GANAPerspectives

Come See GANA Out and About
Events Provide an Opportunity to Learn More
By Brian K. Pitman

The Glass Association of North America (GANA) will be actively involved in several events in the next few months, and we really want to see you there! Whether it be to discuss the many technical projects currently underway in GANA’s vast array of committees and task groups, to share information on the amazing new products and technologies in decorative and traditional glazing, or to find new ways to address your company’s needs from the industry, you will have plenty of opportunities to share ideas and knowledge with one of our staff members on the road.

NeoCon
GANA is once again a supporting association of NeoCon, the large Chicago-based expo showcasing unique interior and exterior design products. Several GANA members of the Decorative Division attend the show and unveil new products in decorative glazing. GANA account executive Ashley Charest and I will be walking the show, discussing new products and trends with GANA members and interior designers, as well as membership opportunities in the organization for other fabrication companies. Furthermore, GANA will be offering its AIA-accredited presentation on decorative glazing for attendees with the deft presentational skills of Steve O’Hollaren of ICD High Performance Coatings. Email Charest (ashley@glasswebsite.com) or me (brian@glasswebsite.com) if you are interested in discussing your product line or attending the presentation by O’Hollaren.

Glass Performance Days
Urmilla Sowell, GANA technical director, and I also will be in attendance at Glass Performance Days (GPD) in Tampere, Finland, in June. Sowell will be giving a presentation on the numerous helpful resources (technical and otherwise) available to companies in the glass and glazing industry. She is also interested in learning about new technologies in commercial glazing, manufacturing and fabrication, as well as to discuss opportunities to make connections with architectural firms, architects and specifiers. I will be there to discuss membership opportunities in GANA and to manage the filming and possible live streaming of several presentations for future release by GPD as an exciting new technical resource for the industry. We are both interested in discussing technical advances in the industry and GANA’s role in that evolution with you. E-mail us (brian@glasswebsite.com or usowell@glass.com) if you are interested in meeting in Finland to discuss future opportunities in the industry.

ASTM Solar Workshop
Finally, Sowell will be hosting a day of solar glazing presentations in conjunction with ASTM International’s Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal, and Other Alternative Energy Sources meeting in Baltimore in late June. The workshop will cover all aspects of glass and glazing’s expanding role in the solar energy industry. Sowell will be attending the committee meeting that week as well, and looks forward to discussing solar glazing and how your company can increase its opportunities in that industry. E-mail her if you are interested in attending and becoming more involved.

As we move through the summer months, several more opportunities will arise to interface directly with GANA staff, but take advantage of the opportunities above. It could make a tremendous difference to you and your company.

Brian K. Pitman is GANA’s director of marketing and communications. Mr. Pitman’s opinions are solely his own and not necessarily those of this magazine.

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