NRCA invites you to enjoy an exciting week of education, networking and culture during its 131st annual convention Feb. 4-8 in New Orleans. Held in conjunction with Irving, Texas-based Informa's 2018 International Roofing Expo® (IRE), the convention will take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center—the sixth largest convention facility in the U.S.—and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
Roofing professionals will have the opportunity to attend educational programs and mingle on the expo floor while learning about the most recent industry trends and technology. In addition, several off-site events will offer participants an opportunity to perform a charitable act of service; test their athletic skills; and experience the music, cuisine and beauty of New Orleans at historical venues near the Mississippi River.
"Every year, NRCA's annual convention and the IRE bring roofing professionals from around the world together to network and learn," says Reid Ribble, NRCA's CEO. "We anticipate this year's event may be the biggest yet, and we look forward to interacting with our members and other professionals during NRCA's educational programs, entertainment opportunities and awards ceremony, where the best in the industry will receive well-deserved recognition. Big plans have been made for the convention and expo, and we hope you will make plans to join us in New Orleans next month!"
Convention kickoff
NRCA events begin Sunday, Feb. 4, with NRCA's Executive Committee meeting and lunch from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and NRCA's board of directors meeting from 1-4 p.m. NRCA's Affiliate Executives Council meeting and lunch will take place the following day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The meetings will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
Educational opportunities
Roofing professionals can partake in a variety of NRCA educational programs during the convention and expo. The programs begin Monday, Feb. 5, with NRCA's CERTA Train-the-trainer Authorization Program, which will be held from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. at Roof Technologies Inc., Harvey, La. (participants provide their own transportation). Through classroom instruction and hands-on torching activities, participants will learn about the latest best safety practices for torch-applied roof systems and develop the teaching skills necessary to train others about torch safety. Participants must have some experience training others, be proficient using a roofing torch, and be able to speak and read English. Upon completing the program, participants will be authorized to conduct CERTA certification training for roofing workers. Current trainers also may attend this program to be reauthorized.
On the same day, an NRCA Roofing Industry Fall Protection from A to Z class will be held from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Students will learn about fall-protection systems and the most recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements and observe demonstrations of fall-protection equipment and self-rescue techniques. By the end of the class, participants will be able to recognize fall hazards present during roof system installations and repair; use appropriate controls for fall hazards on low- and steep-slope projects; and identify strategies for self-rescue and the rescue of others while on a job site.
On Wednesday, Feb. 7, Recruiting, Training and Retaining Roof Technicians and Leaders of Tomorrow, a program for contractors only, will be held from 7-9:15 a.m. Breakfast will be provided, and a panel of speakers will discuss how to recruit, train and retain new workers during the ongoing construction workforce shortage. Panel speakers include Jim Hadel, director of jurisdiction and special agreements for the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers; Bill McHugh, executive director of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association; Ribble; Jordan Rittenauer, director of market development for the Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers Union; and Kinsey Robinson, international president of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.
On Thursday, Feb. 8, NRCA will hold its For Foremen Only, Level 1 program from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Field managers and foremen will learn how to communicate effectively, work well with all types of people, handle tough situations tactfully, build rapport with crew members and motivate workers to improve job-site productivity.
In addition, NRCA University's Future Executives Institute—Class 8 (FEI-8) will meet Monday, Feb. 5, from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The FEI program teaches roofing professionals about management theory and practice and helps them develop leadership and communication skills so they are ready to effectively lead and manage thriving roofing businesses. FEI-8 participants are in their second year of the three-year program and will study the leadership of teams, generational awareness, strategic planning and legal matters affecting roofing companies.
Community Service Day
Join in the spirit of service during IRE's ninth annual Community Service Day Monday, Feb. 5, from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For this event, which is sponsored by Sika® Sarnafil, Canton, Mass., and hosted by the IRE, Rebuilding Together® New Orleans and NRCA, volunteers are needed to help renovate the homes of Betty Johnson, an elderly resident who has lived in the New Orleans area since the early 1960s, and Charles and Cynthia Heisser, a resilient couple in their mid-80s whose New Orleans home still needs repairs after sustaining major damage during Hurricane Katrina.
