From moments of personal growth to powerful reminders of why relationships matter, our crew experienced IRE as a celebration of progress, both individually and collectively. 

Trade shows are often measured by square footage, attendance numbers and new product launches. But for The Coffee Shops™ crew, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) reminded us that the heart of this industry has always been its people. 

Here’s IRE 2026, told through the voices of our crew. 

Growing into new roles and new confidence 

Jessica Bravo, our En Español program coordinator, reflected on how much can change in just one year when opportunity meets courage: 

IRE 2026 was one for the books. For me, it was an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. Last year, I was running the camera; this year, I was the one doing the interviews. It means a lot to reflect on where I am now compared to where I was just a year ago. 

I love IRE because it creates space to connect with the Spanish-speaking community and get real face time with contractors. It’s an incredible environment to connect, network and learn.  

Alberto and I had the chance to walk the show floor and connect with many of our partners, including QXO, MuleHide, TAMKO® and SRS Distribution. We also connected with SRS Para Latinos partners, vendors, ambassadors and award winners. 

Stay tuned for all the En Español interviews coming soon! 

Alberto Torres, our Spanish content coordinator and newest crew member, echoed Jessica’s sense of growth as he experienced IRE from a completely new perspective this year. 

In previous years, I attended as a guest, but this time, I was working the show. 

Since IRE is the biggest event in the roofing industry, it felt a little intimidating at first. But once I arrived, everything started to fall into place. I met Jessica at the SRS Para Latinos lounge, and the confidence she had in me was bigger than the confidence I had in myself. She handed me the camera and told me to start recording like it was the most natural thing in the world. I was the new guy standing in the middle of so many Hispanic professionals – people who have built strong careers in the industry – waiting to watch other leaders receive their awards. And honestly, you know how intimidating that can feel. But I took a deep breath and started recording. 

The show was incredible, and I couldn't have done it without the support and encouragement from my crew members at RoofersCoffeeShop®. What stood out the most to me wasn't just the size of the show floor, but the sense of community. IRE truly feels like more than an event – it feels like a reunion. Not only inside the convention center, but outside of it too, people were genuinely happy to see each other, connect and spend quality time together. 

This experience reminded me that the roofing industry is built on relationships, and that there's a place for all of us to grow, contribute and be seen. 

Celebrating milestones and making space for belonging 

This year’s show marked a major milestone for the National Women in Roofing’s NWIR Days that preceded IRE. Megan Ellsworth, our multimedia director, captured the emotional weight of the moment: 

The biggest highlight for me the week of IRE was National Women in Roofing Days. We celebrated 10 years of the association, and it was an emotional and deeply meaningful two days full of connection, learning and growth. Some stand out moments from the day for me were the Survivor themed class about building resiliency, Mandy McIntyre's class on confidence and the founders' keynote talk in the morning.  

Having watched the creation of NWIR from the age of 17 to now has been an honor and a privilege. Getting to see my mom, Heidi J. Ellsworth, and the other three founding women talk about the struggles, the joys and the triumphs of starting NWIR was heartwarming and shows me truly how far we have come, and also how far we have yet to go. 

Relationships are the foundation of the industry 

Again and again, our crew came back to the same realization that IRE is powered by relationships. Dani Sheehan, content strategist for The Coffee Shops elaborated: 

I spent all three days walking the show floor with Camden during interviews, and it was such a powerful reminder of the impact this industry has. Being there made it possible not just to see the show, but to truly experience it, hearing the different stories of partners we work with every day and learning sides of their businesses we don’t always get to see. 

Running into familiar faces from last year, reconnecting with friends and spending time with partners like CertainTeed was easily one of the highlights of the week. It was positive, energizing and genuinely fun. 

James Ellsworth, our CFO, felt as if that sense of connection showed up in unexpected places: 

It was quite a good, positive week. The sound stage at IRE did 89 recordings over the course of three days, and Karen took on the bulk of those. We had experts from around the industry all wanting to get in on the booth and the sound stage. The green room that we had was quite the hot spot. All the people wanted to hang out there and relax. And it was a lot of fun this morning having Alberto and Jessica hand out our backpacks. We had little kids wearing them, which was really cute. We had The Coffee Shops everywhere, and it was really quite impressive. It was a great week, very busy and very successful. 

