing, safety, sustainability and wind and structural design. Featured sessions address topics such as fire-resistant code standards, low-slope roofing enhancements for severe climate risks, trends in roof re-cover applications, condensation control in industrial roofing projects and hail impact testing of modified bitumen roof membranes. 

Beyond the classroom, the convention offers extensive networking opportunities. Thursday includes an auxiliary seminar (ALA) on reroofing and the RCI-IIBEC Foundations’ Golf Tournament at Haggin Oaks Alister MacKenzie Course, followed by a welcome reception that evening. Friday features an opening ceremony and keynote speaker, along with the trade show’s grand opening and reception. Saturday highlights include the Annual Awards Ceremony, EBEC Awards Presentations, the Emerging Professionals Reception and the invitation-only V.I.Platinum Reception. On Sunday, the RCI-IIBEC Foundations’ Live Auction and Reception precedes the President’s Annual Banquet. 

A range of registration options are available, including full registration, one-day passes, trade show-only access, auxiliary seminar-only registration and exhibitor packages. Early registration rates are available through February 6, 2026, with standard rates through March 6 and onsite registration beginning March 7. Full registration includes access to Friday through Sunday events, Thursday’s welcome reception and digital access to the event’s proceedings and session recordings when available. 

With Platinum Sponsors including Carlisle, Elevate™, Flynn Group of Companies, GAF, IB Roof Systems™, Johns Manville, National Gypsum Services Company, Polyglass USA Inc., Sika Corporation, Siplast, SITURA INC, SOPREMA and Versico, along with Gold, Silver and additional sponsors, the event reflects broad industry support. 

For professionals seeking technical depth, peer exchange and exposure to emerging trends in building enclosure performance, the 2026 IIBEC Convention and Trade Show offers a concentrated opportunity to prepare for the year ahead. 

Register now to secure your spot at this year’s convention!

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!

MAX PVC features an exceptionally strong knitted scrim that provides industry-leading resistance to punctures, tearing and breaking.

Elevate™, a premier brand of commercial roofing systems and part of the Amrize family of brands, has been named the 2026 Innovative Product Showcase & Awards (IPSA) People’s Choice Winner in the Roofing Products category for MAX PVC at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas.

The IPSA program recognizes innovative solutions across the roofing and exteriors industry. Winners are selected through votes cast by industry professionals attending IRE, making the People’s Choice distinction a direct reflection of contractor and peer support.

“Being named the People’s Choice winner is a huge honor for Elevate because it comes directly from the pros who know this industry best,” said Nevin Holly, president of Elevate. “We engineered MAX PVC to be a true leap forward in performance, but nothing beats seeing it in the field. I’ve been out on several MAX PVC roofs with our customers recently, and seeing that durability in action speaks for itself. This award proves that contractors value innovation that actually works as hard as they do.”

PVC continues to be a fast-growing single-ply roofing category, driven in part by expansion in data centers, cold storage and other mission-critical facilities where reliability and continuous operation are essential. MAX PVC and fleece-backed MAX PVC XR were developed with those requirements in mind, including performance in cooling-intensive environments. 

IRE attendees were able to see and feel MAX PVC at the Innovative Product Showcase and Awards area, as well as experience its puncture-resistance capabilities firsthand through live demonstrations in the Elevate booth. 

MAX PVC features an exceptionally strong knitted scrim that provides industry-leading resistance to punctures, tearing and breaking. The membrane offers inherent fire resistance and strong resistance to chemicals and grease, making it well-suited for demanding commercial environments such as data centers, airports and manufacturing facilities. MAX PVC is also highly reflective, Cool Roof Rating Council compliant and may contribute toward LEED credits with the U.S. Green Building Council when incorporated into a complete roofing system design.

MAX PVC is already being specified on demanding commercial facilities, including food processing and cold storage environments where durability and long-term performance are critical. A recent project profile highlights the system’s application at the Fremont Beef Facility in Nebraska, demonstrating how MAX PVC performs in challenging, high-demand conditions.

“We would like to thank all the companies that participated in our inaugural Innovative Product Showcase and Awards program this year and to those that voted. It’s important for the industry to honor the products and services that are pushing the limits in our market today,” said Rich Russo, show director for the International Roofing Expo. “Congratulations to the 2026 award winners.”

The International Roofing Expo took place January 20–22 in Las Vegas and brought together professionals from across the commercial and residential roofing industries to evaluate products, attend educational sessions and cast votes for the People’s Choice Award across eight categories.

