Registration is now open for the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) 2024 Fall Conference, taking place September 16-19 in Minneapolis, MN, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. The conference’s theme, “Oktoberfest,” is a seasonal reference to the event’s fun night out: a brewery tour at Surly Brewing. Participants are encouraged to register now to take advantage of early-bird pricing through August 23. Registration is available for both the in-person event (https://fgiaonline.org/events/675/) and the virtual experience (https://fgiaonline.org/events/676/).

“The Midwest loves the German tradition of Oktoberfest, and FGIA is excited to celebrate the season in Minneapolis,” said Florica Vlad, FGIA Events Manager. “In-person participants will also have the opportunity to register for a Sherwin-Williams DesignHouse tour and the popular FGIA Product Showcase. The networking and educational aspects of this event will offer all participants the opportunity to learn and connect.”

Education and Networking Events
On Monday morning, participants can see first-hand the Sherwin-Williams DesignHouse (https://industrial.sherwin-williams.com/na/us/en/industrial-wood/color/global-color-and-design-center.html) thanks to an educational tour offered by the company. The DesignHouse (https://youtu.be/8M4ujcpH1vY) keeps track of color trends and helps customers bring desired finishes to life.

Also on Monday, the FGIA “Rich and Diane Walker Cup” Golf Tournament will be held at the beautiful Como Golf Course (https://stpaul.golf/como-gc). Guests and spouses will also be busy rolling up their sleeves during the World Vision (https://www.worldvision.org/) Backpack Assembly to fill backpacks with school supplies for local children in need.

On Tuesday, the FGIA Product Showcase (https://fgiaonline.org/pages/tabletop-product-showcase-information) will offer participants the chance to learn about the latest product trends. This hands-on, once-a-year event offers a prime opportunity for supplier members to showcase products and services and is exclusively for FGIA Category 1, Category 2 and GPC-only Supplier Members.

On Wednesday morning, the Wall Interface Council will host a hands-on workshop. Several stations will include demonstrations of the proper application of materials common to fenestration installation.

Lastly, attend the Oktoberfest-themed outing at the local Surly Brewing (https://surlybrewing.com/) on Wednesday night, sponsored exclusively by Cardinal Glass Industries. This event will feature a live musical performance by the Jolly Huntsmen Polka Band, who was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame this year. Participants will also enjoy a brewery tour and contests for prizes. The suggested dress code is traditional Bavarian attire (https://aama-public.s3.amazonaws.com/event/2024_Fall/Oktoberfest_Attire.pdf).

Speakers and Presentations
Topics covered at the FGIA Fall Conference will include:
• Construction Mockups and Testing: Overview, Trends and Best Practices, presented by Christopher Grey (SGH, https://www.sgh.com/)
• What Do We Need to Know When It Comes to New Commercial Energy Codes in Minnesota?, presented by Don Sivigny (Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, https://www.dli.mn.gov/)
• EPDs: Where Do We Go from Here?, presented by Richard Braunstein (Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, https://obe.com/)
• A color forecast and trends, presented by Kiki Redhead (Sherwin-Williams, https://www.sherwin-williams.com/)
• How Will New Laws Help Reduce the Use and Presence of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Minnesota?, presented by Dana Vanderbosch and Kirk Koudelka (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, https://www.pca.state.mn.us/)
• Corrosion Research, presented by Vicky Gallen (Sherwin-Williams)
• NAFS Committee | Decoupling Air-Water-Structural Performance Work Group (NAFS)

Event Sponsorship
Sponsorship spots are available for the FGIA Fall Conference, during which companies can promote products to industry influencers and expand their reach. Several levels and package options are available to serve any budget. Space is limited, and sponsorship opportunities close on August 23.

In-person Registration
FGIA members can take advantage of early-bird pricing between now and August 23 and register for the conference for a fee of $1,050. An extended early-bird rate of $1,300 will be available through September 2, with registration available at the price of $1,500 after that date. Non-members may register for $1,600.

Virtual Registration
Individual virtual registration for FGIA members will be available at an early-bird discount of $350 until August 23. An extended early-bird rate of $400 will be available through September 2, with registration available at the price of $450 after that date. FGIA member companies may register up to 10 participants for an early-bird rate of $875 by August 23, with rates increasing to $950 through September 2. The regular cost of a company registration is $1,200. Non-member individuals may register for $1,600.

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