FGIA Virtual Summer Summit schedule centers on sustainability, products, quality control, more

Schaumburg, Illinois – The robust schedule for the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Virtual Summer Summit will focus on sustainability efforts in the industry, product evolution over time, how to improve through quality control, the importance of installation and an update on the state of the industry. Register now for this two-day industry event taking place online June 17-18.

“FGIA has packed a lot of critical information into a short amount of time. Experts, who are the best in the industry, will be speaking on multiple important topics, giving members the best value for their investment,” said Florica Vlad, FGIA Events Manager. “There is still time to register for this content-packed industry event. Plus, economic company upgrades are available to FGIA members.”

Sustainability
Two sessions dedicated to sustainability topics will take place, the first of which is “PFAS | A Checklist for Assessing Potential Risks.” This presentation, led by James Votaw (Keller and Heckman Law Firm), will provide an overview of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, why they are of concern, where they are used in the fenestration and glazing industries and the range of enterprise risks PFAS create for businesses, including regulatory, liability, commercial and supply chain risks. The session will then address steps companies can take to identify and manage these risks in their own businesses.

The second session, “’Green’ Claims | Understanding Benefits and Risk in the U.S.” with Jean-Cyril Walker, and Alexa Pecht (Keller and Heckman Law Firm), will provide an overview of the applicable laws and guidelines governing green claims. Governed by advertising law principles, the speakers will highlight how the technical aspects of environmental marketing claims can lead to greater claims pitfalls and guide participants through the substantiation requirements crucial for supporting and defending such claims.

The evolution of products over time
Two sessions will focus on products and how they have improved over time. The first is a panel discussion, “Security Screens | Understanding the New North American Security Screen Specification and Opportunities for the Industry,” with panelists Jeff Bell and Dan Parrish (UHD Innovations), and Michael Leigh (Crimsafe North America), as moderated by Ray Garries (Global Fenestration Advisors). This expert-led panel will discuss the rise of security screens in windows and doors in North America. Learn the history of these products, what’s driving innovation and how the new AAMA 1901 standard will be used in product certification.

A second products panel entitled, “Vacuum Insulated Glass | Integrating VIG into Energy Efficient Building Strategies,” will feature panelists Dave Cooper (VacuumGlass), John Matuszewski (Guardian Glass) and Kayla Natividad (Pilkington North America), as moderated by Rob Grommesh (Cardinal Glass Industries). Join FGIA members and industry experts to discuss the latest research, technological advancements and ongoing standard development efforts surrounding VIG as it gains traction in the building envelope industry. This discussion will provide a comprehensive look at its evolving role, benefits and challenges.

Learning improvement through quality control
Because there is the potential for growth in the face of failure, FGIA will host two sessions about the important data that can come out of quality control efforts. In the first session, “Designing for the Future | Understanding Resilience in the Built Environment” with Alan Scott (Intertek), participants will be introduced to the principles of resilient design with a focus on how Property Resilience Assessments (PRA) are emerging as essential tools for managing physical and climate-related risks. Participants will explore how LEED v5 integrates resilience, gain a working understanding of the ASTM E3420 standard and learn how to interpret and apply PRA findings in both new construction and retrofit projects.

In another quality control session called, “Architectural Coatings | Results of Weathering Testing for Preliminary Verified Components Listing (VCL)” with Sean Fowler (Q-Lab Corporation), Fowler will discuss the results of a study initiated by the Fluoropolymers Committee under The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), now part of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). The goal is to review the results of this study and apply any learnings from this work to efforts at FGIA to develop accelerated weathering requirements that may provide preliminary VCL listing approval for the new category of finishes products, which is currently under development.

Best practices for installation
Another popular topic at the Virtual Summer Summit will be installation. A residentially focused session entitled, “Residential Window Installation | Reviewing Field Issues Related to Water Drainage” will be led by Ben Anastasio (Signature Windows + Doors). In this session, participants will learn about the proper integration of mounting flange windows in walls that utilize a membrane/drainage system, based on the recommendations of FMA/AAMA 100, Standard Practice for the Installation of Windows with Flanges or Mounting Fins in Wood Frame Construction for Extreme Wind/Water Conditions.

A commercially focused panel called “Commercial Glazing | Reviewing Failures that Impact Best Practices and Quality Control” will host speakers Jeff Dalaba (Administrative Management Systems), Terry Schaefer (Administrative Management Systems) and Dana Landis (Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.). This panel will provide insight specifically on glazing contractors’ and stakeholders’ perspectives to address how a well thought out and implemented quality systems approach can raise the commercial glazing industry to a higher standard of performance. Panelists will offer attendees a fresh approach to ensure high quality commercial glazing installations for building enclosures that will look and perform as intended.

State of the industry
An FGIA members only session, “U.S. Market Study | FGIA Report Update and Industry Impacts: Tariffs, Inflation and Immigration,” will be led by Rhett Bender (Ducker Carlisle). This presentation will begin with an overview of the latest FGIA U.S. Industry Market Studies, followed by a Q&A session with Bender. The session will feature highlights of current trends and upcoming changes in the fenestration market to help companies prepare for the future. Submit your questions ahead of time to Marketing@FGIAonline.org or during the Q&A segment.

A second presentation, “Uncertainty and Opportunities | Navigating Change in Canadian Politics and Trade Relations,” will be given by Louis-Philippe Champagne (Canadian Construction Association). This session will deliver an in-depth discussion on Canada’s evolving political landscape and the changing dynamics of Canada-U.S. trade, including the impacts of tariffs, negotiations and policy shifts that could reshape cross-border relations.

In a third related session, Kathy Krafka Harkema, FGIA U.S. Technical Operations Director, will present, “Top 3 Political Factors Influencing the Commercial Market in the U.S.” Don’t miss this important information, or any of the other content being shared at the FGIA Virtual Summer Summit.

Registration fees
The extended early bird registration fee for FGIA members is US$400 until June 3, when the price will increase to US$450. Non-members can register for a fee of US$1,600.

For more information about FGIA events, visit FGIAonline.org/events.

Your trusted industry resource, setting the standards for fenestration and glazing.
###