FGIA Releases Schedule for Annual Conference

The schedule for the upcoming 2024 Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Annual Conference, to be held February 19-22 in Amelia Island, Fla., will focus on glass topics, issues around architecture, sustainability and advances in industry research. Additionally, participants can learn why surface preparation is importance for coatings performance, the latest on AAMA and IGMA Certification programs and more by registering now for the in-person experience or for virtual access to the FGIA Annual Conference.

Glass
An insulating glass (IG) forensic analysis workshop on Monday afternoon will teach participants how to detect IG issues before they become problems. This workshop, led by Jim Blamble (Sika Corporation) and Matt Waldren (Pella Corporation) is currently full, but a waitlist is available. Learn about multiple IG systems, the appropriate tools for dissection, key components of the inspection process and the importance of record keeping.

A Wednesday presentation called, “All About Desiccants | Properties, Use and Importance” will be available to both in-person and virtual participants. Led by Shulin Cui (SilicaStar Industries), Gerhard Reichert (Glasslam) and Brian White (H.B. Fuller), these industry experts will help conference participants learn all about desiccants: processes, properties, adsorption, how they are used, how they respond to mold and corrosion, and more.

Architecture and Sustainability
Dan Luoma (Jailen Inc., https://www.jailen.com) will lead a session called, “Building Information Modeling (BIM) Explained | Concept, Software, Interoperability and Tools” on Tuesday. BIM is a workflow process based around models used for the planning, design, construction and management of building and infrastructure projects. During this interactive session, participants will learn the history of BIM, BIM platforms and software and processes for fenestration products within BIM execution and coordination models.

Phil Northcott (Building Transparency) will present “Using the EC3 Tool for Glazing and Fenestration Products | Facilitating Improvements in the EPD System” on Wednesday. The Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) is a free database of construction Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and a matching building impact calculator for use in design and material procurement. Join this interactive session to learn how the EC3 tool can be useful to a variety of stakeholders for reducing embodied carbon.


Research
On Tuesday, author and keynote speaker Ken Gronbach will discuss the role of demography in business decisions. Demography is the science of simplicity of birth, death and migration of populations. Gronbach’s easy-to-understand demographic perspective is macro, big picture and long term. His strategies are often integrated into strategic plans in diverse business sectors. Gronbach will offer both a keynote address entitled “Demography is Destiny” and an exclusive executive leadership session on this topic at the event.

Tuesday’s Innovation Roundtable discussion will offer examples of innovative products being researched and developed for the market. Moderated by Ray Garries (Global Fenestration Advisors), participate in “Embracing Innovation in the Windows Industry.” This is the third annual session of its kind.

FGIA Codes Consultant Jen Hatfield will lead “Need-to-Know Info About Florida Building Codes and Sea Turtle Research” on Wednesday. In this session sponsored by the FGIA Southeast Region, Hatfield will answer questions about FGIA’s advocacy in the International Code Council (ICC) I-Codes and Florida Building Codes arenas. Learn more about big changes in the way ICC code change cycles are conducted in 2024 and FGIA’s positions on key code change proposals during this regionally focused session.

Additional Sessions and Topics
On Tuesday, attend “Importance of Surface Preparation in Long-Term Performance of Coatings and Sealants.” Surface preparation can impact the long-term performance of a coating or sealant. In some cases, the deficiencies of surface preparation can be observed with the naked eye while in other cases the deficiencies may be undetectable.

Join FGIA’s certification experts for answers to frequently asked questions, tips and guidance on some of the common challenges experienced during the certification process during Wednesday’s “Understanding AAMA and IGMA Certification Programs” panel with Jason Seals, FGIA Certification Services Manager, Fenestration, and Amy Becker, FGIA Glass Products Specialist.

Finally, the Annual Awards Ceremony will be held during the conference, during which several FGIA members will be recognized for their hard work and contributions during the previous year. Awards include distinguished service within various FGIA segments, Outstanding Member and the Chairman’s Award. The passing of the gavel will also take place as we welcome a new Board Chairman for 2024 and 2025. This will take place in a revamped, less formal format than in past years.

Conference Details
The 2024 FGIA Annual Conference will take place at Omni Amelia Island Resort. View the in-person event page for additional information or register for the virtual experience to participate remotely. Learn more about sponsorship for future events by contacting FGIA Meetings Manager Florica Vlad at [email protected].