2014 International Roofing Expo Draws History-making Attendance in Las Vegas
March 16, 2014
Returning to Las Vegas was a lucky charm for Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ 2014 International Roofing Expo, which saw record-breaking attendance Feb. 26-28 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
The show drew a total attendance of 9,568, a 13-percent increase, compared with the 2013 show in San Antonio, and a 20-percent increase in verified attendees, compared with 2013.
“With a fresh sense of optimism and excitement, the 2014 International Roofing Expo drew the largest attendance in the show’s history,” said Tracy Garcia, IRE show director.
She added, "In addition, the tradeshow floor was the largest since 2008.”
Attendees included commercial and residential contractors, builders, remodelers, building owners, facility managers, manufacturers, architects, engineers and other related industry professionals.
They also came from all 50 states, with the bulk of attendees hailing from California, Texas, Illinois, Colorado, Ohio, Georgia, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Michigan. The largest number of international attendees came from Canada, Mexico, Japan, Denmark, Australia, Columbia, China, United Kingdom, Belgium, Ecuador, France and Trinidad and Tobago.
First-timers checking out the show made up 35 percent of the registrants.
“I thought the overall quality of the show and the courses offered were very good, while the exhibitors were very helpful and informative,” said Phillip M. Conroy, project manager at Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal. “This was my first year attending the show, and the trip was definitely worth my while.”
The showfloor also grew, with 1,045 booths, a 6-percent increase, compared with the 2013 show. Net square footage grew to 104,500 this year, compared to 98,700 last year.
“We were very happy to be a part of the 2014 IRE,” said Karyn Slifka, Marketing Coordinator at Novagard Solutions. “The number of attendees surpassed our expectations and we made some great contacts.”
Of the 426 exhibiting companies, 84 companies were first-time exhibitors, including Certex USA, CUPA USA, Epilay, Kemper System America, National Gypsum Company and VELUX America, to name a few.
The 42 educational sessions offered at IRE also were a hit. A total of 5,807 sessions were sold during the three-day conference, a 45-percent increase, compared with the 2013 show.
The 2015 International Roofing Expo will be held Feb. 24-26, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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