For more information about MAX PVC roofing systems or the full portfolio of Elevate commercial roofing solutions, visit ElevateCommercialBP.com. 

About Elevate

Elevate is committed to providing the highest quality commercial roofing, wall and lining systems to solve our customers’ challenges, grounded by a 45-year legacy of proven experience. Our mission is to deliver solutions that save time, perform reliably and protect our communities. We are devoted to building partnerships rooted in trust in reflection of our Elevate promise that Nobody Covers You Better™. Elevate is part of the Amrize family of brands. Visit ElevateCommercialBP.com to learn more.

About Amrize

Amrize (NYSE: AMRZ) is building North America, as the partner of choice for professional builders with advanced building solutions from foundation to rooftop. With over 1,000 sites and a highly efficient distribution network, we deliver for our customers in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Our 19,000 teammates uniquely serve every construction market from infrastructure, commercial and residential to new build, repair and refurbishment. Amrize achieved $11.7 billion in revenue in 2024 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange. We are ready to build your ambition. Learn more at amrize.com. 

In addition to the Master Contractor trip, Elevate provides exclusive benefits including enhanced contractor listings on their website, exclusive Red Shield Rewards, co-op advertising opportunities and access to premier training programs both online and in-person.

Elevate recently celebrated its 2026 Master Contractors at their annual rewards trip, held February 10-13 at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico. The Master Contractor program, which recognizes the most elite commercial roofing contractors across North America, remains one of the industry’s most established contractor designations. Elevate is a premium commercial roofing systems manufacturer and part of the Amrize family of brands.

Honoring excellence in commercial roofing

Since 1988, the Master Contractor program has honored the top 5% of Elevate Red Shield Licensed Roofing Contractors, based on the quality and square footage of installed systems backed by the Red Shield Warranty. The 2026 Master Contractor class was recognized across several award categories, including:

• Master Contractor: The top 250 contractors based on accumulated Master Contractor quality points.
• President’s Club: Awarded to the top 25 Master Contractors who significantly exceeded the minimum qualification criteria.
• Inner Circle of Quality: This year, 138 contractors received the Inner Circle of Quality award, showcasing an exceptional annual Quality Incidence Rating (QIR) and a long-standing track record of excellence.
• Best of the Best: Elevate also recognized 23 contractors as Best of the Best. These contractors have received the Master Contractor and Inner Circle of Quality Awards a minimum of five times, have at least 5 million square feet under active warranty and a QIR of less than or equal to 0.05.

Eligible systems include Elevate RubberGard™ EPDM, UltraPly™ TPO, PVC, asphalt and metal. Learn more about the Master Contractor program and requirements here.

Hall of fame and special recognitions

As part of the 2026 awards program, Elevate welcomed F.A. Taylor & Son and Royal Roofing Company, Inc. into the Master Contractor Hall of Fame, recognizing their superior craftsmanship and long-standing dedication to the commercial roofing industry.

Additionally, Elevate recognized five Master Contractors through the annual Elevate Excellence Awards, which honor prominent, high-quality projects in the categories of durability, sustainability, and architectural excellence. These awards highlight contractors and projects that showcase innovative applications of Elevate premium products to solve complex design challenges:

• Architectural Excellence Award: 
  • Fisher Construction Group: Moses Lake, Washington
• Durability Award:
  • D&D Roof Services, Inc: Kilgore, Texas
  • Homan Roofing, LTD: British Columbia, Canada
• Sustainability Award:
  • Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal: Wheeling, West Virginia
  • Cano Roofing: Chihuahua - Mexico

Recognizing industry leaders

“Year after year, our Master Contractors prove what is possible when expertise, accountability and strong partnerships come together,” said Nevin Holly, president, Elevate. “Our 2026 Master Contractors are trusted partners who consistently deliver results, and this program is our way of recognizing their commitment to quality and reliability. It was a personal honor to celebrate with them in style during our week in Mexico. We are proud to recognize this group of professionals and the impact they continue to make across the commercial roofing industry.”

In addition to the Master Contractor trip, Elevate provides exclusive benefits including enhanced contractor listings on their website, exclusive Red Shield Rewards, co-op advertising opportunities and access to premier training programs both online and in-person.

