SPRI hosted its 43rd Annual SPRI Conference and Business Meeting January 17-19, 2025, gathering roofing and manufacturing industry leaders. This year’s theme, "Where Intelligence is Power," perfectly captured the innovative sessions, influential speakers, and meaningful networking opportunities that defined the event. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights:

Conference Overview

The SPRI 2025 Conference brought together top professionals for three days of expert insights, strategic discussions, and forward-thinking solutions. From exploring the future of the roofing industry to tackling post-election policies impacting businesses, the event was a hub for industry intelligence. Attendees participated in engaging sessions, enjoyed networking events, and even had opportunities for fun and relaxation with activities like fishing and a golf tournament.

Keynote Speakers

The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers whose expertise and thought-provoking presentations added immense value.

• John Powers – “Who’s Controlling Your Static Line”

Renowned for his leadership and experience in U.S. Army special operations, John Powers delivered a captivating keynote on how strategic leadership is evolving in the digital age. With over 40 years in intelligence services, Powers emphasized the importance of trust, authenticity, and responsibility in leadership. His session inspired attendees to take charge of their "static line" and lead with integrity in an increasingly digitized world.

• McKay Daniels – “Looking Forward: The Roofing Industry Today and in the Years Ahead”

NRCA's CEO, McKay Daniels, shared insights into the latest trends and challenges shaping the roofing industry. He outlined innovations and best practices for contractors to stay competitive in today's landscape.

• Deborah Mazol – “The New Roof Over America”

Deborah Mazol, NRCA's Director of Federal Affairs, dissected how new policies and the 119th Congress could impact the roofing industry. With over a decade of experience on Capitol Hill, Mazol provided a valuable snapshot of opportunities and challenges ahead.

• Ken Simonson – “Will Construction Thrive or Dive in ’25?”

AGC's Chief Economist, Ken Simonson, presented an in-depth economic forecast for the construction industry. His analysis of market shifts and trends helped attendees prepare for potential growth or challenges in the coming year.

Event Highlights

The conference schedule was packed with opportunities for learning and networking:

• Technical Task Force Meetings on Friday provided in-depth discussions around industry standards and innovation.

• The Welcome Dinner and Awards Presentation set the tone for collaboration and celebration.

• A Community Give-Back Event allowed attendees to engage in meaningful activities, sponsored by Tyelus Consulting, LLC.

• Outdoor activities like fishing trips and a golf tournament added a refreshing break from sessions and fostered camaraderie among attendees.

Awards & Recognition

President’s Award 

At this year’s SPRI Annual Conference, the organization had the distinct honor of presenting the prestigious President’s Award, an accolade reserved for only a select few throughout SPRI’s history. This year, the award was presented to Bob LeClare in recognition of his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to the organization. 

Outgoing Board of Directors Members

During this year’s Annual Conference in Clearwater Beach, SPRI honored three outgoing associate Board members for their valuable contributions. The organization recognized Bob LeClare, Rick Montoya, and Daniel Wise for their exceptional service and commitment to SPRI's mission.

Looking Ahead

The SPRI Annual Conference continues to be a premier space for roofing and manufacturing professionals to gather, share knowledge, and explore solutions to industry challenges. Attendees left inspired and equipped with actionable insights to tackle their business goals for 2025. 

For more information about SPRI and its initiatives, visit www.spri.org.