World of Concrete
Exhibits: January 23-25
Education: January 22-25
Las Vegas Convention Center
www.worldofconcrete.com

When the new year rolls around, so does the trade show schedule. Trade shows can be overwhelming, with thousands of attendees and hundreds of events spread out over a large area. To make the most of in-person events, it helps to have a plan. Download the event’s app ahead of time and check out the website. Scout out the booths that relate to your industry or interest ahead of time and make a list. Take note if any of them are offering demonstrations or product giveaways and what times those take place. Here are lists of the booths that relate to the waterproofing industry for World of Concrete, the International Builders’ Show, and the International Roofing Expo. Bolded exhibitor listings are advertisers in this issue of this magazine.

2024 marks the 50th year for World of Concrete. Although “concrete” is in the name, the event represents all segments of the construction industry including roofing and waterproofing. The South Hall features surface preparation equipment and products, sealants, joint fillers, and more. One event to add to your calendar is this one presented by Sika: Waterproofing: The Next Generation of Solutions. Taking place Wednesday, January 24 from 1 – 3:30 pm, the session will explore the state of the art in waterproofing and weatherproofing throughout the entire building envelope. Product and application areas like elastomeric joint sealants, liquid-applied traffic coatings, liquid-applied below-grade waterproofing, air barrier, and roofing applications will be included in the presentation.

International Roofing Expo
February 6-8
Las Vegas Convention Center
www.theroofingexpo.com

The International Roofing Expo (IRE) is the largest roofing and exterior event in North America. Education includes where moisture in roof assemblies comes from and how to prevent it, reducing energy uses through effective roofing, and worker retention strategies. The expo opens February 6 with a keynote presentation, sponsored by Malarkey. The three-day event is expected to cover more than 180,000 square feet of exhibit space, hosting more 600 companies. Eight educational tracks will be available covering 45 topics across more than 100 sessions, providing critical conversation and training toward challenges and opportunities facing the ever-changing landscape of roofing. Multiple Building Clinic demonstrations highlight roofing and metals installation, as well as the inclusion of innovative materials ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). The Exterior Pavilion, first launched in 2022 and continuing to grow, features demonstrations and practices for exterior replacement projects.

NAHB International Builders Show
February 27 -29
Las Vegas Convention Center
www.buildersshow.com

The opening ceremonies for IBS on February 27 will be presented by Mat Franco, a magician who emerged from “America’s Got Talent” in 2014.  But of course, the entertainment is not why everyone is there. Attendees can learn from courses on financial management, construction contracts and the law, site planning and approvals, and more. This show is geared toward high-end custom homes and residential developers, and is popular with basement waterproofers and remodelers, in particular kitchen and bath remodelers. Exhibitors representing all aspects of residential and multifamily construction will be packed into the exhibit hall, including waterproofing companies as well as others specializing in foundation and crack repair, deck waterproofing, and basement egress windows.