By Emma Richardson.

Explore the international event dedicated to the concrete and masonry industries.

Construction professionals are heading to Las Vegas in January for the World of Concrete (WOC) where concrete and masonry industries will come together at an international event focused on the people, products and ideas shaping these essential trades.

The show offers an opportunity to step away from daily operations and focus on what is happening across the broader marketplace. Attendees can use their time at the event to attend educational sessions, connect with industry peers and gather ideas to bring back to their businesses.

WOC will feature more than 175 educational opportunities including roundtable discussions, forums and more. Several anticipated sessions include the AI Luncheon and Forum, Women's Focused Breakfast and Structural Safety on the Jobsite. Attendees will also have a chance to tour the iconic Hoover Dam and Bypass Bridge while learning about the engineering that built the historical structure.

A little preparation can help visitors get more from the show. Before arriving, consider identifying the business challenges you want to address, the types of products or services you want to investigate and the conversations you hope to have. Creating a simple list of priorities can make it easier to navigate the event with purpose.

The show also provides a valuable setting for relationship building. Whether reconnecting with familiar industry contacts or meeting new ones, attendees can use these conversations to exchange perspectives and learn how others are approaching the opportunities and challenges facing concrete and masonry professionals.

For those booking travel, WOC has partnered with several premier hotels in the Las Vegas area to provide group discounts for attendees. Additionally, select airlines are offering discounts for attendees of WOC 2027. Details and discount codes are available on the website along with discounts for rental cars.

As the event approaches, visit the World of Concrete website for official show information and planning resources.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Manufacturers assess new applications and evolving market dynamics across the industry. 

At industry events the size and scale of World of Concrete (WOC), product displays are only part of the story. For many manufacturers, the show serves as a real-time assessment of where the market is heading and how their strategies must evolve. In this CoatingsCoffeeShop® interview sponsored by Tremco, Eric Pearman and Greg Wilkerson of Roof Saver (Blocksom Co) explained how that evaluation is shaping their presence on the show floor. 

Eric noted how companies are using the event to balance short-term priorities with long-term planning. “We have a presence in both industries,” Eric said, adding that the team is evaluating future product opportunities while maintaining relationships with customers across multiple sectors. That dual focus reflects a broader effort to stay aligned with shifting demand while continuing to serve existing markets. 

That strategy is anchored in their current product offering. At the show, the companies are emphasizing sediment and erosion control, particularly an inlet filtration system designed to sit above storm drain grates and prevent debris from entering drainage systems. Beyond that core solution, their work spans building envelope moisture management, floor care and acoustic applications, often delivered through partnerships or white-label production. 

Flexibility in manufacturing remains a key differentiator. By producing nonwoven textiles and fabricating them into a range of forms, the companies can adapt materials to meet specific application requirements. As Greg explained, “We've been known historically for our customization of our products.” He added, “The shows have also provided us avenues of customization that we can do based on the application or the use of the material.” 

While erosion control is the immediate focus, both leaders pointed to continued development in adjacent areas, including acoustics and moisture management. Products are actively being developed, with a potential curb inlet solution among those in progress, though no formal announcements have been made. 

At the same time, broader market forces are influencing how those decisions are made. Eric pointed to ongoing consolidation across contractors, manufacturers and distribution channels, much of it driven by private equity investment. As companies merge and scale, traditional roles within the industry are becoming less defined, with businesses increasingly operating as both partners and competitors depending on the context. This shift is reshaping relationships throughout the supply chain, creating both operational challenges and new opportunities. 

For Greg, those changes reinforce the importance of adaptability. As consolidation alters the competitive landscape, gaps can emerge in underserved markets. Greg noted, “Because of the consolidation, it gives us opportunities that we didn't perceive before because in that consolidation, sometimes the reorganization that goes on leaves on the table applications or markets that were not served as well.” By tracking those shifts and refining how their materials are applied, the companies are positioning themselves to respond to an industry that continues to change in both structure and demand. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how material innovation, customization and industry consolidation are shaping product development and market strategy across the construction industry!

