ers get through all of the changes in the industry and the
challenging economy,” says Erin Johnson, director of mar-
keting for Edgetech I.G. Inc. “But, this year as the overall
GlassBuild theme ‘Roll Forward’ suggests, the industry is
ready to look to future. I believe the attitude will be dif-
ferent this year–more positive.”
Johnson shares organizers' views that attendees will
be focusing on energy efficiency, noting that window and
door manufacturers are well aware that energy-efficiency
regulations are only going to become more stringent.
“No one wants to be left behind, so I believe a focus on
high-performance components will be a theme that lasts
for many years to come,” she states. “Manufacturers will
be looking at ways to expand and improve their product
lines to differentiate their organizations from the rest.
Continuous improvement initiatives, both in products and
processes, are paramount to succeeding in the competi-
tive marketplace.”
Introduced last year in Atlanta, GlassBuild America
once again will feature a special “Innovations Pavilion,”
designed to showcase cutting-edge technologies and
groundbreaking products in the glass and window indus-
tries. Fourteen companies have registered to participate
so far, featuring the latest advances in photovoltaic, en-
ergy conservation, and green products and design. The
trade show will also feature the popular Live Impact Dem-
onstration by Hurricane Test Laboratory again this year.
Traditionally, exhibitors bring more window and door
equipment when GlassBuild is held in Altanta. A look
through the products to be showcased in Las Vegas,
which begins on page 48, indicates there will be some
new machines on display at this year's event. Window
and door manufacturers will also find numerous hardware producers, vinyl extruders, suppliers of glass and
IG components, and software providers targeting the
residential segment at this year's show. A list of window
and door industry exhibitors scheduled to be in Las Vegas
appears on page 45. A full list of exhibitors can also be
found at www.glassbuildamerica.com.
DEALERS FORUM
Unique this year at GlassBuild will be the inaugural
Window & Door Dealers Forum hosted by the Window &
Door Dealers Alliance. “This is the first time that win-
dow and door dealers from across North America will
gather under one roof to engage in peer-to-peer sharing,
learning and networking,” says Jana Goodrich of Seaway
Window, co-chair of the event for the recently formed
organization. “We’ve needed this type of event for as long
as I can remember, and I can’t wait to join my peers from
around the nation at our annual gathering.”
Scheduled for Wednesday, September 15, the dealer
forum is a day-long event featuring interactive breakout
sessions on the most important issues facing residen-
tial window and door dealers, including managing your
workforce and generating sales leads, says Matthew
Rumbaugh, WDDA senior manager for education and
training. “Participants will share and discuss best prac-
tices, collaborate on solutions to business challenges,
hear from some of the top experts and speakers in the
industry, and wrap up with a relaxed and informal net-
working reception.”
In contrast to some other executive meetings, WDDA's
forum will be focused on how to run a successful window
and door retail business, Rumbaugh continues. “We will
not focus on items out of the dealer’s control. Economic
conditions, codes, administrative laws and the like all
have their place, but the focus of this day is how to maxi-
mize your chances of success in the areas of business you
control. That’s why we’re bringing world-class experts to
speak to these issues.”
More information about the Window & Door Deal-
ers Forum, including a list of speakers and agenda, is
available on the WDDA Web site at www.wddalliance.
org. WDDA is putting in much effort to bring in strong
speakers, but “the real stars” of the day are the dealers
themselves, Rumbaugh emphasizes. “This event is by
them and for them and we want them to feel free to share
experiences, challenges, and most importantly, solutions.
If we’ve done our job here, then dealers will walk away
with a handful of ideas to take back to their businesses
and immediately implement.”
Planning for the coming GlassBuild America show,
NGA' s Sheehan points out that every attendee has an
opportunity to visit the show for three days free of charge
by contacting their existing industry vendors. “Our
headquarter hotel, the Las Vegas Hilton, is also offer-
ing lowered rates for their sleeping rooms and suites for
all GlassBuild America registrants, along with over $100
worth of dining coupons for their stay upon check in,”
she also notes.
GlassBuild America will take place September 14 to
16 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The trade show
will run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday
and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday. Designed to provide a
single venue for the glass fabrication, architectural glass,
and window and door industries, the “all-encompassing”
event is organized by the National Glass Association and
sponsored by the American Architectural Manufacturers
Association, Insulating Glass Manufacturers Association,
Glass Association of North America and Bath Enclosure
Manufacturers Association. More information about
the exhibition, including details on hotels, registration,
seminar content and exhibitors, as well as a floor plan and
exhibitor information itself is available at www.glassbuildamerica.com. w
