Education and exhibits provide Canada’s fenestration industry with technical and practical information
Ontario Construction Report special feature
The twenty-first annual Win.door Show Nov. 3 through 5 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s only industry-owned fenestration trade show. Changes to the show’s model this year have been designed to offer even greater value and accessibility for attendees.
Fenestration Canada president Skip MacLean describes the show as the industry’s most recognizable value, with sell-out educational and special events and a new products showcase. Its focus means visitors receive the kind of technical and practical information they need to address the industry’s challenges and trends.
He says many of this year’s changes have been driven by a survey taken after the 2014 show. “Fenestration Canada’s intention is to monitor these changes closely and to incorporate new ideas and initiatives into future Win.door shows. Exhibitors and attendees will be invited to provide input on how to improve the show experience for everyone.”
This year’s event kicks off with opening day keynote speaker Michael “Pinball” Clemons, who MacLean says has been chosen to help energize the show’s opening night and to draw local attendees to the event at off-peak rush hour traffic times.
He says there are several hot topic presentations including a breakfast meeting on Thursday with an economic forecast/overview by Scotia Bank chief economist Warren Jestin. Again this presentation’s timing is intended to allow local attendees to avoid rush hour traffic, he said.
“The demand for these types of presentations is always high and with the dramatic change in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. and the drop in oil pricing there are a lot of folks looking for guidance.”
Technical presentation highlights this year include NAFS (North American Fenestration Standard) and the custom home; a discussion about manufacturing and the Millennials; challenges builders face with fenestration products and codes; and energy standards updates.
MacLean says a new floor layout, increased focus on new products and a centre stage presentation area are just some of the changes to this year’s show designed to enhance the visitor experience.
“One of the really unique ideas being tried this year is opening the education pavilion/centre stage to exhibitors who want to present a specific product or service by means of short (5 min. or so) PowerPoint or slide show presentation from the stage.”
He says the idea is to create interest and drive attendees to the prospective exhibitor booth.
Traditionally, trade shows effectively reduce the cost of introducing new products to a diverse market like the Canadian fenestration industry. MacLean says exhibitors who effectively plan their show experience by scheduling their time with prospective customers will reap the benefits of having a large focused audience in attendance.
“Win.door is also a clear opportunity to give thanks and to celebrate with customers near and far,” he said. “Fenestration Canada has planned events such as technical committee meetings and Fabrication Council sessions that allow for fenestration professionals to understand issues that affect our industry and have an impact on matters that continue to impact the way we do business. The ability to network with peers across the country at one time, in one location, cannot be taken lightly. As they say, information is the true currency in business.”
“We also have new hours this year that are designed to pack more action into the scheduled time frame and to allow greater flexibility for long and short distance travellers. New sponsorship opportunities have also been designed to provide greater value for the sponsor.”
MacLean offers advice for those who may be attending Win.door for the first time: “Make sure you network with Fenestration Canada staff who can help introduce you to the show, association and key stakeholders in the industry.”
For the veteran show attendee, he says the new products area should be of great interest, along with the technical and keynote presentations. The revised show hours should make getting to the event that much easier.
For more information, visit windoorshow.com.