Sunny Orlando, Fla., will be the setting for what organizers say is the roofing industry’s largest, most comprehensive event.

The 2012 International Roofing Expo will take place Feb. 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center.

Among the highlights of this year’s show:

Technology and business services pavilion: In this new pavilion you will find the latest business and technology products and services that will help your business run more efficiently. Located on the show floor in booth No. 1709, the pavilion offers you the opportunity to participate in 30-minute vendor presentations and demonstrations during all three days of the expo.

Sustainability pavilion: Formerly the Renewable Energy Pavilion, this rebranded pavilion is a designated area on the show floor to provide education and resources to attendees interested in this segment. It will educate attendees about of the benefits of using products including renewable energy, solar, eco-friendly, photovoltaics, vegetative, roof-mounted wind turbines, day lighting, geothermal and other sustainable products.

Product showcase: Combining the former new-product pavilion and green pavilion into one area, the showcase features industry trends and the latest in green and safety products. Located in booth No. 367, this area is a must-see for attendees to find great products in a non-selling environment, organizers said.

Metal marketplace: Visit this area on the show floor devoted to metal products. Network with the companies supplying designs, tools and services. If metal is your specialty, you will find what you need here, the show officials said.

Live demonstrations: Live demonstrations on the show floor provide instructions on solving a wide variety of roofing problems. See products in action and learn how to use, sell and install them for maximum profitability and effectiveness.

Exhibitor product clinics: Learn tricks, tips and detailed instructions through a series of clinics held by exhibiting companies including OMG Roofing Products, Equipter and Claim Express.

Community service day: Come to Orlando a day early and participate in the community service day home renovation and revitalization project. The event is a partnership between the expo, Rebuilding Together of Central Florida and NRCA’s Community Service and Disaster Relief Fund Committee, and it is made possible in part by a donation from Sika Sarnafil.

Keynote speech: This address will feature NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace. Discussing how teamwork is pivotal to winning, Wallace will share his experiences from his NASCAR driving career. The keynote is included in all registration packages, but advance registration is required. 

NASCAR Experience: To complement Wallace’s appearance, the show floor will feature a NASCAR Experience booth with a simulator car. Prizes will be awarded each day to attendees who are the top scorer in the fastest lap contest.

Welcome party: After the show closes on opening day, head over to Universal CityWalk, where you’ll be treated to appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks.

Education: Attendees can choose from 43 sessions, grouped into eight tracks, with advice on how to reduce costs, increase profits and save time. Classes are 90 minutes in length and do not overlap the exhibit hall hours, allowing ample time on the show floor. To read the session descriptions, click “Session & Event Search” at www.TheRoofinExpo.com/attendee.

Registration: All educational sessions are ticketed events and require registration. Space in sessions is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This article was supplied by Hanley Wood Exhibitions, which produces the International Roofing Expo.