A New Glass Expo Midwest_feature, USGlass, February 2010

Volume 45, Issue 2 - February 2010

feature

A New Glass Expo Midwest™
2010 Event Prepares New Features for New Audiences
by Megan Headley

If you’ve attended Glass Expo Midwest™ in the past, you may think you know what’s in store for attendees this year, March 16-17, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill. But the 16th edition of this regional trade show—co-sponsored by USGlass Magazine and the Illinois Glazing Association, the Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Indiana and Wisconsin Glass Associations, Detroit Glass Dealers Association and the Association of Glazing Contractors—has a host of surprises, including a greatly expanded seminar line-up.

Expanding Its Reach
The annual Midwestern trade show typically attracts between 800 to 1,200 attendees, according to show organizers, and its expanded programs for architects and door and window manufacturers, among others, are expected to draw in new attendees.

In the past, the event has focused on providing Midwesterners with a regional resource for education and networking. With air travel becoming more problematic and expensive—and budgets tightening—the Expo has been promoted as a convenient alternative to national events in destination cities such as Las Vegas. However, this event in the heart of the country is now reaching nationally to provide a whole new audience with a springtime opportunity for networking and education. The expanded event is aiming to help attendees learn about the latest industry trends and services; improve profitability; get tips and instruction on how to improve business; and gain one-on-one time with exhibitors.

Study Time
While the show overall has been expanded, one might say that this year’s seminar line-up in the architectural glass track continues on its path of hosting in-depth presentations on cutting-edge topics. This year attendees can gain extra insight into trends such as building information modeling; building integrated photovoltaics; and energy codes and LEED.

For a hands-on presentation, Dan Kolthoff and Chris Miller of Rockford (More Than) Auto Glass will demonstrate “Proper Application of Shower Doors, Mirrors and More.” Glass companies looking for more business-oriented planning should attend a talk by the ever-insightful Michael Collins of Jordan, Knauff and Co. on “Economic Trends — Riding the Ebb and Flow.”

Ludek Cerny of MTH Industries has worked on his share of “neat and unique projects” (see October 2009 USGlass, page 40) and in a session titled just that he will share a behind-the-scenes look at some of those projects—and tips for attaining such jobs. After Cerny’s presentation, attendees may have a particular interest in seeing unique projects up-close, and that’s just what the event will offer in its group tour of “Chicago’s Amazing Glazing Sites.”

In addition, attendees will be treated to a special session on “How to Manage All Ages - From Youth to Golden Agers,” as presented by Marilyn Moats Kennedy of Career Strategies and author of Office Politics: Seizing Power/Wielding Clout.

According to Kennedy, the four age groups in the workplace now differ on such important points as what community means, what participation means, the role of management, employer/employee loyalty, telecommuting, technical competence and what constitutes a good day’s work. Kennedy also will share tips in communicating the same message in ways that each group understands and responds to.

New Offerings
Among the new resources at this year’s event is an Architect’s Educational Forum scheduled for March 17. The forum, which is open to architects only, will provide architects with continuing education unit courses (and will provide a new audience for expo exhibitors). Topics include:
• How Structural Silicone Spacers Contribute to Sustainable Window Design - presented by Edgetech I.G.;
• Sustainable Glazing Systems and the LEED® Green Building Rating System - presented by YKK AP;
• Glass for the Next Generation – sponsored by J.E. Berkowitz; and
• Coated Glass - presented by the Glass Association of North America.

In addition, USGlass sister publication Door and Window Manufacturer (DWM) magazine will be helping door and window manufacturing profesprofessionals to celebrate “Fenestration Day.” On March 16, DWM will host a complete day of fenestration-focused seminars, including:
• Specific Steps to Take Toward Being Green - sponsored by Truseal;
• Avoiding “Green” Liability Issues;
• Lobbying Your Legislators;
• Department of Energy to Reveal Latest Updates - sponsored by PPG Industries;
• How Window Manufacturers Can Overcome the Challenges of Today’s Market - sponsored by WTS Paradigm; and
• Learn How the Lead Paint Regulations Will Affect You and Your Dealers – sponsored by Lawrence Industries.

Walking the Trade Show Floor
Exhibitors will be offering information on a diverse group of products this year. Equipment suppliers such as Quattrolifts can be found alongside software supplier GTS and glass transportation manufacturer F. Barkow. Fabricators such as Prelco and GlasSource will have products as well as services on display, as will hardware suppliers such as Quality Hardware, JLM Wholesale and C.R. Laurence. Metal and glass suppliers such as Taco Metals, YKK AP, Castle Metal, Petersen Aluminum, ACM Panelworx, Morse Industries and many others also can be found.

Quality exhibitors have been a staple at past events, but Glass Expo Midwest has made several additions in this area as well. For example, a new “Get Green” product and service area is a one-stop display of exhibitors’ green product literature.

Attendees already hard at work planning their St. Patrick Day festivities may be interested to know that event organizers have already got it covered. On March 16 at 6 p.m. attendees and exhibitors will be treated to a pre-St. Patrick’s Day cocktail party on the show floor. Visitors can raise a glass, listen to a rousing Irish band (featuring one of the glass industry’s own) and chat with colleagues.

Organizers are further enticing attendees with the promise of door prizes to be given away every other hour on the trade show floor. Of course, with the additions to this year’s event, attendees already seem set to win.

One-of-a-Kind Glazing in Chicago
The Willis Tower’s All-Glass Ledge is one of the places that will be visited during a tour of some of Chicago’s famous architectural sites that will be offered to attendees of Glass Expo Midwest™ 2010.

The group tour will take place March 17, 2010, leaving the registration desk at 3 p.m., taking in other well-known Chicago glazing sites and wrapping up at 6 p.m., for a tour of The Ledge. Ludek Cerny, vice president of glazing contractor MTH Industries in Hillside, Ill., will moderate the tour. The cost is $20 per person and does include transportation. Space is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required.

More Information?
For more information, and to register, visit www.glassexpomidwest.com. Admission is free to USGlass readers, with the exception of non-exhibiting industry suppliers.