Our partners that attended the GlassBuild show in Las Vegas focused on networking, new products, trends and education. Here are some takeaways from the big show.
Networking
After the last couple of years working virtually throughout the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to build and strengthen relationships. Meeting in person with long-time and colleagues and new contacts, learning their strengths and how we can potentially collaborate puts us in an ideal position to collaborate on successful projects. “The work of our partners building and strengthening relationships is broadening at Giroux with each passing year. In fact, there were too many meetings and events this week to mention them all,” said Nataline Lomedico, Giroux Glass CEO and president.
Our team loves sitting down in person with our peers, learning, growing and meeting with our incredible partners and future vendors. Daniel Rodriguez, preconstruction executive said, “GlassBuild is always worth my time for the networking alone. We connect with vendors that we don’t get to see in person on a regular basis. It’s also beneficial to attend and find new vendors and new products.” Chase Castillo, administrative assistant added, “My biggest takeaway from GlassBuild was that I could meet and see all the different vendors, and see what they do. Meeting all the vendors reps helps to build my rapport with them.”
New Products
Seeing new and existing products is a huge draw. Getting hands-on experience with equipment and seeing it in action helps equip our team for current challenges and gives us a competitive edge on future business. Project manager, Bo Ma commented, “One of my missions was to find and talk to companies including Hydro, re. aluminum and gasket extrusion, specifically for a big project that is in the pipeline. I talked with them and heard their ideas regarding stock materials’ extrusion process.” Bo continued with, “It was valuable to hear what they have learned as far as what needs to be paid attention to, to avoid mistakes.”
Meeting with Hilti, we had the opportunity to discuss their Quickseal fire-stopping system materials and installation and to compare to other insulation and spray systems, which was very informative and helpful to see in person. It was good to talk to the = Bronzecraft and C. R. Laurence teams in person, both valuable and trusted resources for us.
Our team discussed systems integration with Arcadia, Kawneer and EFCO window systems. We were introduced to and discussed opportunities with Grey Goat Supply, out of Ontario, Canada.
Our Nevada project engineer, Catherine Wright, met the owners of a company that handles niche retrofitting for schools, government work and residential projects. She was able to speak to them about Defenselite, the perfect product for them to consider having us install for them where security products are mandated.
Another gem was meeting the VP of operations for OTIIMA Window & Door, and discussing their innovative minimal frame window and door system.
Education and Trends
While our team was exploring at GlassBuild, we made time for learning about topics of interest and listening in at the Main Stage on industry updates.
One topic of interest was the Women in Glass + Fenestration panel that presented ways to encourage current and future women in our industry. Industry experts Deb Callahan of the National Fenestration Rating Council, Barbara Kotsos of Giroux Glass and Alicia Hamilton of the National Glass Association had some ideas and advice. Each of them shared how they got into the glass and glazing field and how they give back to the next generation. This inspirational event was held Wednesday morning before a standing-room-only crowd. “It was so heart-warming for me to see such a turn-out of women and men alike, all of us interesting in seeing significant increases in the numbers of women working in glazing,” said Barbara Kotsos, director of marketing and public relations. “It was our goal to share ideas about how to start to make that a reality from a local communities’ level, and I hope that we succeeded in motivating folks to implement some of those ideas once they get home.”
Additionally, the panel ended with Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT) awarding plaques to the first female certified glaziers, Anna Wright & Casey Weir, a mother and daughter team who worked with us at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The AGMT Certification Program is a personnel certification process featuring a third-party, independent assessment of an experienced glazier’s knowledge of, and ability to properly perform fundamental glazing procedures. The program has been designed for, and is accredited by, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Glass Magazine Awards
Glass Magazine recognized their seven project winners and six product winners at its Glass Magazine Awards ceremony, Wednesday afternoon. “This year’s winners pushed the envelope once again, contributing building materials that allow for a safer, greener and more beautiful built environment,” said Norah Dick, associate editor for Glass Magazine, the emcee for the event. Giroux Glass had the greatest number of attendees, and we were thrilled to be there in person as our project was named as Best Decorative Glass Application: Metro Crenshaw/LAX Transit.
Learning more about our industry, amazing innovations and new products, networking and meeting new helpful colleagues are all among the most important takeaways of this trade show. GlassBuild 2022 certainly delivered all that and more to our Giroux team this year.