The Industry Pivot: From Vegas Showrooms to Orlando Job Sites
February 2026 marks a critical inflection point for the United States property damage restoration, roofing, and facility management sectors. We stand at the bridge between the high-octane product launches of January’s Las Vegas heavyweights—the International Roofing Expo (IRE) and World of Concrete (WOC)—and the architectural pragmatism of the upcoming NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando. For contractors and facility directors, this month is not just about attending events; it is about synthesizing the data, securing the supply chains for the 2026 storm season, and integrating the latest temporary protection protocols into standard operating procedures.
At StormWrappers, we have analyzed the convention circuit to bring you a cohesive operational roadmap. This month’s agenda is dominated by the massive migration to Florida for IBS 2026, the strategic policy updates from BOMA’s winter gathering, and the forward-looking preparation for the RIA convention in Savannah. Below is your comprehensive guide to the events shaping our industry this month and how they influence emergency shrink wrap strategies.
The Las Vegas Retrospective: What We Learned in January
To understand the February landscape, we must first digest the massive takeaways from late January. Three major events redefined the technical standards for 2026.
1. International Roofing Expo (IRE) – Las Vegas
The IRE 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (Jan 20-22) set a new bar for exterior resilience. The "West Hall" buzz was undeniably focused on automated damage assessment and rapid-response mitigation. For a deep dive into the specific advancements in containment discussed on the floor, read our analysis: IRE 2026 Post-Show Report: The Shrink Wrap Revolution.
2. World of Concrete (WOC) – Las Vegas
Running concurrently with IRE, World of Concrete 2026 highlighted the critical need for moisture control in commercial foundations. The synergy between concrete curing technologies and temporary weather barriers is tighter than ever. See how these heavy-duty solutions apply to disaster recovery in our dedicated cluster: World of Concrete 2026: Foundation Recovery Insights.
3. RoofCON 2026 – Oklahoma City
Earlier in January, RoofCON (Jan 5-7) brought together the sales and marketing elite of the storm restoration world. The takeaway? speed wins. The contractor who can secure the building envelope first—using solutions like emergency roof wrap services—controls the claim. We break down the sales strategies born in OKC here: RoofCON 2026 Takeaways: Speed and Security.
The Orlando Spotlight: February’s Main Event
All eyes now turn to Orlando, Florida, for what is arguably the most significant construction convergence of the year.
4. NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2026
Scheduled for February 17-19, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center, this is the "Last Call in Orlando" before the show moves permanently to Vegas. With over 115,000 attendees expected, the focus is on resilient construction. Builders are no longer just looking at aesthetics; they are looking at survivability. StormWrappers will be monitoring the "Construction Performance Zone" closely. Learn more about the event’s significance: IBS 2026 Guide: The Builder’s Perspective on Disaster Readiness.
5. Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2026
Co-located with IBS, KBIS drives the interior restoration trends. When a storm strips a roof, the kitchen and bath are often the first casualties of water intrusion. We explore the high-value material trends that restorers need to protect: KBIS 2026: Protecting High-Value Interiors.
Policy and Systems: The Hidden Drivers
While the trade shows offer flash and noise, the policy meetings and technical expos provide the regulatory framework.
6. BOMA International Winter Business Meeting
Held in Washington, DC (Jan 25-28), the BOMA Winter Meeting set the legislative agenda for commercial real estate. For facility managers, the new guidelines on building envelope maintenance and insurance mandates are crucial. We analyze the policy shifts affecting commercial roofing here: BOMA 2026 Insights: Regulatory Changes in Property Management.
7. AHR Expo 2026
Taking place in Las Vegas (Feb 2-4), the AHR Expo is the mecca for HVAC and indoor air quality. For the restoration industry, this is about drying. The latest dehumidification tech and climate control systems displayed here are vital for mitigating water damage under shrink wrap containment. Read our tech review: AHR Expo 2026: The Future of Drying Tech.
8. The International Surface Event (TISE) 2026
Also known as "Surfaces," this late January/Early Feb event in Vegas showcases the flooring industry. Restoration professionals know that saving the floor often depends on the quality of the temporary roof. We discuss flooring resilience: Surfaces 2026: Flooring Resilience and Water Trends.
The Road Ahead: Preparing for Spring 2026
Looking past February, two giants loom on the horizon. Preparation begins now.
9. SprayFoam Convention & Expo 2026
Coming up in late March (March 22-25) in Las Vegas, the SprayFoam Show is critical for understanding closed-cell foam’s role in storm hardening and temporary waterproofing. Get the preview: SprayFoam 2026 Preview: The Role of Closed-Cell Foam.
10. RIA International Restoration Convention 2026
Finally, the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) heads to Savannah, GA, in late April. February is the deadline month for many registrations and award submissions. This is where the "Restoration ecosystem" meets. See why Savannah is the place to be: Road to RIA 2026: Why Savannah is Critical for Restorers.
Conclusion: Integrating the Agenda
The "February Pivot" requires action. It is time to take the products seen at IRE and WOC, combine them with the methodologies from AHR and BOMA, and apply them to the projects discussed at IBS. Whether you are a facility manager securing a portfolio or a roofer expanding into disaster mitigation services, the events of early 2026 dictate that preparedness is the new currency. Stay wrapped, stay protected, and stay ahead of the storm.
