Good Signs for the Industry

Last week's International Roofing Expo in New Orleans was the first big-time metal construction trade show since last fall's Metalcon. Like many, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, as the down economy of 2009 has extended into 2010, although by some reports in our industry we are already starting to see signs of recovery.

That said, the 2010 budgets for trade show exhibition, travel and attendance were no doubt determined using 2009's revenue numbers, which would point to a down year for nearly all industry events.

As a result, I was pleasantly surprised as I walked onto the tradeshow floor at IRE and saw aisles filled not only with quality metal roofing companies, but with attendees talking business and looking to make or maintain relationships.

I can say with complete confidence that, other than Greenbuild, which is benefitting from the popularity of the green building trend/movement, the 2010 International Roofing Expo was the best trade show I've attended in the last two years. There was a buzz about the event; attendees were packing the aisles; and virtually every exhibitor I spoke with said they not only had great foot traffic, but were receiving a large number of high-quality leads.

In addition, the conference program offered strong educational opportunities and, maybe even more important, they all appeared to be well attended. Even the last session on the final day of the show -- a presentation by Rob Haddock on PV systems and standing seam metal roofs -- had roughly 40-50 people in the audience, which is a very strong number.

From start to finish, this year's IRE show was a wonderful event, and it might prove to be just the kick-start to 2010 that our industry needed.

Find videos from the IRE show floor and also a peak at Rob Haddock's conference session on PV and standing seam metal roofs on our video page: http://www.moderntrade.com/Default.aspx?PublicationID=2&Video=Yes

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To comment, email boneill@moderntrade.com.