By Dani Sheehan. 

Whether contractors need a fast-turn waterproofing solution or a fully built traffic coating, this system offers options without overcomplicating installation. 

At World of Concrete (WOC) 2026, Polyglass walked contractors through its polyurea traffic coating system step by step, highlighting not just how it’s installed, but how it performs in real jobsite conditions.  

Start with prep and the right primer 

Surface preparation sets the foundation for everything that follows. The team emphasized targeting a Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) of 3-5, which ensures proper adhesion of the coating without showing through after application. 

From there, they selected their Primer PUc-1050. Applied thin, it promotes strong adhesion without slowing down production, having a dry time of only three hours. It was also at this time that they reinforced joints with liquid membrane or embedding polyester fabric directly into the primer for added durability. 

Base layer drives performance 

Once primed, this demonstration showcased their hand-applied polyurea system, Polyglass Tecnocoat CP-2049. Installed at approximately 80 mils, this self-leveling material creates a seamless, fully bonded waterproofing membrane. With a 20–25-minute working time and the ability to be applied by roller, squeegee or trowel, it gives crews flexibility on the job site while maintaining efficiency in installation. They used a spike roller pass to help release trapped air and prevent defects in the surface, ensuring a clean finish as the material cures. Within 45-60 minutes, the surface is walkable. 

One of the biggest advantages of this system is its compatibility. Unlike traditional systems, Polyglass’ hand-applied and spray-applied polyureas can work together. That means repairs don’t require remobilizing a full spray rig. Instead, crews can address damage quickly with a bucket and basic tools. 

Finishing for traffic and durability 

If the goal is waterproofing, Tecnocoat CP-2049 can stand alone as the finished product. However, for exposed applications, the demonstration applied Tecnotop 2C to serve as their wear layer. Applied at roughly 7-10 mils, it adds: 

• UV and chemical resistance 
• Long-term weatherability 
• Durability for pedestrian and vehicular traffic 

Crews can customize the finish by broadcasting aggregate into the topcoat for slip resistance or aesthetics, then sealing it with a final coat. Options range from quartz systems to decorative flake finishes and tinted polyaspartic coatings.  

From primer to topcoat, Polyglass’ polyurea system is designed to balance speed, flexibility and durability. Watch the full video to see how the right products, and the right process, can help your crews work smarter.

From packed aisles and live demonstrations to soundstage interviews and meaningful conversations, WOC 2026 showcased the innovation and heart of the industry. 

World of Concrete (WOC) 2026 defined the scale and energy of the construction trades coming together this year. Our crew had the unique opportunity to be present at both the International Roofing Expo (IRE) and World of Concrete, moving between two massive shows, two soundstages and countless conversations. Here’s a closer look at how it went and what it means to capture the stories that matter most to the industry. 

For Heidi J. Ellsworth, president and CEO of The Coffee Shops™, the week was all about participation: 

We were able to really tell the stories of those in this industry through interviews on the floor, live conversations on our soundstage and just through all the activities that we participated in, from National Women in Roofing Day to Roof Coating Manufacturers Association (RCMA) meeting, ROOFPAC, Roofing Alliance Student Competition and RT3 panel. I feel that we not only told the stories, but we participated in a way that really helps to elevate the industry.  

It was a truly spectacular week, and big shout out to Informa and NRCA for everything that they do to make this show such a success.  

Experiencing the scale and energy 

Moving between both shows gave the crew a front-row seat to the size, diversity and momentum of the construction and coatings industries. Dani Sheehan, content strategist, described the experience of opening day at WOC: 

Day one, when everything opened, Camden and I had the chance to walk the show floor and people were literally shoulder to shoulder. You couldn’t move; it felt like a school of fish just moving through the crowd, but the energy was palpable. It was so cool to see it, to witness it and to watch as that energy carried into conversations and demonstrations with our partners. 

