Volume 43, Issue 4 - April 2008
Volume 43, Issue 4 - April 2008
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Having It All, All in One Place For many retailers, diversification is key, and the Americas Glass Showcase® (AGS), to be held May 2-3 at the Cashman Center in Las Vegas, offers opportunities for retailers and glazing contractors alike to expand their knowledge as well as their product selection. The trade show, sponsored by the Americas Glass Association, is co-located with the Independent Glass Association’s (IGA) Independents’ Day Conference and the International Window Film Expo, Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFE). The two-day event will host companies providing an array of products, from glass to equipment to window film to software. The event is large enough to attract some of the industry’s biggest names, but show organizers say it remains personal enough to spend quality time with the exhibitors. The event also provides an opportunity to meet new contacts, whether on the show floor or in the seminars. A Sampling of Seminars On Friday, May 2, Tom Grandy of Grandy & Associates—a company that provides business training exclusively to contractors—will present the keynote address on “15 Things All Successful Companies Have in Common.” Grandy will share a checklist to show his audience how they are doing compared to other successful companies, and offer ideas to improve profitability. Later that day, Grandy will present on “Labor Pricing for a Profit.” As he notes, improper labor pricing is the top killer of small businesses today, so this session will cover all the basics of profitable labor pricing using a sample company and ten filled in worksheets. Donn Harter, AGA president and technical director, will fill attendees in on the latest in codes. On January 1, 2008, California officially adopted the 2006 International Building Code, bringing more than 50 percent of the country under the 2006 code. Harter will update his listeners on the many changes that have been brought to safety glazing. For more code information, Mike Grossman of ACI Distribution will focus on the latest 2006 IBC code requirements specifically for hand rails, as well as other new developments in glass railings. Sherilyn Hobkins of Momentive Performance Products and Bryce Roughton of Sunshine Supply will join together to bring attendees “the good, the bad and the ugly” facts about sealant installation. The seminar will consist of tips on how to use the correct sealant and proper application to fulfill the manufacturers’ requirements. For specifics on fire-rated glazing, a panel of experts will outline the difference between protective and resistive glazing, what the adoption of the Urban-Wildlands Fire Code really means, alternatives to wired glass in hazardous locations and the inclusion of safety and energy glazing as required and the proper composition. Several general business-oriented sessions also are being offered. Mattie Carrillo, former owner of JC Glass and a present AGA board member, will offer insight into “Creating a Legacy” with your glass business. Bill Braun of Braun & Melucci LLP will present practical business strategies and plans intended to reduce the likelihood of being dragged into expensive construction defect litigation. Gregg Ketter of Ketter Development will help attendees to “Master Emotional Intelligence,” which he says is particularly central to leadership, and “Cultivate High Performance Teams.” Home Away from Home The hotel, known for its classic feel of Old Las Vegas, unveiled a $60 million expansion in December 2007, which includes an expanded gaming floor, a new sushi restaurant and an exciting new nightlife venue called Gold Diggers. Previous renovations and additions to the world-renowned AAA Four Diamond Award-winning property include The Tank, a pool with live shark aquarium complete with it’s own pass-through, three-story waterslide; restaurants Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Grotto Italian Ristorante, Lillie’s Noodle House and The Buffet; a Race and Sports Book, Poker Room and the redesigned casino floor; RUSH Lounge, an ultra-lounge experience in the center of the casino floor; The Showroom, an intimate, 600-seat theater hosting the best in headline entertainment; renovated luxury spa, salon and fitness center; and ultra-modern Gold Club rooms. With all of this to do, there’s little reason to leave the hotel—except to come to the Expo, of course. Connecting with Colleagues For starters, this year’s show will continue the tradition of hosting the annual AGA Golf Classic. The best ball competition, to be held jointly with the IGA, will take place Thursday, May 1, at the Rhodes Ranch Golf Club. This course, designed by architect Ted Robinson, is said to provide a blend of challenge and playability to golfers of all skill levels. It’s highlighted by a group of par threes which Robinson calls the very best that he has ever designed, and includes a multitude of water features, varying elevations, stunning city and mountain views and gentle rolling fairways. Registration for four-person teams begins at 6:30 a.m. and a shotgun start is to begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. All fees include golf cart, giveaways and greens fees. Club rentals will be available for an additional fee. Teams of four are welcome to register. If golf isn’t your thing—but the Vegas scene is—a cocktail reception from 5-6 p.m. on Friday, May 2, following the Expo, will include everything you need to know on Vegas staples such as craps, blackjack and other classic games. Cocktails and finger foods will be served. Why not start off the night with a lesson and mingling and end it in a Vegas casino with some of your new friends? More Information? Schedule at a Glance Friday, May 2, 2008 Saturday, May 3, 2008 For an expanded version of this article, including
products to be featured at this show,
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