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Staying focussed

The Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association (CWDMA) will
host Win-door North America 2006 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(North Building) from November 14 to 16.

The Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association (CWDMA) will host Win-door North America 2006 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building) from November 14 to 16.

After an overwhelming positive response from exhibitors and attendees, Win-door North America will remain in the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre when the show takes place from November 14 to 16, 2006.

More than 150 exhibiting companies are expected to participate at this highly focussed fenestration trade show which will feature all the latest computer hardware, software, doors, door lites, hardware, machinery, sealants, weatherseals, testing services, wood products and systems for the window and door industries. In addition to the exhibiting companies, show organizers say more than 4000 attendees from across Canada, the US and other countries are expected to attend.

After moving the show to the north side of the Convention Centre last year, as a temporary location, the organizers have decided to remain there because of the overwhelming positive response from both exhibitors and attendees. Ron Vanden Brink, show chair for 2006, says this shift in the show’s venue is one example of the CWDMA’s ability to respond to the demands of both exhibitors and attendees.

“I’m at a loss to explain why the North Building was preferred by so many people. Everyone seems to have their own reasons and several have indicated that they are glad we are back there again. But whatever the reason, we don’t want to mess with a good thing. If that is what they want then that’s where the show will be,” he says, adding that show organizers rely heavily on the feedback from participants culled from surveys conducted soon after each Win-door.

“We survey the exhibitors every year at the conclusion of the show while everything is still fresh in their minds and we work hard to give them everything that they ask for, or at least try to meet their needs as best as we can. This is why we are always fine-tuning the show and this is why it has been so successful over the long-term,” explains Vanden Brink.

While other Canadian glass trade shows have lost their momentum over time, this show has been able to grow over the years, increasing the amount of floor space and offering attractive amenities such as free parking, which is extremely costly in downtown Toronto, free lunches and discounted room rates at five star hotels.

“The key factor is that we are listening to exhibitors and attendees. Exhibitors want to keep costs down and attendees want real value from this show,” he says.

Win-door North America increased its total show space square footage in 2005 when it moved to the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

In keeping with the knowledge based theme, Win-door North America will continue its series of industry topical seminars on issues relating to many aspects of their fenestration businesses. New for 2006 is the CWDMA ‘Super Session’, a two hour seminar featuring a high profile speaker, addressing business challenges and solutions as well as an update on industry best practices and installations.

The show is now in its 12th year after celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2004 and Vanden Brink credits the highly focussed nature of the show for its longevity. “Right from the beginning we said that we didn’t want to lose our focus on what this show is all about. It caters to the window and door manufacturers. At other trade shows, you sometimes get some crossover from other industries and this pumps up the numbers, but it also dilutes the quality of potential buyers because half of the visitors are looking for products that you don’t sell,” he explains. “In the past, we have been tempted to stray from our path but we have remained focussed and we will continue to do so.”

For more information visit: www.windoorshow.com, or contact the show office at: (416) 444-5225, (800) 282-0003. -end-

Up in the rankings
Win-door North America moved up the list of Canadian trade show rankings by Tradeshow Week magazine. The annual trade show hosted in Toronto by the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association (CWDMA) in November showcases all of the products and services for the fenestration and door industries.

Win-door ranked 40 on the list in between the Allied Beauty Association Convention in Edmonton, Alberta, ranked at 39, and the Ontario PGA Golf Merchandise Show, which ranked 41.

The rankings, published by Tradeshow Week magazine, are based on net square feet of exhibit space and are included in the Tradeshow Week 200 analysis of the largest industry shows which are conducted annually.

“We have been on the list for three years now at the 48th or 49th position, but this year we made a big jump on this list because the show moved to the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre which increased the square footage,” says show manager, Patrick Shield from Shield Associates. “While most shows in Canada are going down in size, Win-door is growing and doing very well.”

Win-door returns to the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and will be held November 14 to 16, 2006. -end-

Glass is the show
Glasstec 2006, the world’s largest international trade fair for the glass industry, takes place this month from October 24 to 28 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

More than 1000 exhibitors from approximately 45 nations will be showcasing their latest glass
products for building interiors and exterior applications, the complete spectrum of glass processing
and converting machines as well as a host of upstream supplies and innovative applications.
The glasstec show is known for attracting primary machine manufacturers, exhibiting the latest technologies in coated flat glass, construction glass and building façade, furniture glass, household appliances and automotive glass.

Organizers will once again host the Glass Technology Live show, a special event first held in 1996 that showcases the innovative glass products, applications and processing technologies with an emphasis on highlighting emerging trends in glass façades and structural glass applications for the future. -end-