Association News: FGIA transitions Summer Conference to virtual event

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) will hold its Summer Conference virtually due to the spread of COVID-19 and requests by government leadership to shelter-in-place. This event, previously intended to be held in Chicago, will be hosted on Zoom for the convenience of participants. The event dates remain largely unchanged with the conference taking place Tues., June 23 through Thurs., June 25. Registration for the virtual Summer Conference will open the week of May 4.

"FGIA will provide the same high-quality industry content that participants have come to expect from our events, only in an online format," said Janice Yglesias, FGIA Executive Director. "There will be one track, making it easy to connect to the event and know you will be in the right 'room' for the sessions."

As the event gets closer, FGIA staff will announce a blended slate of association business sessions, as well as panel discussions, speakers and other content of most value to those in the industry in these unusual times. Keynote speaker Dan "Danimal" Hampton, a retired Hall of Fame NFL player for the Chicago Bears, will address the importance of leadership and adapting to change. An overview of the most recent FGIA market study, now in development, also will be given including forecasts for the U.S. fenestration market. Discussions on COVID-19's impact on the industry also will take place including lessons learned, financial relief packages and forecasting of what is to come.

Three or four meeting sessions will be hosted each day beginning at 10 a.m. Central time and concluding in the late afternoon, with plenty of breaks in between.

"While the format has changed, the quality level will be what participants have come to expect from FGIA," said Yglesias.

Despite the platform change, networking will still be a part of the conference, as it is with in-person events.

"We know those who come to our world class in-person events love doing so for the networking," said Yglesias. "To meet this need, FGIA will be hosting optional 'happy hours' following Tuesday's and Wedneday's content. Meet up in a themed 'room' online with up to 10 other participants and enjoy moderator-led discussions of topics you care about most or elect to join a social 'room' for general conversation and catching up."

For more information about FGIA and its activities, visit fgiaonline.org.

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