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Editorial July/August 2010

What I consider the single most important date in the fenestration
calendar is rapidly approaching. Of course, I’m talking about Win-Door
North America 2010.

What I consider the single most important date in the fenestration calendar is rapidly approaching. Of course, I’m talking about Win-Door North America 2010.

The annual event is once again taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Nov. 16 to 18, and registrations are now officially open at  www.windoorshow.com. I’m already excited, and I’d bet cash that a lot of other people involved in the fenestration industry are too. With over 2,500 window and door manufacturers under the same roof for three days, Win-Door offers an unparalleled opportunity for those in the business to come together and network.
 
Win-Door 2009 was my introduction to the industry. At the time, I had over 10 years’ experience as a trade editor under my belt…and about two weeks’ experience working on Glass Canada. Win-Door 2009 was a bit hectic, with a lot of new terms, names and faces to memorize, but I honestly can’t think of a better introduction to the business.
 
There will doubtless be many new people to meet this year, as well as an extremely comprehensive seminar series in the Education Pavilion. We’ve already received confirmation that the seminar series will include business management information, economic forecasts. There will also be a number of technical sessions, which are always a popular draw.
 
Updated Energy Star specifications will also be detailed, most likely including more stringent qualification levels for each products, and minimum ER requirements on the U-factor compliance paths for windows.
The National Building Code of Canada for 2010 is due to be released in November, the same time as Win-Door. I would be very surprised if this wasn’t covered in the education sessions as well as being a hot topic of conversation on the show floor.
 
We already know that we’ll be seeing new, harmonized standards in the updated code, as well as new standards on fall protection for residential windows. This last issue is being dealt with in part simply because some groups took the time to advocate for change. Among them are both emergency medical services and the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturer Association (CWDMA), which is of course a major force in organizing Win-Door 2010. Everyone involved has a right to be proud of the work done in mitigating potential harm to children.
 
There’s another national event coming up, and I’m just as excited about attending that. Glass Connections 2010 is taking place on Sept. 30 at the Delta Burnaby Hotel & Conference Centre. This will be the inaugural conference and trade show for the Canadian Glass Association, and it already promises to be a major part of the glass calendar. For more information on Glass Connections 2010, please see the story on page 7 of this issue, or visit  the website, www.canadianglassassociation.com .