World of Concrete offered the opportunity to explore new dimensions of familiar brands. Dani and Camden highlighted time spent with manufacturers and coatings experts: 

Our first interview of the day was Sika. Learning about all their wall coatings and the trainings they lead was really interesting – it was a part of their business I was unfamiliar with. Then, we got to hang out in the outdoor demonstration area with our friends from ICP Group. APF Polymer Surfaces and Pli-Dek were there showing us some amazing decorative floor coatings. It was almost hard to get to the interview because so many people were at the demo. We loved engaging in these conversations and having the chance to ask them questions in real time. 

Bringing the industry together 

While much of her week centered around IRE, Karen Edwards, COO of The Coffee Shops, had some time to experience WOC firsthand, emphasizing that whether our crew is on the soundstage or walking the show floor, the mission remained the same: 

In the last two hours of the show, I was able to go over to WOC with Heidi, visit some existing customers, talk to some new customers and really see the size and breadth of the show. It’s really impressive and incredible. We’ve been using the tagline recently, ‘Your industry, Your stories,’ and that’s our goal, really, is to focus on the industry, telling the stories, having those conversations, sharing those interviews and uplifting the entire industry. 

For Karol Weyman, product and business development director, WOC was unlike anything she had experienced before: 

World of Concrete did not disappoint — it was the largest show I’ve attended in my career. CoatingsCoffeeShop™ was located right in the lobby, and we had an incredible number of people stop by to share their stories. The passion across the industry was contagious. My role at the show was to oversee the booth and serve as a soundstage host, which gave me the opportunity to connect with contractors who have been in the industry for over 40 years, as well as manufacturers, distributors and service providers who are truly committed to supporting and advancing the industry. We also attended several outstanding charity-focused events, which reinforced one clear takeaway: this is an industry that genuinely values giving back and paying it forward. 

Evelyn Witterholt, content developer, shared a similar sentiment: 

World of Concrete lives up to its name, both in size and impact. It was our first time exhibiting at WOC and being positioned in the lobby meant we got to be on the frontlines of this incredible show. We got to meet people from all sectors of the industry, many of which were excited to talk to us about their businesses. With three indoor halls and two outdoor exhibits, there was plenty of exploring to do at the show. I particularly enjoyed watching the concrete double disc trowel agility course competition. I can't wait to see what WOC 2027 has in store! 

Training, competition and innovation 

From outdoor exhibits to emerging technology, innovation was everywhere. Megan Ellsworth, multimedia director, was struck by how much hands-on learning and competition took place throughout the event: 

There was the brick layer competition, and that was super fun to watch all the brick laying teams competing out in the bronze lot exhibit area working so hard to get every brick laid right.

The outdoor exhibits were my favorite – it was really cool to see big name brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and even more! One thing that I love that is growing in the trades right now is women joining crews. There weren't many out there, but there were more than I have ever seen before, and I loved seeing that. I spoke to so many companies that were exploring the world of 3D printing, especially with concrete and that fascinated me. Quikrete was a standout in their capabilities of 3D printing with concrete, and the creations they had on display were somewhat mind-blowing. It is brilliant to see the innovations and what will be taken back home with contractors from the show and how the building trades industry grows after shows like World of Concrete. 

For our crew, World of Concrete was inspiring to participate in – listening, learning and amplifying the voices shaping what comes next. 

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

By Emma Peterson. 

From testing regulations to tariffs and workforce gaps, learn about the major challenges facing our industry and how we can rise to meet them. 

While at the 2026 World of Concrete show, Heidi J. Ellsworth of CoatingsCoffeeShop® had the opportunity to host a special Coffee Conversations®! This session featured a panel of professionals including Ray Rizzi of Tremco, Joe Harnois of Atlantic Builders Supply Northeast, Steve Little of KPost Roofing and Waterproofing, Jeff Walls of Innovative Chemical Products and Kevin Cummings of Polycoat Products. With backgrounds spanning across the coatings world, this incredible panel was perfect for the job of sharing their insights into the current challenges facing the industry.  

