The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is presenting "Architects of a Better Mind," an AIA-approved continuing education conference related to the window, door and skylight industry.  Topics will include product performance, testing, daylighting and more.  Architects who attend the full program will earn 8 learning units (LUs), all of which qualify as Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW) units—that's the full year's HSW requirement for AIA members.  For a listing of topics, please visit the "Architects" section of www.aamanet.org. 

Registration fee: $100
Fee includes educational courses, lunch both days, and complimentary entrance to GlassBuild America’s trade show floor.

SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED - CONTACT AAMA
For more information or to register, contact Angela Dickson at 847/303-5859, ext. 224 or adickson@aamanet.org.

Focus on Commercial Glass

8:00am-4:00pm
Glazing Executives Forum
Presented by the National Glass Association
Separate registration required.

Presented by NGA’s Architectural Glazing Committee, the 3rd annual Glazing Executives Forum features interactive discussions, peer-to-peer sharing among dealers and contract glaziers, and fresh updates on challenging topics impacting the industry.  Expert speakers and panelists will also share their perspectives, benchmarks, and forecasts for the contract glazing industry.  Featured topics include Building Information Modeling (BIM), LEED, Waterproofing Buildings, and Leadership.

Registration fee: $195
Fee includes continental breakfast, education materials, lunch and complimentary entrance to GlassBuild America’s trade show floor.

SEPARATE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED—CONTACT NGA
For more information or to register, contact Matt Rumbaugh at 703/442-4890, ext. 182 or mrumbaugh@glass.org.

Glazing Executives Forum sponsored by: DuPont, Quattrolifts,
and Tremco, Inc.

9:00am-10:30am
Seminar
A Clear View of the Future: State of the Window and Door Industry
Speakers: Jeff Dietrich, Economist, Institute for Trend Research; Andrew Bohutinsky, Lincoln International; Joe Hayden, Senior Project Engineer for Certification, Pella Corporation and Chairman of the NFRC; Dan Glover, Owner, River Valley Window Company

As the housing market suffers its worst slump in generations, window and door companies are fighting for their very survival.  In this blue-chip panel discussion, four industry experts will examine the most significant and relevant trends affecting the industry – at both a macro and micro level, and uncover opportunities for growth in 2009 and beyond.  A lively Q&A session with the audience will follow. 

Participants will learn:
- Economic trends that can help determine the right phase of the business cycle.
- Key management objectives and first-hand lessons on competing in the tough economy.
- How to profit through challenging economic times.

Seminar sponsored by Lincoln International

10:45am-1:00pm
Seminar
World Going Green: What Do Homeowners Want in Environmentally Responsible Windows?
Moderator: Ira Blumenthal, President, CO-OPPORTUNITIES Inc.
Speakers: Nathan Good, Owner, Nathan Good Architect PC; Corinne Asturias, Vice President and Consumer Strategist, Iconoculture; Bill Shireman, CEO, Global Futures

This compelling session will begin with the showing of a pre-taped homeowner focus group, followed by a live, on-site panel discussion. Three panelists and a moderator will each offer their perspective on the focus group and how consumer behavior and preferences are driving increasing attention to environmental factors relating to the window and door industry.

The focus group footage explores consumer perceptions regarding environmentally friendly products and energy efficiency as they pertain to residential window purchases. Seminar attendees will get an inside look at consumer perceptions of the “green movement” in general, the extent to which consumer behavior is actually altered by environmental factors when shopping, and the extent to which green values translate from preferences to actual buying decisions.

NOTE:  Lunch will be served to registered attendees.

Participants will learn:
- How consumers define energy efficient windows and what determines their purchasing motive.
- Who are the leaders in the ‘green movement’ and why.
- What your company can do ride the green wave and be profitable to boot.

Seminar sponsored by TruSeal Technologies, Inc. and lunch sponsored by Mikron Industries.

9:00am-10:30am
Seminar
New Age of Trends in Decorative Glass—Options and Trends in the Market
Panel Moderator:  Steve Schiamara, National Sales Director, WorldGlass
Panelists: Belinda Bennett, Owner, Bennett Design Group; Victor Trnavskis, President, NGI designer Glass Inc.

Glass is exceedingly more versatile and durable than most people realize.  Due to the myriad advances and wide availability of designed glass, the glass industry has a lucrative new way to expand its bottom line.  In addition, the market for designed glass is experiencing rapid growth, with no end in sight.  Decorative glass has moved beyond being just a pretty accent; it now adds to the identity, branding and value of commercial, retail, hospitality and up-scale residential space.  It allows architects and designers alike to use a functional, practical and beautiful material to express themselves while giving unexpected pleasure to their clients. 

During this seminar, our expert panelists will provide a comprehensive overview of the business benefits of designed glass, review new products and applications in the field, and offer their insights into the latest trends in design.  In a new twist, we’ve also invited a leading designer to offer her perspectives on key aspects of the product, including manufacturing issues, the decision-making and specification process, common pitfalls in installation and shipping, and more.  You will be exposed to some of the newest materials and products on the market, discover the latest color and design trends, and get an insider’s look at some of the most exciting advances in hardware and engineering. 

Participants will learn:
- The business benefits of designed glass.
- About the latest design elements, from materials used to color and hardware.
- About the view of designers in their selection of optimum decorative glass.

10:45am-Noon
Seminar
Success 2008—Marketing That Works!                                        
Panel Moderator:  Doug John, President, Connecticut Marketing Associates
Panelist: TBD

A fast-paced presentation of real-world marketing strategies and plans that are proven to build your business.  First, learn how three NGA members built their business in 2007 using a variety of marketing approaches that are readily available.  Next, we’ll review the key steps you can take to improve your marketing plans.  And then, participate in a “how-to” panel discussion led by one of the NGA’s marketing consultants, Douglas John, President of Connecticut Marketing Associates.  The panel will include the NGA members featured in the Success 2008 case studies, and will answer your questions and help provide key learning you can incorporate in your own business-building marketing plans.

Participants will learn:
- The construct of a good marketing plan.
- Real examples of what is working for the retailer and why.
- Best practices in retail shop market positioning.