Speakers at FGIA Hybrid Annual Conference to Focus on Technical Expertise, Training

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance will welcome Frank Abagnale as the keynote speaker for the upcoming 2022 FGIA Hybrid Annual Conference taking place Feb. 28-March 3, with both in-person and virtual options for participation. Early bird registration rates are available through Feb. 4. The in-person event will take place at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Amelia Island, Florida.

Abagnale, who inspired the events depicted in the film "Catch Me If You Can," will give a presentation about how simple strategies can thwart today's cyber criminals. Additional conference speakers and presenters will include an economist and a trio of safety trainers. Participants will also hear a roundtable discussion about embracing innovation in the windows sector and a proposal update on Energy Star Version 7. 

Cybersecurity Measures

"For the past 45 years, I have educated two generations of FBI agents by teaching at the FBI Academy on the subjects of cybercrime, identity theft and scams. I hope to give you the information you need to protect your business, your assets, your family and your children," says Abagnale.

Abagnale will reveal how identity thieves work, why passwords aren't keeping people safe and why safeguarding oneself is particularly important today.

"We know how crucial access to the most up-to-date, relevant technical and business information is to our member and the industry," says Florica Vlad, FGIA meetings manager. "Participation in this conference, whether in person or virtually, gives you that access to experts and a front row seat to their shared knowledge."

Economic Outlook

Dr. Chris Kuehl, managing director of Armada Corporate Intelligence, will give his latest U.S. and Canada economic outlook, focusing on change in the economy since the pandemic. In October 2020, Kuehl spoke at the Association's Fall Conference. "Normally, if you put money in the hands of consumers, they will spend their way out of a recession, but consumers have had nowhere to go, in this case, with restaurants and stores being closed," said Kuehl at the time. He will provide an update with new information at the upcoming conference.

Energy Star

Doug Anderson, project manager and program analyst for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Protection Partnership Division in the Energy Star Residential Branch, will share a proposal update for Energy Star Version 7. Anderson, through his role, seeks to research, identify and promote cost effective ways to make new and existing homes more energy efficient, safe and healthy.

Safety Sessions

Sponsored by the FGIA Fenestration Safety Committee, three trainers will host an across-the-board session and several interactive safety demonstrations at the conference to create a full understanding of the benefits of trauma response training. Together, Ben Brudnicki, Drew Stilson and Glen Stilson from Independence Training will teach the employee and business benefits of trauma training, what constitutes an emergency, the MARCH acronym of patient assessment and the importance of having trauma kits available.

Innovation Discussion

Ray Garries, owner and president of Global Fenestration Advisors, will lead a roundtable discussion on the latest innovations in the window and door industry. Garries has managed innovation for some of the largest corporations in the fenestration industry for more than 40 years. He and the panelists will review some of the newest innovations to hit the market and how they were developed.