BEC Conference 2024

Ricardo Maiz, President of Vitro Architectural Glass, will explore how the flat glass industry in North America has changed significantly in recent years, and deliver insight on the market demands and economics that have driven it. Looking forward, he’ll offer a glimpse of the opportunities and trends that will fuel the not-so-distant future of glass on our continent.

featuring Ricardo Maiz, Vitro Architectural Glass

Preview of the No. 1 trade fair for the glass sector in Düsseldorf, Germany this October.

Presented by Lars Wismer, Director
glasstec 2024

The North American glass and glazing industry is on the precipice of massive change. COVID and its aftermath have altered the landscape of construction and manufacturing, affecting supply chains, labor, borrowing and more. Business as usual won’t be enough to cut it for companies hoping to survive and thrive into the next decade and beyond.

During this keynote, hear insights from Harmon Inc.’s Troy Johnson about the potential disruptions coming for the glass industry, and learn what you can do to prepare.   

featuring Troy Johnson, Harmon Inc.

FHC Educational Update and What's New at FHC.

In today’s construction environment, glazing subcontractors are often faced with work delays, whether caused by jobsite problems, supply chain issues, labor shortages, or more. Find out what you can do to protect your glazing firm in the event of project delays.

featuring Vic McConnell, Smith, Cashion & Orr, PLC

Emerging Improvements in High-Performance Glass Products

Building on a Landmark: the Omni Nashville Hotel case study

The gorgeous Omni Nashville, host of this year's BEC Conference is the feature of this lunch case study presentation. Opened in 2013, the goals of this new convention center hotel were to integrate it, functionally and aesthetically, into the city's cherished landmark, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; and, to build a sustainable and energy-efficient structure suitable to earn USGBC LEED Silver. Hear how it helped set the stage for the use of glass in hospitality and how that trend has continued.

In addition to Vitro Architectural Glass, project partners included Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope and Gardner Glass & Glazing, Inc. 
 

Sponsored by Vitro Architectural Glass

It's time to take a proactive approach to recruitment, setting our company up for success in the long-term. Hear how one contract glazier has started engaging in high school career fairs and trades nights, and how NGA's new Guide to Recruiting at High School Career Fairs can help you get started too. 

Jodi Martinez AllStar Glass	Jenni Chase NGA

Next Generation Virtual Design Services

In this session, Tom Jackson, president and CEO of Steel Encounters is reprising and updating his popular presentation from the BEC Conference in 2018. Tom will share the lessons he has learned about employee engagement over the last six years, including setting cultural expectations, clarity of communication, teaching business to all employees, holding employees accountable, and creating career development plans. You do not want to miss this vital business learning opportunity!

featuring Tom Jackson, Steel Encounters

Does Bird-Friendly Glass Really Work? Looking at a Decade of AviProtek® Installations.

The National Safety Council reports 75% of employers have been impacted by the opioid crisis and 19% of construction workers have a substance use disorder. Yet substance misuse remains the proverbial “elephant in the room” in most construction workplaces. The time has come for employers to confront the realities of the enormous human and financial toll of substance misuse.

featuring
Cal Beyer, CWP - SAFE Project
Dave Argus - Karas & Karas Glass; Boston Phoenix Foundation

Remain in the general session room following the previous presentation for a quick photo opportunity on stage!

Advanced Engineering: Smart. Strong. Science.

In this session, members of the NGA advocacy and technical team will demonstrate the difference between a code and a standard and how they impact a job; address points of confusion with specifications that often come up with architects; and, challenges associated with window to wall ratio.

Friends in Low-e Places.

An architect and a glazier explore the use of collaboration and innovation to drive value to project stakeholders. Listen in as they peer into the future of architecture and construction workflow and learn how trade partners can position themselves to maximize their value proposition in the digital landscape that lies ahead.

Keith Fine, SLAM Collaborative	Matt Aragon, Aragon Construction

The future is here - it's time to not just witness, but actively participate in this AI-driven era. This dynamic keynote speech strips AI of its complexities, unveiling its immense potential to reshape our world, enhance decision-making, and optimize operations. Come away with an actionable three-step plan to start integrating AI into your personal and professional life.

featuring Stefanie Couch, Build Women

LuxWall R-18 VIG - Made in the USA.

This session will provide insights into the current state of construction robotics and offer strategies for engaging with and evaluating new technology providers. 

featuring
Conley Oster, Co-Founder
Raise Robotics
 

ALL IN ONE Solutions.

Utlizing LiSEC machinery and software automation technology, see how your shop floor can run with minimal employees at a faster rate and with higher yield. 

The success of a project depends significantly on the effective workflows of those involved. Clear communication methods, streamlined processes, and an understanding of the technology and systems being used will help a team communicate up the chain, along the chain and down the chain, reducing potential for gaps and mistakes. Hear from an estimator, a project manager and a field lead of what makes for a positive project experience.

Daniel Cothern Alexander Metals, Inc.	Matt Kamper Woodbridge Glass	Alyssa Wolf Assured Glass, LLC	Henry Taylor Kawneer Co.