Roofing contractors, general contractors, project managers, home inspectors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters, masons, drywall contractors, HVAC technicians, tilers and anyone else possessing amateur to expert construction skills can volunteer to help with the renovations. Volunteers will work under the direction of a crew chief and use cordless tool sets donated by CentiMark Corp., Canonsburg, Pa., and gloves and other safety equipment donated by Carlisle Construction Materials, Carlisle, Pa., to complete the projects. Financial donations also are needed, and all donors will receive tax-deductible receipts. Volunteers will receive breakfast courtesy of ICP Adhesives & Sealants Inc., Norton, Ohio, and lunch will be provided by OMG® Roofing Products, Agawam, Mass. Damato Enterprises, Duluth, Ga., will provide shuttle transportation. To participate in IRE's Community Service Day or make a donation, contact Brandi McElhaney, Informa's senior conference manager, at (972) 536-6392 or brandi.mcelhaney@informa.com.
At the expo
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, NRCA's Young Contractors Committee will hold an Emerging Technology Roundtable Discussion from 7:45-9:15 a.m. Roofing industry professionals interested in new technologies and those who are taking on increasing management responsibilities within their companies are invited to learn about and discuss the latest technology trends. The program aims to provide participants with valuable ideas that immediately can be implemented upon each participant's return to his or her office. In addition, NRCA's Emerging Professionals, a group open to young roofing industry professionals interested in meeting their peers and/or getting more involved in the industry, will meet Feb. 7 from 2-3 p.m. at NRCA's Booth 1933.
Legendary National Basketball Association Hall of Famer Julius "Dr. J" Erving will deliver his keynote address, "What I Learned," Feb. 6 from 9:45-10:50 a.m. The former New York Nets and Philadelphia 76ers star will share what he has learned during 16 seasons of professional basketball and 30 years since his retirement from the sport; he'll also reveal his personal tactics for overcoming challenges and cultivating a champion's mindset.
Ribble will share his vision for NRCA and the roofing industry from 3:30-4:15 p.m. at Booth 2829, the designated space for Exhibitor Presented Seminars on the expo floor. Ribble will discuss NRCA's One Voice initiative, an effort to unite the roofing industry and speak with one voice about matters critical to the industry's continued success, and the development of NRCA's ProCertification Series program, NRCA's soon-to-be-released training and certification program to help create a highly skilled workforce. He also will discuss advancing the industry's public policy agenda through tax, immigration and regulatory reform and address ways NRCA can amplify the roofing industry's voice in Washington, D.C., by working with lawmakers and other federal government officials.
A welcome party sponsored by Tremco Inc., Beachwood, Ohio, will be held at Generations Hall, a historical sugar refinery turned entertainment hall, Feb. 6 from 5:15-7:15 p.m. Decorated with artwork depicting the history of New Orleans jazz, the venue will give guests a glimpse into a bygone era as local party band The Bucktown All-Stars performs live. Guests are invited to mingle and dance with friends and peers while enjoying music, hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer and soda.
During the trade show, you will want to make sure to visit NRCA's Booth 1933 to learn about the benefits of NRCA membership and speak with NRCA experts about a variety of technical topics, risk management matters, educational programs and NRCA's latest resources, including the NRCA and Professional Roofing apps that enable users to access NRCA information and magazine articles on the go. Visitors also will find information about the 2018 edition of The NRCA Roofing Manual, the NRCA Bookstore's valuable technical resources and publications, Professional Roofing magazine, and more.