Storytelling as a service to the industry 

At the center of it all was a shared purpose: telling the industry’s stories and making sure no one feels left out. Karen Edwards, The Coffee Shops’ COO, made her mark interviewing industry connections on the soundstage: 

Being on the sound stage and interviewing our partners, vendors and manufacturers from across the show was incredibly rewarding. It’s so cool that we’re able to bring a little piece of IRE to the people who aren’t able to attend. 

Our goal is really to focus on the industry – telling the stories, having those conversations and sharing those interviews – and as Heidi says, uplifting and amplifying the entire industry. It was a fabulous week. 

Lauren White, our editor in chief, summed it up best when she reflected on what it means to show up with intention: 

It's always so fun to see the same faces year after year… for us to be able to go on to the show floor and to highlight those booths and ask them, 'What do you want to showcase?’ people were just very appreciative of us coming to their booths, showing off their booths and chatting with them. 2026 is the year of growth. 

IRE 2026 reinforced something we already know but never want to take for granted: this industry is built on people who show up for each other. Whether it was stepping into a new role, celebrating a milestone, reconnecting with old friends or creating space for new voices, IRE proved once again that roofing is a tight-knit, incredible community. 

And for our crew, it was an honor to be part of it. 

Check out our YouTube playlist for more insights from industry experts!

LS Building Products fills a gap in SRS's Midwest branch network while also adding a considerable volume of roofing and siding sales in a previously untapped market. 

SRS Distribution Inc. (“SRS”) announced today that it has acquired LS Building Products (“LS” or the “Company”), a wholesale distributor of roofing, lumber, siding, windows & doors, millwork and other complementary building products. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Headquartered in East Peoria, IL, LS was founded in 1950 and is owned and operated today by Troy Reed, Matt Jaeger and Dan Schumacher. The Company operates 4 distribution locations and 3 production facilities throughout Central Illinois and employs a team of more than 220 people. Troy, Matt and Dan will continue to lead the business going forward, ensuring continuity and consistency for customers, suppliers and employees.

Kent Gardner, president of SRS, commented, “We are thrilled to officially welcome Troy, Matt, Dan and the rest of the Company’s loyal team to the SRS family. LS perfectly fills a gap in our Midwest branch network while also adding a considerable volume of roofing and siding sales in a previously untapped market. The Company’s people-first mentality and exceptional customer service make it an outstanding fit with SRS, and we are truly honored LS has chosen SRS to be the long-term steward of that culture.”

Troy, Matt and Dan, owners of the Company, collectively commented, “Over our 75+ year history, LS has earned a reputation for operating with integrity and humility while actively seeking to partner with our customers and help them build their own successful businesses. After spending a great deal of time with the SRS team over the last several months, we are confident that our combined platform will create new opportunities for employees and customers, accelerate our growth trajectory and ensure that our most important asset, our people, are supported for years to come.”

About SRS Distribution

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in McKinney, Texas, SRS Distribution has grown to become one of the largest and fastest growing building products distributors in the United States. Since the Company’s inception, it has established a differentiated growth strategy and entrepreneurial culture that is focused on serving customers, partnering with suppliers and attracting the industry’s best talent. SRS currently operates under a family of distinct local brands encompassing more than 1,250+ locations across the United States and Canada. SRS Distribution is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Home Depot, Inc. For more information, visit www.srsdistribution.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

Earn account credit and get a chance to go to the 2026 World Series with SRS Distribution’s Triple Play Promo!  

SRS Distribution is running a limited-time promotion for users opening a new credit account! This promotion gives you a chance to earn up to $3,000 of account credit on your SRS account and maybe even win a trip to the biggest ball game of them all – the 2026 World Series!  

Want to take a swing at this opportunity? Step up to the plate by opening a new credit account with SRS between January 20, 2026, and April 30, 2026.  