Testing 

Kevin opened the conversation by highlighting the need for more comprehensive and ubiquitous testing. As products continue to change and advance, so must the skills of the individuals using them in real-world applications. He explained, “One issue that I see is getting back to some sort of coordination on testing so that, as a group, we can all agree on what testing is important in relation to how systems actually perform on buildings.” Jeff echoed that point, adding, “We have similar challenges in manufacturing...It is really key this year that we find that balance of optimized quality of product and optimized quality of work...Testing is huge part of that.”  

Tariffs 

In addition to the challenges of updating testing standards, Jeff noted how the constantly changing tariffs and the resulting unstable market are a continuing challenge for coatings professionals:  

Across the industry, we're certainly challenged by the inconsistency of tariffs...But I think a key to overcoming this is communication...As a manufacturer, I need to be able to go to my distributors and say, ‘Hey, you know what? It's going to be a small price increase for a little while.’ Then I have to be honest enough that when we're not in the face of that, we bring it back down. And that way, when he passes on to a contractor, if we all work together, we can weather it together. 

Workforce 

Another challenge that’s no stranger to the conversation was the aging workforce, a concern that has continuously grown in relevancy over the years. Steve shared, “People that are really subject matter experts who grew up in this industry are aging out and we're starting to lose some really credible resources.”  

This is something that Joe has seen as well. He noted, “In the Northeast, in the concrete industry, the average age is 63 years old and one of the biggest issues is that those professional don’t have a succession plan...Going back to how this is all a partnership, we can do our best to come out with the best products and all this jazz, but if a great amount of our workforce just ages out, we’re all in trouble.”  

Timelines 

The other challenge that was brought up was related to timelines and work cycles. Ray explained, “In the Northeast, we have winter from November to basically March. It means our work cycle is small. That’s why it’s so important that we, as a manufacturer, develop innovative products to make the lives of our contractors easier and to also maintain the quality of the installation.” Kevin shared a similar sentiment, explaining, “That’s part of why we developed our two-component, fast-cure coating systems – to extend the time that the installers can install.”  

Conclusion 

Overall, 2026 will present some tough challenges for all professionals in the world of coatings. But this is a tough industry, full of professionals who are ready to rise to the challenge. Invest in your people and foster partnerships within the industry. Steve added, “Invest in your employees. The difference between all the products that are available and all the ways to get the products to it are the people that are installing them and doing the work.” 

As Ray noted, “Everything in the industry is a partnership, all three ways, from the manufacturer, to the contractor, to the distributor. All of us are all in the same game, we're all going to play and figure out a solution out together.” 

Watch the recording from the show to hear more of these panelists expert insights!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how this machine is changing the way contractors approach debris cleanup on jobsites. 

The CoatingsCoffeeShop soundstage at World of Concrete, sponsored by Tremco, saw many different faces throughout the three-day trade show, one of which was Rob Thorson from Rocket Equipment. He talked with Megan Ellsworth about a machine built for one of the oldest challenges in construction: getting debris safely from high places to the ground. 

Rocket Equipment began six years ago because of this simple irritation in the industry. Rob explains that most debris removal methods feel improvised or aren’t as effective. The Trash Rocket was built to provide an easy solution. 

“The Trash Rocket was invented to fix a pretty common problem of getting debris of any sort from an elevated position to the dumpster quickly,” Rob said. “The current processes can be messy, expensive and dangerous at times.” 

The machine is permanently mounted on a trailer, making it easy to tow from one jobsite to the next. At the jobsite, it telescopes upward to the roofline where material is then put in from the rooftop and it slides cleanly into a dumpster below. 

For three years, Rocket Equipment sold one primary model, the TR 5000, reaching up to 50 feet. This year, a second machine joined their product offerings. The TR 3600 stands shorter, meant for two- and three-story buildings, pulled by a half-ton pickup instead of a larger truck. Rob said, “There has to be a second option that’s better for different size contractors that work with maybe two- and three-story buildings versus four stories.” Both models serve roofing contractors, general contractors and demolition crews.  