All visitors to NRCA's booth will have the opportunity to "Spin to Win" prizes, such as an iPad, Nintendo Switch™ gaming console, Chicago-style deep dish pizza, The NRCA Roofing Manual and free NRCA membership for a year. Expo attendees are encouraged to take advantage of special show discounts, including $100 off NRCA membership dues (new members only), 20 percent off an entire NRCA Bookstore purchase, and 10 percent off NRCA University public and customized training programs. And NRCA members can stop by the NRCA member lounge to relax and enjoy complimentary chair massages.
NRLRC luncheon
Immediately following Erving's keynote address, the National Roofing Legal Resource Center (NRLRC) will host a luncheon program for roofing contractors Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The luncheon will provide insight into the effect and nuances of tax policies aimed at strengthening small businesses, including an explanation of challenges faced by pass-through entities such as S Corporations and intricacies related to business' tax-planning strategies. Advance ticket purchase is required.
ROOFPAC events
ROOFPAC, NRCA's political action committee, will host its annual golf tournament sponsored by Johns Manville, Denver, Monday, Feb. 5, at TPC Louisiana. The award-winning golf course features more than 100 bunkers integrated into a challenging landscape of beautiful wetlands and native cypress trees near the Mississippi River. The tournament begins with a 9 a.m. shotgun start and follows a scramble format. Participants will receive a post-tournament scoring reception from 1-3 p.m. Free transportation will be provided to and from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, with buses departing at 7:20 a.m. and returning to the hotel between 3-3:30 p.m.
ROOFPAC also will host a sporting clays tournament, sponsored by Polyglass U.S.A. Inc., Deerfield Beach, Fla., the same day at High Point Shooting Grounds. Participants will receive lunch following the tournament. Free transportation will be provided to and from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, with buses departing at 9 a.m. and returning to the hotel by 3 p.m. The sporting clays tournament is limited to 50 registrants, and the golf tournament is limited to 125 registrants. Event registration is available by clicking here.
ROOFPAC's annual silent auction, sponsored by GAF, Parsippany, N.J., will begin Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. and continue through Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 4 p.m. Held at NRCA's Booth 1933, the ROOFPAC silent auction will feature stylish jewelry, vacations, electronics and other auction items. Participants also can view and place bids on silent auction items via smartphone, tablet or laptop by clicking here. An open bar will be provided from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 7, during the auction's final two hours. All proceeds benefit ROOFPAC's efforts in Washington, D.C. Auction winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 7. Winning items may be picked up at that time or at NRCA's booth Thursday, Feb 8, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Additionally, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, ROOFPAC will host its "Party on the Mighty Mississippi" sponsored by ABC Supply Co. Inc., Beloit, Wis., at Pat O's on the River from 7-10 p.m. Located on the third floor of the Jackson Brewery Millhouse, Pat O's on the River will charm visitors with its textured walls, antique chandeliers and stunning views of the Mississippi River in addition to delicious food and drinks. Complimentary transportation will be provided from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center following NRCA's Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception.
Alliance student competition
An unprecedented number of student teams are competing in The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress' fourth annual Alliance Construction Management Student Competition. The competition is designed to challenge the roofing knowledge, construction management skills, time management, organizational and presentation skills of students pursuing careers in the roofing industry.
Student teams from Auburn University's McWhorter School of Building Sciences, Auburn, Ala.; Colorado State University's Department of Construction Management, Fort Collins; Kennesaw State University's Department of Construction Management, Kennesaw, Ga.; Louisiana State University's Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, Baton Rouge; Tuskegee University's Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science, Tuskegee, Ala.; University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati; and the University of Florida's M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Building Construction, Gainesville, were tasked with creating a company to bid on installing a roof system on the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. Each team was required to research the project, review plans and specifications, and assemble a full estimate and proposal to submit a qualified bid package before preparing oral presentations.
Finalist teams selected by the competition's judges will present their oral proposals at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7:45-11:15 a.m. Each team will make a 15-minute presentation to the panel of judges, followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer period. A first-place winner and second-place winner will be announced during NRCA's Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception. In addition, one student will be recognized as the best individual presenter.