Once your account has been approved, you have 30 days to earn up to $3,000! How do you do this? Through the SRS Triple Play Promo! Here’s the full breakdown of how it works:  

• Take a single base: Place an (1) order costing $3,000 or more between days 1-10 of credit approval. When you take this base, you get $750 of credit for rep orders and $1,500 for digital orders made on Roof Hub. 
• It’s a double trouble: Make another (1) order costing $3,000 or more within days 11-20 of credit approval. For this base, you get $500 of credit for rep orders and $1,000 for digital orders made on Roof Hub. 
• Three bases down: Place another (1) order costing $3,000 or more between days 21-30 of credit approval and get $250 of credit for rep orders and $500 for digital orders made on Roof Hub. 

If you have made it to all the bases (placed an order of $3,000 or more three times in the correct time periods), you have made it back home and should have earned $1,500 total credit through rep orders or $3,000 total credit from digital orders in Roof Hub! 

On top of that, players that take all three bases are entered for the chance to go to the 2026 World Series! The winner of the drawing will receive a premium trip package for two (2) people to the 2026 World Series. 

Open an account today and start earning for your orders!

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Nesconset, New York, Sider Lumber is owned and operated today by Frank and Joe Sider, second and third generation owners.

SRS Distribution Inc. (“SRS”) announced today that it has acquired Sider Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. (“Sider Lumber” or the “Company”), a wholesale distributor of lumber, decking, roofing, siding, windows & doors and other complementary building products. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Nesconset, New York, Sider Lumber is owned and operated today by Frank and Joe Sider, second and third generation owners. The company employs a team of 18 people. While Frank plans to retire at closing, Joe will continue to lead the business going forward, ensuring continuity and consistency for customers, suppliers and employees.

Kent Gardner, president of SRS, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome the Sider Lumber team into the SRS family. The Sider family has established an incredibly strong reputation over the last 75 years serving the lumber industry in and around Long Island. Together, we look forward to building upon the company’s legacy for excellent service while adding additional resources, tools and product lines to better serve their loyal customers.”

Frank and Joe Sider, owners of the Company, collectively commented, “We are deeply proud of the business that our family has built and are excited to enter this next chapter of growth with SRS as our partner. From the very beginning of our discussions with the SRS team, we saw a natural alignment in culture and values and knew that this was the best next step to take for our customers and employees alike. We cannot wait to get started delivering more value and a wider product variety to our customers with the support of SRS.”

About SRS Distribution

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in McKinney, Texas, SRS Distribution has grown to become one of the largest and fastest growing building products distributors in the United States. Since the company’s inception, it has established a differentiated growth strategy and entrepreneurial culture that is focused on serving customers, partnering with suppliers and attracting the industry’s best talent. SRS currently operates under a family of distinct local brands encompassing more than 1,245+ locations across 48 states. SRS Distribution is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Home Depot, Inc. For more information, visit www.srsdistribution.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

Industry experts break down the economic, technological and industry shifts to watch this year. 

During the second day of the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), we got the chance to host a live Coffee Conversations with Julissa Chavez of SRS Distribution, Dean Curtis from Ingage and Jack Gottesman of IKO Industries! Now available on demand, this episode dove into the biggest trends and challenges facing the roofing industry in 2026. Keep reading to see some of the topics this expert panel highlighted to keep an eye on!  

Economics 

As we head into 2026, a lot of contractors and business owners are feeling the residual effects of last year’s unstable market. The panels consensus on what to do about this? Focus on your business and your team. Dean opened the conversation, saying, “The best thing you can do right now is invest in your talent. The talent you have on your team is going to determine how well you can do this year.” 

Mergers and acquisitions 

Another topic that’s been top of mind for many people from 2025 is the rise of mergers and acquisitions in the industry. Dean shared some of his insights into how these affect contractors in 2026:  

If you look at the way the market is consolidating in a lot of places, it might become a goal for smaller business to build themselves up to be part of an acquisition or for sale. This is a very viable option in 2026 and to do this you need to focus on professionalization. So things like profit, loss, delivery – all of these metrics are super important if that’s your goal. 

