The next generation takes the stage at IRE 2026

By Roofing Alliance.

The Roofing Alliance will be hosting their 12th Annual Construction Management Student Competition at this year's International Roofing Expo.

The Roofing Alliance will host its 12th Annual Construction Management Student Competition this January at the International Roofing Expo® in Las Vegas. This hallmark event introduces students to roofing as a career path and offers valuable networking opportunities with peers, faculty and Roofing Alliance members.

How it works

Each year, Roofing Alliance leaders select a roofing project in the city where the International Roofing Expo® will be held. Teams research the chosen project, submit a qualified bid package proposal and complete an oral presentation to illustrate their roofing, project management, estimating and safety knowledge. After receiving project details, each team is assigned a roofing contractor mentor who will provide guidance while students craft their written proposal. Proposals are reviewed and scored by a panel of industry judges.

This year’s competition project, provided by Commercial Roofers Inc. in Las Vegas, challenges teams to develop a comprehensive bid proposal for the Cannery Casino and Hotel. Each team will work with a contractor mentor to prepare a bid package, showcasing their project management, estimating and safety skills.

The top teams will be invited to attend the International Roofing Expo (IRE) to present their proposals to the judges. Finalist teams also are invited to attend the Roofing Alliance’s Welcome Reception, tour the project and attend NRCA’s Industry Awards Ceremony where winning teams will be recognized onstage.

Awards

All of the top teams will be recognized in press releases sent to local and national media and roofing industry trade press, acknowledged in Professional Roofing magazine and listed on the Roofing Alliance website. In addition to that, the first place  team wins a trophy, $5,000 L. B. Conway scholarship for the winning school and individual trophies for each team member. The second place team wins a $2,500 Fred C. Good scholarship for the winning school and individual trophies for each team member. As for third place, they get a $1,000 scholarship for the winning school and individual trophies for each team member.

In addition to the team awards, there is an award for individual best presenter. For this award, first place gets a $300 American Express gift card and second place gets a $200 American Express gift card. 

The competition will be happening at IRE on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 8 a.m.. to 11:30 a.m. This is a great opportunity to come out, support the future of the induistry and see the incredible talent of these students! Admission is free and includes breakfast. Learn more.