Industry excellence
Join NRCA in recognizing the recipients of the roofing industry's most prestigious awards during NRCA's Industry Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception Feb. 7 from 5-7 p.m. The event will begin with the presentation of the slate of officers for NRCA's 2018-19 board of directors. Voting will be conducted to officially install new officers.
Next, the winning teams of The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress' Alliance Construction Management Student Competition will be announced. The highlight of the ceremony will be the presentation of the roofing industry's top awards: NRCA's J.A. Piper Award; the CNA/NRCA Community Involvement Award; The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress' Gold Circle Awards and Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards; and NRCA's Charlie Raymond Award.
Considered the most prestigious award in the roofing industry, NRCA's J.A. Piper Award was established in 1947 to honor former NRCA President J.A. Piper's extraordinary efforts to keep the association alive during the Great Depression. The award recognizes a roofing professional who has demonstrated outstanding service to NRCA and the industry. Previous winners have included NRCA presidents/chairmen of the board and other members who have dedicated their lives to advancing the industry.
The annual CNA/NRCA Community Involvement Award, a collaboration between NRCA and CNA Insurance Cos., Chicago, celebrates good deeds committed by NRCA members. Contractor member companies that have performed charitable works between Jan. 1, 2017, and Dec. 22, 2017, submitted information about their service work for a chance to win up to $7,500 for their charity. The winning charity will receive $7,500; a second-place winner will receive $5,000; and a third-place winner will receive $2,500. New this year, a People's Choice winning charity selected by the public via online voting will receive $1,500.
The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress' Gold Circle Awards program recognizes Alliance and NRCA members for their outstanding contributions to the roofing industry in the form of unique roofing projects, programs and services completed between June 1, 2015, and May 31, 2017. The 2018 award categories include Outstanding Workmanship—Low-slope; Outstanding Workmanship—Steep-slope; Innovative Solutions—New Construction; Innovative Solutions—Reroofing; and Safety Preparedness and Performance. Nine finalists have been selected, and the winners will be announced during the ceremony.
This year, 24 nominations were submitted for The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress' MVP Awards. The awards honor roofing professionals who have made significant contributions in one or more of the following areas: outstanding on-the-job performance; on-the-job safety performance; contributions to a team effort; community service and volunteerism; and other noteworthy contributions and activities. Award recipients often are role models who demonstrate work-related and personal goals to which others can aspire. One MVP Awards winner will be named Professional Roofing's Best of the Best—an elite recognition co-sponsored by Professional Roofing and OMG Roofing Products—and will be featured in a Professional Roofing article.
Named for former NRCA President and J.A. Piper Award recipient Charlie Raymond, the Charlie Raymond Award is the most prestigious membership recruitment award NRCA bestows. The award annually is given to the NRCA member who has recruited the most new NRCA members during the calendar year.
All convention and expo attendees are invited to help honor the 2018 award winners at the awards ceremony, which includes a cocktail reception during which complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be provided. The event is free; advance registration for this event is requested.
Get ready
Big plans have been made for NRCA's 131st Annual Convention and the 2018 IRE. Attendees can expect to continuously have educational and entertaining experiences throughout the week while connecting with other roofing professionals from the states and abroad. Make plans to join in and experience it all for yourself next month in New Orleans.
Sara Baldwin is Professional Roofing's editorial assistant.
Registration information:
For more information and to register for NRCA's 131st Annual Convention and the 2018 International Roofing Expo® (IRE), contact Candice Grantham, IRE show coordinator, at (972) 536-6354 or candice.grantham@informa.com, or Lisa Allen, IRE senior show manager, at (972) 536-6452 or lisa.allen@informa.com. You also can visit IRE's website, www.theroofingexpo.com.
For more information about NRCA events and classes, contact the following:
Did you know?
You can connect with the 2018 International Roofing Expo® (IRE) via the IRE app available for iPhone, iPad,
Android and Blackberry devices, as well as all your favorite social media channels:
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