Technology 

And we cannot talk about trends to keep an eye on without talking about technology and AI. Julissa explained:  

AI is changing the game tremendously...In some ways it is making it tougher for sales reps to get a homeowner’s trust. It used to be simple, we were the professionals. But now with AI, homeowners are trying to do a lot more research, which is great, but things like ChatGPT aren’t always right... So it’s really important to focus on preparing your reps to educate homeowners on their roofing options. 

All of this comes down to meeting homeowners where they are and right now where they are is in the digital world. Jack added some of his thoughts to the discussion, sharing, “We redesigned our website last year to try and build a better relationship with the visitors. We looked at the analytics and created an experience around what their expectations and interests are.”  

Conclusion 

At the end of the day, 2025 was a bit of a bumpy ride for many business owners and professionals. But we weathered it by adapting and growing, which is exactly what we will do as we start 2026. Julissa summed it up, saying, “Roofing has always been about being able to adapt and leveraging, the moment. This remains true for 2026...H ere at SRS our focus for the new year is our customers... We want to help our customers grow in different segments, because as they grow, we grow at the same time.”   

Watch the entire Coffee Conversations on demand for more insights into the 2026 industry outlook.

By Jenny Yu.  

From keynote presentations to in-depth Super Sessions, the event offers valuable takeaways for today’s builders. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® is heading to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)’s annual show, the 2026 International Builders’ Show (IBS) taking place from February 17-19, 2026. This year will be the last year the show is hosted in Orlando, Florida, so it’s one you won’t want to miss! Join us at our sound stage, sponsored by SRS Distribution, Inc., where we’ll have the chance to chat with some of the home building industry’s biggest brands and emerging standouts.   

For three days, IBS will provide a packed schedule of educational sessions, exhibits and networking events. The show will kick off with the Design & Construction Week® Opening Ceremonies with keynote speaker Emmitt Smith, professional football hall-of-fame running back and entrepreneur. Smith will share his insights from experience in the real estate, construction, technology and charitable industries. 

Educational sessions are the heart of IBS. The Super Sessions are the show’s most popular, diving deep into the most popular trends and industry forecasts. The four sessions are as follows: 

The Rally: Unstoppable Sales — 5 Pillars to Stand Out, Win Buyers & Sell More in 2026 

• When: Wednesday, February 18, 2:15 - 3:45 p.m. 
• Where: OCCC, West Hall F3, Tangerine Ballroom, Spotlight Room 
• Speakers: Chris Hartley of K. Hovanian Homes, Taylor Humphrey of Pacesetter Homes, Chad Sanschagrin of Cannonball Moments and Jessie Suggs of Dream Finders Homes 
• What to expect: Learn how to become irreplaceable in the age of AI by doing what technology can’t: building trust, creating emotional connections and delivering experiences that set you apart. 

The Experience: Mastering Customer Care During & After the Build 

• When: Wednesday, February 18, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. 
• Where: OCCC, West Hall F3, Tangerine Ballroom, Spotlight Room 
• Speakers: Todd Gamboa of National Builder Group; David Hagan of D.R. Horton, Inc.; Jeanine LaMay Kay of 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty; Neil Koelbl of Dream Finders Homes; and Jared Maybon of DFY Builder Systems, Oakmont Homes 
• What to expect: Industry leaders will share both the strategic frameworks and tactical tools that transform the build journey into a profit-protecting, reputation-boosting advantage. 

The Outlook: 2026 Housing & Economic Forecast 

• When: Tuesday, February 17, 2:15 - 3:45 p.m. 
• Where: OCCC, West Hall F3, Tangerine Ballroom, Spotlight Room 
• Speakers: Robert Dietz of NAHB, Danielle Hale of Realtor.com and Ali Wolf of Zonda 
• What to expect: Three nationally recognized economists will share their expert analysis of the U.S. economy, home sales and construction activity, while addressing supply-side issues such as persistent labor shortages and supply chain issues. 

