The seminar schedule for Glass Expo Niagara has been announced

The following seminars are being offered at the show being held at Niagara Falls June 3-4, 2004.

Thursday, June 3, 2004
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Auto Glass & Architectural
Understanding Blast Resistant Glazing
With the treat of natural disasters, bomb blasts, and other unexpected events, security and protective glazing has become a necessity of every day life. This session will cover the various types of security and protective products available. How to properly install them, their ratings and past cases, as well as where they have been used and saved lives or kept the building structure sound. See how these safety devices currently surround you and how you can use them to create a better environment for your employees and customers.
Session leader: Scott Haddock, president of GlassLock in San Jose, California

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Architectural
Avoiding Adhesive Failures
Adhesive failures are among the most painful (and expensive) problems a glass and metal contractor can have. This presentation will discuss the steps you can take to minimize failures, beginning with the architect and building owner, right through to the general contractor. Proper materials, proper usage and how to handle problems will also be discussed.
Session leader: A representative from Brichem Sales, LTD. in Oakville, ON, Canada.

12:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - Auto Glass
Proper Auto Glass Installation Practices
This course is designed to promote auto glass installation practices and techniques safely. Focusing on technical knowledge used in the replacement of automobile windshields, this training will help both new and veteran glass installers learn about the latest technology and safety installation standards as well as providing hands-on-training for attendees. This extensive education would normally cost more than $220CND per person, but Glass Expo Niagara™ has arranged for this education to be included as part of our seminar program at no additional charge to you. It is a must for shop owners and technicians.
Session leader: Jeff Ritchie, technician supervisor from Achievement Group in Madison, Wisconsin.

1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - General
Manager Roundtable
"Why am I doing this?" Ever ask your self this after a long day. . . or maybe on Monday morning? Well, this session is designed to address some of the key issues that lead us to ask that question. Managers may choose tables to discuss any number of topics including employee motivation, legal concerns, supplier relationships, diversification, insurance, warranties and more. Be sure to join us for this excellent exchange of information.
Session leader: Debra Levy, publisher, USGlass and AGRR.

1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. - Architectural
New & Innovative Installation Techniques for Heavy Shower Doors, All Glass Commercial Entrances, Glass Railings and Balustrades.
Learn how to do a quick and quality shower door installation while picking up additional techniques, we will discuss the dos and don'ts and what is necessary for a successful installation. On simplifies installation of all glass commercial entrances, glass railings and balustrades installations will also be discussed.
Session leader: Gavin Brin, president of CRL Canada for C.R. Laurence Company, Inc. of Los Angeles, California.

1:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - General Business
What Kind of Manager Are You?
As managers, our strengths and weaknesses also become our company's own strengths and weakness. This informative session includes diagnostic tools that help you evaluate where your strengths lie and how you can improve relationships with your employees in order to provide the best working environment in the industry. This type of management session is available throughout the nation, and usually at a high cost, however only at Glass Expo Niagara™ is it taught by an instructor with extensive experience in the glass industry and included in your registration fee.
Session leader: TBA

2:30 p.m. - 3:45 pm - Architectural
Specifying Glass Properly
How can you narrow and then choose the proper type of glass with the exact characteristics you need in an easy and quick way? This session for glazing companies, architects and specifies, will help explain the different categories of glass, critical performance specs and help you learn how to choose the right types.
Session leader: Raymond Wakefield, senior manager for Trulite Industries Ltd in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. - Auto Glass
Auto Glass Installation Demonstration
A demonstration of the safe installation on a late-model vehicle, including details about full vs. partial cutout methodologies, the importance or pre-inspection of the vehicle, proper safety precautions as well as molding and windshield removal procedures used in the preparation in the vehicle.
Session leader: Jeff Ritchie, technician supervisor from Performance Achievement Group in Madison, Wisconsin.

Friday, June 4, 2004
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Auto Glass
New Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (ARGSS) Update
Come learn about the new AGRSS/ANSI Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS.)
This seminar will discuss the information of the standards content and administration and how your shop can profit and advance from the industry with its usage. A session not-to-be-missed for auto glass companies.
Session leader: Debra Levy, publisher of AGRR magazine in Stafford, Virginia and chair of the AGRSS marketing committee.

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Architectural
What's Next for the State of Contract Glazing Business?
Come hear this discussion on what's new, what's changing and future trends in the contract glazing business from a panel of experts. Learn what other companies are doing to counter act the downfall in new commercial construction. Topics discussed include local and regional economic forecast for 2004; bonding issues; workers comp insurance changes and more.
Moderator and Panel: TBA

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - General Business
Export Opportunities
Attention manufacturers, supplies and company OWNERS! Come and join us for this informational seminar regarding what is your market potential for exporting internationally, and how to legal take advantage it. You'll learn how to expand your market profitability while avoiding common pitfalls and problems.
Session leaders: Bill Macheras, marketing & trade officer for International Trade Centre a division of Industry Canada in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Cora DiPietro Navarro, Director of Consulting for Livingston Consulting Group in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Architectural
Advanced Mirror Installation Problems
The sale and installation of mirrors can be one of the most lucrative parts of your business that is if they are installed correctly the first time. This demonstration will help installers learn the best techniques for proper and safe mirror installations. Troubleshooting ideas will also be discussed.
Session leader: TBA

9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Auto Glass
The "NAGS" Rebalancing
Learn about the new NAGS developments and how they apply to you. Get tips and the know how to utilize this system more effectively.
Session leader: Bud Oliver, director of product operations for National Auto Glass Specification (NAGS) in San Diego, California.

10:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Keynote Luncheon Address
"Getting the Most From Your Yellow Page Advertising"
Learn how to save money and keep from being ripped off. Learn how to make your yellow page advertisement stand out and receive business calls from customers even when surrounded by ads for your competitors.
As quoted in TIME, magazine "Barry Maher has helped thousands of small businesses get the most effective and cost-effective Yellow Pages advertising possible. [He's] easily the most widely respected consultant, speaker, writer on the subject."

PLUS: As an extra special bonus, be among the first to pre-register and you may receive a private consultation with Barry. He'll review your yellow page program and show you have you can make it better and save money. These sessions are available to pre-registrants only on a first-come, first-served basis until we are full.

10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Architectural
Fire-Rated Glazing
How can you narrow and then choose the proper type of glass with the exact characteristics you need in any easy and quick way? This session, for glazing companies, architects and specifiers, will help explain the different categories of glass, critical performance specs and help you learn how to choose the right types.
Session leader: Kevin Turner, national sales manger for SAFTI a div. of O'Keeffe's, Inc. in San Francisco, California.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Architectural
What's New for Glazing Contractors "Product Preview"
A glass that goes from clear to opaque at a flip of a switch;
Another that requires little maintenance to come clean;
An argon filled insulating unit with extremely high insulating qualities.
Architects, specifiers, glazing managers and anyone interested in new products are welcome to attend this session and see and learn about the newest types of glass and other products and services available to the industry.

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Auto Glass
Auto Glass Installation Demonstration
A demonstration of the safe installation on a late-model vehicle, including details about full vs. partial cutout methodologies, the importance or pre-inspection of the vehicle, proper safety precautions as well as moulding and windshield removal procedures used in the preparation in the vehicle.
Session leader: TBA.