About Elevate

Elevate is committed to providing the highest quality commercial roofing, wall and lining systems to solve our customers’ challenges, grounded by a 45-year legacy of proven experience. Our mission is to deliver solutions that save time, perform reliably and protect our communities. We are devoted to building partnerships rooted in trust in reflection of our Elevate promise that Nobody Covers You Better™. Elevate is part of the Amrize family of brands. Visit ElevateCommercialBP.com to learn more.

About Amrize

Amrize (NYSE: AMRZ) is building North America, as the partner of choice for professional builders with advanced building solutions from foundation to rooftop. With over 1,000 sites and a highly efficient distribution network, we deliver for our customers in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Our 19,000 teammates uniquely serve every construction market from infrastructure, commercial and residential to new build, repair and refurbishment. Amrize achieved $11.7 billion in revenue in 2024 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange

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 Emma Peterson. 

Enter for a chance to win a trip to Roofing Day in D.C. where you can advocate for the industry with Elevate and The Coffee Shops™! 

Back in 2018, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) CEO and former Wisconsin representative Reid Ribble organized the first Roofing Day after seeing firsthand the importance of industry advocacy days during his time in D.C. This day is an educational networking event that gives contractors: 

• Access to their representatives: Roofing Day (which will be held April 14-15, 2026) is a unique chance to get in the same room with members of Congress and be voice for the industry. This year, NRCA is focused on highlighting the industry’s concerns about workforce challenges and affordable housing. 
• Stronger influence through industry alignment: We are stronger together and Roofing Day is a prime example of that. Last year saw over 250 attendees from over 35 states. This show of collective strength and unity amplifies our voice and the credibility of our concerns to lawmakers.  
• Actionable, positive outcomes: Roofing Day has directly contributed to productive conversations and bipartisan policies aimed at strengthening the roofing workforce and small businesses. 

Roofing is a $100-billion industry employing nearly one million people across the country, and this day is our chance to bring our issues and stories to the top of mind for our country’s policymakers.  

And, here at The Coffee Shops™, we want to help you be a part of Roofing Day 2026! We have partnered with Elevate to sponsor an industry professional at no expense to them. The Roofing Day contest includes:  

• Round trip airfare  
• Two nights hotel  
• Gift card toward meals  
• Dinner with The Coffee Shops and Elevate  
• Special tour to be arranged the day after 

All you have to do to enter is to tell us why Roofing Day matters to you. The winner will be selected on March 13, 2026.

By Jenny Yu. 

Building enclosure professionals won’t want to miss out on this annual industry event!   

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) is gearing up for its 2026 International Convention and Trade Show, set to take place March 12–15 in Sacramento, California, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. This annual event draws building enclosure professionals, including roofing consultants, architects, engineers and product manufacturers, for education, networking and industry insights. Registration is now open, with early rates available through February 6, 2026.  

Attendees will find a robust program that includes educational sessions covering topics ranging from roofing, waterproofing, sustainability and codes, as well as other related topics designed to advance professional knowledge and earn continuing education hours. A two-day trade show with more than 140 exhibiting companies will spotlight the latest roofing, exterior wall and building enclosure products and services. Participants can connect with manufacturers, consultants and peers on the show floor, which also features product demonstrations and sponsored receptions. The Coffee Shops™ will be there with a sound stage sponsored by Western Colloid — be sure to stop by! 

Beyond the exhibit hall, IIBEC has arranged a wide variety of exciting activities for attendees to participate in. The schedule opens with auxiliary seminars and networking opportunities on March 12, followed by formal welcome receptions, an annual awards ceremony and specialty events such as a golf tournament and an emerging professionals reception. The convention also hosts the Excellence in Building Enclosure Consulting (EBEC) Awards on March 14, recognizing outstanding achievements in the field. 

Hotel accommodations are available in the Sacramento area to assist attendees in securing convenient lodging near the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. IIBEC has secured official room blocks at the Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, Residence Inn and The Citizen Hotel. Early planning is encouraged, as Sacramento draws visitors from across the United States and beyond for this premier industry gathering. 

A wide range of sponsorship packages are still available, each including prominent recognition and unique opportunities for memorable convention engagement. Current sponsors include Carlisle, Elevate™, GAF, Johns Manville, Polyglass, Sika, SOPREMA and Versico Roofing Systems (platinum sponsors); Anchor Products, H.B. Fuller, IB Roof Systems™ and USG Securock® Brand (gold sponsors); and Georgia-Pacific Building Products.   

Register today to secure early registration and explore the latest developments in roofing, waterproofing and building enclosure design!