Western Roofing Expo Brings Education, Enjoyable to Vegas

Why WRE 2026 Is a Must-Attend

WSRCA Executive Director Joel Viera joins Roofing Contractor’s Jill Bloom for a preview of the 2026 Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas. Hear what’s deliberate for schooling, networking, the Roofing Games, Roofers Feud and the Davis Memorial Foundation.

Viera stated the affiliation is especially centered on attracting contractors who view schooling as an important a part of enhancing their companies.

“We have a great lineup for you this year,” he stated.

That lineup consists of 31 instructional periods masking every part from technical roofing and enterprise administration to security and authorized points. WSRCA can be constructing on its Western Roofing en Español program, which debuted final 12 months, with six periods offered in Spanish, together with two lunch-and-learn packages.

Speakers embody acquainted roofing {industry} names similar to Ken Klein, Trent Cotney, Steve Zasadil and Paul Reed, together with a number of affiliation members taking a bigger position in educating their friends.

For Viera, that dedication extends nicely past the annual expo. WSRCA conducts instructional roadshows all year long, however he described the Western Roofing Expo because the central gathering level for these efforts.

“The expo is the hub for everything, all things education,” Viera stated.

More Than a Trade Show

Education could also be on the coronary heart of the Western Roofing Expo, however Viera and the WSRCA group additionally need attendees to have a very good time.

The occasion will function two luncheons. The legislative luncheon on Sept. 28 consists of legislative guide Craig Brightup and NRCA Board Chair Chad Collins. The Davis Memorial Foundation scholarship recipients can even be introduced throughout the occasion.

The following day, comedian-turned-coach Shireen Thor will ship the keynote at WSRCA’s annual luncheon. The affiliation can even acknowledge a number of {industry} members by way of its annual awards, together with Board Member of the Year, Outstanding Service Award and Wrangler of the Year.

Then there are the occasions designed to maintain contractors engaged proper by way of the top of the present.

The Roofing Games return for roughly their twelfth 12 months, bringing 9 roofing contractors collectively for a shingling competitors that checks pace, security and technical capacity. The winner receives $1,000 from Malarkey and a championship belt.

Viera stated the competitors initially grew out of a easy problem acquainted to commerce present organizers: holding attendees on the present ground by way of the ultimate hours.

The resolution was to present them one thing they didn’t wish to miss.

“It’s a lot of fun. It’s a great viewing event,” Viera stated. “And it’s just a great way to tie a little bow on the expo when it’s all said and done.”

There’s additionally Roofers Feud, WSRCA’s roofing-industry spin on the basic “Family Feud” sport present. Sponsored by CertainTeed and that includes Cotney within the host position, the competitors pits groups in opposition to each other over roofing questions and offers the profitable individuals reward playing cards.

Viera stated these actions are intentional. Contractors can discover merchandise, companies and suppliers on just about any roofing commerce present ground. WSRCA needs so as to add experiences that make the occasion memorable.

Giving Back to Roofing

The Western Roofing Expo additionally gives a platform for supporting the subsequent technology of the {industry} by way of the Davis Memorial Foundation.

Events on Sept. 27 embody a golf event, sporting clays event and dwell public sale. The basis awards $75,000 in scholarships together with one other $5,000 in SkillsUSA grants.

For Viera, notifying scholarship recipients and their households stays one of the crucial rewarding components of the affiliation’s work.

“It’s one of the best things to do, calling somebody and then calling their parents, letting them know that their child has won $5,000,” he stated. “It’s a really, really wonderful feeling.”

Viera stated registration numbers have been already robust, with the 2026 expo shaping as much as doubtlessly rank among the many affiliation’s high three reveals.

He inspired longtime {industry} members to return, but additionally prolonged an invite to contractors who’re new to roofing or have but to develop into concerned with the affiliation.

“It’s a great place to learn,” Viera stated. “Lifelong learners are exactly who we’re targeting to be involved with in our association.”

That give attention to studying, mixed with networking, competitors and giving again, is what Bloom stated continues to make the Western Roofing Expo a particular cease on the roofing {industry} calendar.

“You can’t leave early,” Bloom stated. “You have to stay for the whole thing because there’s so many fun things going on.”

The Western Roofing Expo takes place Sept. 27-29 at Paris Las Vegas. Registration and extra data can be found by way of WSRCA and the Western Roofing Expo website.