The Blueprint: How Innovation-Driven Design & Construction Is Reimagining Attainable Housing 

• When: Thursday, February 19, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. 
• Where: OCCC, West Hall F3, Tangerine Ballroom, Spotlight Room 
• Speakers: Dennis Steigerwalt of Housing Innovation Alliance; Brad Conlon of DR Horton; Jeremy Gilstrap of Simpson Strong-Tie; Jaime Matheron of DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors; Lucienne Pears of Kitson & Partners, Babcock Ranch; and Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki of tst ink. 
• What to expect: Walk away with a blueprint for how innovation-driven design and construction can transform the attainable housing conversation. 

Learn more about the educational and networking opportunities at NAHB’s IBS 2026!

By Emma Peterson. 

From hearing Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith’s keynote speech to rocking out with your peers at the Brothers Osborne concert, there is no shortage of events to enjoy at the 2026 NAHB IBS show.  

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will be hosting the International Builders' Show® (IBS) in Orlando, Florida from February 17-19, 2026. This is the biggest annual show focused solely on the light construction industry. With over 1,700+ top companies represented at the event and 120+ powerhouse education sessions to attend, this show has everything you need to boost your business and level up your skills.  

Additionally, there is no better place to network with your peers and industry leaders than IBS 2026. There are a variety of events designed to help industry professionals form vital business partnerships to choose from.  

Opening Ceremonies (Tuesday, 2/17 | 8-9 a.m.)  

IBS kicks off with the Design & Construction Week® Opening Ceremonies. Open to all registered attendees, doors for the events open at 7 a.m. with limited general seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hosting the ceremony will be Emmitt Smith, a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back and entrepreneur with professional experience across the real estate, construction and technology industries.  

Additionally, Smith has spent his years after the National Football League being “active in charitable outreach in the Dallas area and on a national level and NASCAR team co-owner, providing education opportunities and unique experiences for underserved youth, STEM education for lower-income communities and diversity and inclusion initiatives within the sport of NASCAR.” 

Learn more about the opening ceremony.

IBS House Party (Tuesday, 2/17 | 6-8 p.m.) 

Close the first day of IBS at the show’s biggest networking event – the House Party! This event promises to be an immersive, high-energy party complete with live music, DJs, a mechanical bull and more.   

The party is 21+ and will be held at the Live! at The Pointe Orlando. Tickets are $75 each and include appetizers and a 2-hour open bar. They always sell out, so make sure to get them early!  

The Nationals Gala (Tuesday, 2/17 | 5 -10 p.m.) 

The Nationals are NAHB’s largest awards competition. These awards “pay tribute to superior sales and marketing achievements by individual professionals, home builders and their associates.” 

With categories such as new-home sales, marketing, global innovation, associate of the year and custom home builder of the year, this is truly a celebration of the industry’s finest and all of their achievements.  

Tickets are $195 for council members, $225 for NAHB members and $250 for non-NAHB members. Learn more.

Young Pro Party (Tuesday, 2/17 | 7:30-10:30 p.m.) 

Are you a young professional in the industry? NAHB has designated a night of networking, music and good times just for you! The Young Pro Party (for professionals under 40) will be hosted at the Hampton Social at Pointe Orlando, sponsored by the Home Depot.  

This year’s theme is yacht rock, complete with “three hours of open bar, light bites and great entertainment.” It is a great opportunity to unwind a bit after a long day of IBS programming and make new connections with your peers.  

Tickets sell out every year, so make sure you don’t miss the boat by getting tickets now!

Best in American Living™ Awards (Wednesday, 2/18 | 5–8 p.m.) 

Want to celebrate more of the incredible work done this last year in the building and construction industry? Wednesday sees the annual Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) presented! These awards honor the “most creative and innovative residential construction projects that redefine excellence for homes and communities around the world representing design, multifamily, offsite construction and remodeling.” 

Tickets are $150 each and includes drinks/hors d’oeuvres. Get tickets today.

