Participants learned about the barriers to adopting high-performing fenestration in both non-residential and multi-family buildings, as well as a blueprint for market transformation, at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. Presented by Helen Sanders (Technoform), this session reviewed a yearlong study conducted by the Façade Tectonics Institute (FTI) on the topic. “Why do we care that high-performance facades and fenestration are not used?” asked Sanders. “What is used today performs worse than widely available options and far worse than...

Those participating in the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Annual Conference in Orlando, FL, learned about the building, energy and stretch codes in the state of Massachusetts in a presentation about the complexity of backstop calculations from presenter Christopher Grey (Simpson Gumpertz & Heger). In this presentation, Grey provided an overview of the 2023 Massachusetts Stretch Code updates that impact façade design including requirements for air leakage, thermal bridging and the envelope backstop calculations. He reviewed the 2020 and 2023 backstop calculations and discuss...

A safety expert gave advice for how to safely handle hurricane-resistant products during the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Annual Conference in Orlando, FL, February 17-20. Sponsored by the FGIA Fenestration Safety Committee, this session entitled “Safe Manufacturing of Hurricane Resistant Products” was led by Todd Benedict, Senior Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Manager at PGT Innovations. His presentation included background information on hurricane codes, why hurricane-resistant products are necessary and how to safely handle them during their manufacturing and assembly.History of Hurricane CodesIn...

A panel on innovation at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Annual Conference featured an in-depth discussion on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), the future of vacuum insulated glass (VIG), prioritizing updated software over new hardware and the use of more sophisticated digital modeling. The “Ignite Innovation” panel discussion was moderated by Ray Garries (Global Fenestration Solutions) and featured panelists Dave Cooper (VacuumGlass), Chris Giovannielli (Kawneer Company) and Anthony Pigliacampo (Joseph Machine Company).Garries began the session with a mention of AI and how he navigated...

Participants at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Annual Conference in Orlando, FL, heard from Ryan Hawk, host of The Learning Leader Show, a popular business podcast in which Hawk interviews thought leaders and communicates their stories, insight and leadership wisdom. Hawk shared six tips for becoming a “learning leader,” or one who recognizes that their own ongoing education is a critical component of successful leadership.1: Be Accountable“The first thing I have learned about leadership is that the best leaders have 100% ownership,” said...

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) recognized the contributions and achievements of its members and congratulated winners at the Annual Awards Ceremony and Reception at the end of the second day of the 2025 FGIA Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. Awards were presented primarily by the previous year’s winners, who recognized recipients for their many efforts toward progressing the work of the Association and the industry overall in 2024.Outstanding Service Award – Lothar Erkens (Winco Window Company)The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Lothar...

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has launched a new online store for purchasing AAMA and IGMA standards, technical documents and industry market reports. The revamped FGIA Online Store is now live, offering a more modern, user-friendly storefront and experience.“After over a year of planning, we are thrilled to launch this new store, complete with a robust catalog of technical documents and market studies,” said Angela Dickson, FGIA Marketing and Communications Director. “This project is part of the strategy approved by our Board to...

Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) corporate member companies have until April 15, 2025, to apply for the Bill Briese Educational Engagement Grant Program, which awards a $1,000 grant per company to use toward a first-time FGIA conference registration or enrollment in an FGIA education program. This company-focused grant, sponsored by GED Integrated Solutions, is aimed at extending education opportunities, building engagement within FGIA, expediting integration into the industry and furthering professional growth and advancement.“In Briese’s honor, FGIA founded the Bill Briese Educational Engagement Grant...

Several sessions at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) 2025 Annual Conference will provide interactive conversations and demonstrations in the form of a hands-on workshop demonstrating the start-to-finish process of producing an aluminum profile, a panel focused on product innovation and a roundtable discussion focused on fenestration installation. Engage with these industry-focused sessions February 17-20 in Orlando, FL, by registering now.“FGIA is proud to host sessions that allow participants to further their industry knowledge and encourage ongoing education,” said Florica Vlad, FGIA Events Manager....

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) 2025 Annual Conference will host several opportunities for those in the industry to network and meet with peers, whether experiencing a private tour at Kennedy Space Center; exploring innovative technologies through virtual reality devices or connecting during evening receptions. Register now to take advantage of these optional events February 17-20 in Orlando, FL.“Networking is consistently listed as one of our members’ highest priorities when it comes to making the most of our conferences,” said Florica Vlad, FGIA Events...