Rocket Equipment now works across four regions — West, Central, Northeast and Southeast — making it possible for the team to bring the Trash Rocket directly to contractors for live demonstrations. Rob said they can often reach a shop within a day to show how the machine operates and how it moves debris safely and efficiently. Seeing the machine in action changes how contractors think about cleanup. 

Rob says customers often wish they had bought the Trash Rocket sooner. He shared, “We hear things like, ‘It’s a game changer. It’s their secret weapon.’ And it’s used a lot for their marketing, too, because they’ll wrap it and they’re really proud to put it on the job site and show it off to their customers.” 

With 2026 in full swing, Rocket Equipment is already seeing great momentum and is looking forward to more.  

Watch the full interview to learn more about how Rocket Equipment is shaping cleaner, safer jobsite movement across the roofing industry!

By Emma Peterson. 

From prestigious industry awards to major mergers, here are the top ten stories kicking off the year. 

We might only be one month into 2026, but it’s already been a busy year! From trade shows like International Roofing Expo (IRE) and World of Concrete (WOC) to industry-shaking mergers and investments, a lot has happened. To help you keep up to date on everything, we’ve collected the top ten articles from this past month.  

In the top spot for January 2026 is the announcement of Lindy Ryan of Tecta America as the recipient of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s J.A. Piper Award. This award is incredibly prestigious, recognizing “roofing professionals who have devoted constant outstanding service to the association and roofing industry.” There is no one more deserving than Lindy, who first started working with NRCA in 1996 and would, in 2015, be the first woman in 129 years to serve as NRCA president.  

In the second and third place on the January 2026 list comes an article by Cotney Consulting Group highlighting the importance of construction drawing fluency and the announcement of Bone Dry Roofing and Innovative Roofing Group merging to become BDI Roofing Group, respectively.  

Check out the complete January 2026 list 

10 - Using AI to strengthen operations, not replace people by Emma Peterson

9 - QXO announces $1.2 billion convertible preferred equity investment led by Apollo to fund future acquisitions

8 - Safety in every lift, load and mile by Emma Peterson

7 - A to B Roofing Partners announces next acquisition partnership

6 - Building science: The key to high-performance structures by Emma Peterson

5 - Combining aesthetics and performance by Emma Peterson

4 - National Roofing Partners hosts partner happy hour at IRE 2026 by National Roofing Partners

3 - Two leading Northern Georgia roofing contractors merge to form BDI Roofing Group

2 - Reading beyond the roof plan by Cotney Consulting Group

1 - Lindy Ryan receives prestigious NRCA J.A. Piper Award

By Emma Peterson. 

Keep roofing in the off-season with these cold-weather product options!  

Traditionally, cold weather and storms make winter a slower work season in the roofing industry. But roofing problems don’t always wait for clear skies and warm temperatures! That’s why Tremco Roofing has developed a variety of products that are optimized to work at below-freezing temperatures! These cold-weather products include metal, built-up, modified bitumen, single ply and liquid applied options. Keep reading to learn more about them!  

TremLock T-138 and T-238 

The TremLock T-138 Shingle Recovery System and T-238 Standing Seam System are easy-to-install panels that improve weathertightness of existing structures. T-138 is especially good over shingles where T-238 goes over open span or solid decking. They are also great winter roofing solutions as they can be installed at temperatures as low as -17.8°C (-0.04°F). 

BURmastic systems 

As for built-up roofing options, Tremco’s Cold-Applied BURmastic systems are hard to beat. They feature a multi-ply construction that makes them exceptionally durable and waterproof, as well as approved for installation across North America. Further, they use a cold process adhesive that is not only low odor but also installable without kettle or torches. This means that they can be installed at temperatures as low as -6°C (20°F). 

Tremco single ply roofing systems 

As for single ply roofing systems, Tremco has no shortage of high-performance options! From the TremPly KEE to the TremPly Max TPO and beyond, these systems are lightweight, strong and effective roofing solutions. And because they are thermoplastic membranes with heat-welded seams, they do not require adhesives or tapes, making them workable at most temperatures!  