Closing concert (Thursday, 2/19 | 5-7 p.m.) 

And last but certainly not least, this year’s NAHB IBS show will close with the annual concert! Headlining this year’s show is the Brothers Obsorne, a dynamic country music duo known for “their bold sound, heartfelt storytelling and high-energy performances. Heralding from Deale, Maryland, this incredible duo boasts 13 Grammy nominations (and a 2022 win for Best Country Duo/Group Performance), have won CMA Vocal Duo of the Year six times, awarded ACM Duo of the Year four times and are recipients of the ASCAP Vanguard Award.  

Doors for the show open at 5 p.m. and the Brothers Osborne will be hitting the stage at 6 p.m. Get your ticket now!

Overall, there’s a lot to do at the 2026 NAHB IBS show! If you’re planning to attend, make sure to stop by the SRS Distribution booth (W2974) to say hello to our team! And if you’re not able to make it to Orlando, follow our YouTube channel and keep up with the show via our live soundstage. 

Register for the show!

By Emma Peterson. 

NAHB IBS is pulling out all the stops for their upcoming event! 

Are you ready for the largest annual light construction show in the world? National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will be hosting the International Builders' Show® (IBS) from February 17-19, 2026, in Orlando, Florida! This show will bring together over 70,000 professionals from 100+ countries and 1,700+ companies.  

We’ll be hanging around the show with our friends from SRS Distribution in their booth (W2974) and hosting a sound stage with live interviews during the show! If you want to find innovative products, keep up with the hottest trends, learn about the newest techniques and meet peers from across the industry, this is the place to be.  

See it at the show first 

Every year, the NAHB IBS show floor is filled with leading manufacturers and suppliers that want to talk to you about their new products and services. The 2026 floor will once again be divided into six categories (building materials, global products, business management, interior finishings, outdoor living and equipment/tools) along with the outdoor exhibits section.  

As you explore the booths, make sure to stop by some of the unique lounges and zones:  

• Centrals: Throughout the show there are niche-specific lounges perfect for connecting with your peers, engaging in discussions and exploring new ideas. 
• Demos: Learn directly from experts leading building products and technique demos in the Construction Performance Zone and the Craft Techniques Zone. 
• NAHB HQ: Whether you’re an existing member wanting to share information and learn with colleagues or you’re a non-member interested in joining, stopping by NAHB HQ is the best way to get connected!  

Explore the show floor.

Learn from industry experts and leaders 

NAHB IBS is filled with educational opportunities designed to “help you walk away with strategies to tackle your specific challenges.” Whether you learn best in interactive, fast-paced settings (like the quick-hit talks or hands-on workshops) or prefer a more in-depth, slow experience (such as dynamic super sessions and deep-dive discussions), NAHB IBS has something for everyone.  

We can’t include the full list of education sessions at the show (there are over 120 sessions), but here are some highlights:  

• Game changers: Open to all attendees with an Expo+Education Pass, these are daily keynotes that highlight critical housing industry issues. This year, the speaker list includes Kelley Earnhardt Miller (JR Motorsports), Alaina Money-Garman (Garman Homes), Jon Taffer (Bar Rescue), Gene Myers (Thrive Home Builders) and Lee Tomas Miller (country music songwriter with 7 number one country hits). 
• Super sessions: This year’s show will feature four super sessions, which are supercharged educational sessions. Topics for this year includes sales, customer service, industry economics and innovative practices. 
• AI/tech studio: New to this year’s show, NAHB IBS is hosting a variety of educational opportunities all about AI and technology. These sessions teach attendees about how to incorporate tools like AI, CRM, BIM/3D modeling and more into their daily workflows. Unlike traditional tech talks, these sessions are all about the practical, proven ways to level up your business with a smarter tech stack.  
• Building knowledge sessions: There are 9 different building knowledge session tracks available for attendees. Each session is 60 minutes long and offers unmatched insight into the housing industry’s most relevant issues and hottest topics. You can explore the over 120 sessions and plan your schedule online. 

Learn more about education at the show.

