Involvement in industry associations can be helpful to individuals and companies in a lot of ways, whether it means having a strong handle on news and updates, gaining knowledge from those closest to the work being done or doing the work yourself to shape an industry’s future. Trade associations like FGIA can gain you and your company access to things like the latest market study information, economic updates, opportunities for professional development and resources that can help your company plan for the future and succeed.Here...

A version of this blog post ran in October 2020. It has been updated with new information.If you are already an FGIA member, you know the Association offers a wealth of information to its membership. From our publications and popular conferences to our task groups and committees, those new to the industry and even fenestration and glazing veterans can learn a lot. FGIA encourages you to take advantage of all that we have to offer, but don’t miss out on one of the most important...

GlassBuild is next week! If you are thinking about how to promote your company’s presence at the popular tradeshow, I have some ideas for how you can do so on social media before, during and after the fact. Use the next few days to plan ahead, schedule some content and pack everything you need before you leave town for Las Vegas. And don’t forget to make sure your phone is logged into your company’s social media accounts in advance, so you don’t have to scramble...

FGIA is busy gearing up for GlassBuild America 2022, taking place October 18-20 in Las Vegas, NV. GlassBuild presents a unique opportunity for the industry to take advantage of learning opportunities to help advance their careers as well as to promote the availability of educational content to employees, encouraging their continued professional development.Our staff will be hosting three different educational sessions at the trade show, and we are looking forward to sharing our expertise – and visiting our many members at their booths on the...

What comes to mind when you think of where wildfires may strike? Think they are limited to only Western regions of the United States or rural areas? Think again. Wildfires can and increasingly do occur virtually anywhere. And contrary to what some may believe, wildfires can spread far beyond rural areas. They can also devastate urban communities, too. That’s why there’s increasing interest in the International Code Council’s (ICC) International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and state or local Wildland-Urban Interface Codes. Educate yourself and your...

If you are going to the FGIA Hybrid Fall Conference in Chicago, don’t forget to pack a Chicago-themed item of clothing to wear on the Chicago Spirit sunset dinner cruise! FGIA will be rocking its allegiance to the Windy City on Monday night of the conference aboard the dinner cruise out on Lake Michigan, complete with souvenir photos of all participants.If you don’t have anything yet but want to play along, there is still time to shop your closet or to buy something Chicago-centric. I...

After a long summer, I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things at in-person industry events this fall, including GlassBuild America in Las Vegas, NV and FGIA’s own 2022 Fall Conference this September in Chicago, IL. While we have managed to make the most of getting work done over conference calls and online meetings, I know nothing beats getting to see FGIA members in person. Both GlassBuild and the Fall Conference will offer a ton of much needed networking opportunities, adding...

Now is the time to begin planning to attend this fall’s best opportunity for hands-on training to learn best practices for the most important aspects of fabricating and testing IG units. Registration is now open for the next in-person Insulating Glass (IG) Fabricators Workshop, November 1-3 at the Intertek Testing facility in Plano, TX. Discounted rates are available for second and subsequent registrants from the same member company.According to the FGIA market study, IG is used in over 90 percent of the windows and glazed...

Has your company been creating content on Instagram Stories? They are easier than ever to put together, complete with music, links to products and other creative additions to easy-to-shoot smartphone video. I took a look at what some FGIA members have recently put out on Instagram Stories to share what interesting, engaging content is already out there – and how your company can take inspiration from these social media superheroes. Let’s take a look.SolatubeThis Story shows a unique application of the company’s product. It’s nice...

In the current highly competitive job market, it is more important now than ever to invest in training and employee professional growth for those on your team. For veteran employees, it reinforces your interest in their career success and in supporting their personal and professional goals. For new employees, it’s a great way to make a first (or early) positive impression – showcasing the type of employer you are and how much value you place on your team.Industry training comes in all shapes and sizes;...