AlphaGuard™ PUMA Liquid Applied Roofing Systems 

While freezing temperatures and the term liquid are usually directly opposed, Tremco’s  two-coat AlphaGuard PUMA Liquid Applied Roofing Systems still delivers waterproofing in as little as 30 minutes in temperatures as low as -28°C (-20°F)!  

Learn more 

Interested in extending your roofing season through winter? You can learn about the listed products and more in Tremco’s Cold Weather Product Selector Guide!  

And if you have specific questions for the Tremco team, you can contact a rep near you, stop by their International Roofing Expo booth (#4821) or talk to them at World of Concrete (booth #N2127). 

Get the guide today.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Extensive training, certification and contractor-focused sessions shape the show’s evolving role as an industry classroom. 

As World of Concrete prepares for its 2026 return to Las Vegas, education remains a defining pillar of the event. In this episode of CoatingsCast™, host Megan Ellsworth spoke with Kevin Archibald, associate director of World of Concrete; Rick Yelton, the show’s editor; and Nicole Maher, executive director of the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Program. Together, they outlined how the show continues to function as a practical learning environment for contractors navigating a rapidly changing market. 

Rick described the event as more than a trade show. “We view ourselves as an experience for primarily focusing on subcontractors,” he shared. That experience centers on helping attendees understand new products, updated building codes and best practices that directly impact daily work. 

Education sessions are designed to meet contractors where challenges exist now. Rick noted, “Every year we really are focusing on the topics that a contractor needs to know.” Safety, surface preparation, access and repair standards remain recurring priorities as jobsite expectations increase. 

The 2026 program reflects that demand. Kevin noted the scale of offerings, saying, “We offer right around 160 total sessions.” He continued, “Sixty-seven of those this year are new.” Nearly half of the education lineup introduces fresh content led by new speakers. 

Certification and structured learning remain an important part of the broader educational value World of Concrete delivers, particularly for those entering or advancing within the industry. From Nicole’s perspective, the show’s impact lies in the depth and concentration of opportunity. “There's something there for everybody,” Nicole said. “No other annual event is going to be able to have that kind of concentrated value.” That environment allows attendees to explore education, credential options and career pathways in one setting, aligning professional development with real-world exposure. 

From sessions to demos, World of Concrete delivers applied education at every turn, giving professionals tools to grow on and off the jobsite. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the interview to learn more about World of Concrete 2026 education programs and professional development opportunities available in January! 

By Emma Peterson. 

Join Marlin Fishe, Bridget Wilson, Jorge Rodriguez and countless other professionals at the industry’s only tradeshow dedicated to the concrete and masonry industries 

Recently, The Coffee Shops™ partnered up with Tremco to give away a few World of Concrete Education Super Passes! These passes give attendees access to countless World of Concrete areas, activities and events, including:  

• The show floor: Education Super Passes come with access to the incredible World of Concrete trade show floor! This is a great opportunity for professionals to connect with their peers and see the newest innovations in the roofing world. The Coffee Shops crew will be there (South Hall Lobby) as well as many of our industry partners, like JobTread (N1568), Sika (S10215), Gaco (S13207) and ICP (O31609). Explore the show map!
• Education opportunities: As the name implies, attendees with Education Super Passes get access to learning sessions at the show! From talks about best business practices to technical seminars and industry certification events, World of Concrete has something to elevate every professional’s knowledge. Learn more!
• Networking events: In between education sessions and exploring the show floor, World of Concrete hosts a variety of events that will give you the opportunity to make business-boosting partnerships. Check out the whole list of events online.

So, who will be in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 19 to 22 thanks to The Coffee Shops and Tremco World of Concrete giveaway? Marlin Fishe, Bridget Wilson and Jorge Rodriguez!  

Marlin is the VP of field service for Capital Roof Care and Capital Coating; while Bridget is the president of Cardinal Roofing; and Jorge is the owner of J Rodriguez Concrete Contractors LLC. Congratulations to all three of them! 

The giveaway might be closed, but you can still get last minute passes!