Connect and grow 

Beyond the show floor and education sessions, NAHB IBS helps attendees form vital business partnerships and connect with peers through their various networking events. These events include:  

• Opening Ceremonies (2/17 | 8-9 a.m.): Kick off NAHB IBS with the Design & Construction Week® Opening Ceremonies. One of the highlights of this year’s ceremonies is Emmitt Smith, a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back. 
• NAHB IBS House Party (2/17 | 6-8 p.m.): The biggest networking event at the show will be taking over Live! at The Pointe Orlando with live music, DJs, a mechanical bull and more. 
• The Nationals Gala (2/17 | 5 -10 p.m.): This is NAHB’s largest awards competition and celebrates “the best in new-home sales and marketing, 55+ housing, global innovation and NAHB Honors and pays tribute to superior sales and marketing achievements by individual professionals, home builders and their associates.” 
• Young Pro Party (2/17 | 7:30-10:30 p.m.): Designed for professionals under 40, this event features three hours of an open bar, light bites and the chance to connect with peers.  
• Closing concert (2/19 | 5-7 p.m.): End the show with an unforgettable night of live music! This year’s show will feature Brothers Osborne, a dynamic country music duo known for their “bold sound, heartfelt storytelling and high-energy performances.” 

Explore the events list.

Expand your experience 

And your NAHB IBS experience isn’t limited to the designated show hours! NAHB has both pre- and post-show offerings for attendees. These include:  

• Building Science Symposium: Back by popular demand, the 2026 NAHB IBS show will host the Building Science Symposium prior to its start on 2/16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The all-day, one-of-a-kind experience dives into the science of high-performance buildings. It is advised to pre-purchase seats, as seats will only be available prior to the start of the symposium if space allows. 
• On Demand: With so much to do at the show, it is impossible to get to everything in just three days. And that’s okay! NAHB provides a full library of recorded sessions from the builders show for all Expo+Education Pass registrants. This is a great way to keep learning and leveling up your business after the show ends. 

Register for the 2026 NAHB International Builders Show!

By Emma Peterson. 

Find commercial project success with the right distributor.  

In the roofing industry, having the right partner can be the difference between a successful business and a struggling one. As John Kenney wrote in one article, “Effective collaboration ensures that customers receive durable roofing solutions tailored to their specific needs, combining superior materials with expert installation techniques.”  

So, how do you build those powerful partnerships that lead to growth and success for all parties? A great place to start is being strategic in picking your distributors! Your distributor is not only your source of high-performance products, they are also a key to keeping your projects on track and can offer valuable insights during the project timeline. 

A great example of a dependable distributor that is a perfect partner for commercial contractors looking to grow is Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS). CDS is a title given to SRS Distribution locations that have special focus and experience in commercial and low-slope roofing. The teams at these locations can offer personalized support to your business at every stage of the roofing process:  

• Actionable guidance: At each CDS branch, you will find a team that is ready to help you find the right materials for your project. From the salesperson that assists with product selection to the territory manager that offers you consultations and sales insights, CDS offers the guidance you need to succeed.  
• Dedicated support: When you work with a CDS location, you gain access to the larger SRS Distribution resources, meaning whatever you need, whenever you need it, they will make it happen. A great example of this is the CDS will-call program that allows contractors to call in orders and pick them up just 30 minutes later! 
• Future-looking advice: And CDS’ support is not limited to a single project! Their expert team keeps a finger on the pulse of the industry, making them a valuable resource for businesses wanting to stay on top of the trends. 

Overall, building a strategic partnership with a roofing distributor like CDS not only makes your current projects more efficient, but sets your business up for long-term growth.  

Find a CDS branch near you!

Inspiring leadership stories, meaningful education, hands-on training and a powerful sense of community made NWIR Days 2026 an event to remember. 

Editor’s note: The following is a transcript of a conversation between the Coffee Shop crew about NWIR Days 2026. 

Karen Edwards: National Women in Roofing 2026 just ended, and it was an amazing day. It was a great event. I think one of my favorite parts about the day was the opening session where the four co-founders, Jennifer Ford Smith, Jenny Stone, Shari Carlozzi and Heidi J. Ellsworth shared the story of how the organization started and what they had to do to get things off the ground. And I would say probably 20% of the room were first timers, and so these are folks who've never heard that before, because they haven't been here the whole time. And the reason that that was the morning session was because National Women in Roofing is celebrating their 10-year anniversary since becoming incorporated as a 501 c6 in 2016, so it was amazing to see where it started and where it is now. And they really, really made the event great.  

You know it was interesting and exciting because it went by real fast. Another thing that I really enjoyed was Megan led a panel on building loyalty with your employees, and it was about how to help working parents and how you can support them and how you can make it easier for them. And that was a panel that had Jenny Stone, Cool Roof Rating Council’s Jeff Steuben and Kyra Coker from National Roofing Partners. And you know, we have a lot of young folks here that are becoming parents for the first time. And so understanding what are some things that we can do to support it was really valuable.  

And then, of course, the Skills Lab. You get to see the products, you get to try stuff out, you get to try welding. It was just a really, really well-rounded day. And you know, thank you to Christee Roberson for her leadership. And we're looking forward to Christine Mockenhaupt taking the reins for 2026. 

Lauren White: I agree, the day went by really quick. As for the breakout sessions, there were fewer of them, but they were longer, which was really nice because people could really get into having a conversation, asking questions, getting good advice and feedback from everybody else in the room. Last year it sometimes felt like we were rushed to get to the next session, but not this year.  

We had the awards during lunch. It was really fun to celebrate the Rising Stars and the WORLD Award winners. They did Council Awards again this year, and the councils are doing some really incredible things. And the WORLD Award winner for this year is Michelle Ly with Hallmark Roofing in Austin, Texas, and the Rising Star Award is Liz Garza with SRS Distribution, which was really fun to celebrate them.  

We had a really fun time at the Skills Lab. Dani and I did some heat welding and some pull tests. We write about all these companies and materials and products, and it was really fun to just feel them and touch them and work with them.  

Dani Sheehan: I agree. It was really well planned out. I really appreciated having the awards during lunch and being able to network through that and then also having the break in between sessions, just getting us up and moving was really great.  

I also think the Skills Lab was my favorite part. Just having so many hands-on demonstrations, the QXO challenge during the networking break was really fun to watch, and I think we were able to capture some great videoto see who could put down the ISO board the fastest. So that was really cool to see.  

And just again, being in this room where women are building each other up, and there's not competition, and we're just all here together, learning about roofing, being in this industry, creating this community. I lovedgetting to meet Kim with Division 7 Roofing and hang out with her. Mandy's session at the end was a great way to close everything out. Her session, Speaking Up, To Show Up: Building Confidence in Work and Life, was so great and it was great to feel the energy in that room. And I think she just helped us all get rid of that imposter syndrome that we all feel in the workplace.  

Camden Bennett: This is my first NWIR Day, and going into IRE it was really fun to see how much energy all the women exuded here, and how, even though some of our companies might be competitors, everyone was very friendly, and clearly wanted to know what others had to say.  

My first session was, Roofing is Like a Sandwich, Understanding the Basics with Lynn Picone and Kimberly Santiago-Vega with GAF and I got to see some of the technical errors that people make, and how to remedy those, and how even little mistakes can cause huge problems with roofing and can be quite costly, and then how to avoid those in the future. The Skills Lab was also my favorite. It's fun to be able to use the things that we are writing about, posting or promoting. As for the Speak Up session, it was interesting to see what other people had to say and have some good discussion. It was eye opening. 

Jessica Bravo: I attended Roofing 101, Covering the Basics with GAF. It was really informative, and Kimberly and Lynn are very knowledgeable. And like everyone said, Skills Lab was my favorite, watching Camden use the nail gun was really fun. And we ended the breakout sessions with Speak Up and Show Up with Mandy. Connecting with the NWIR Latina Council, Conexión Hispana, was also great.