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Hands-on Learning Opportunities at FGIA Fall Conference

To focus on installation, insulating glass failures, black vinyl research

Several opportunities for hands-on industry experience and learning will be offered during the 2026 Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Fall Conference in Calgary, Alberta. Those visiting the city for the conference will have the chance to try their hands at proper window installation techniques, identifying flaws in insulated glass units (IGUs) and assessing color space in black vinyl profiles. Register for the conference before July 24 to take advantage of early bird pricing.

“Hands-on learning can provide a level of understanding that can't be replicated otherwise,” said Florica Vlad, FGIA Events Manager. “These interactive experiences will allow attendees to apply best practices, build confidence in their skills and engage directly with the products and processes that shape our industry. By pairing practical learning opportunities with our technical sessions, we are empowering professionals to return to their organizations with knowledge they can apply immediately.”

Perfecting Sill Pan and Flashing Techniques with InstallationMasters®

On Wed., Sept. 2, FGIA will be hosting two different skills challenges, the first of which is called, “InstallationMasters® | Proper Sill Pan and Self-Adhering Flashing Applications.” InstallationMasters covers industry-accepted installation practices for windows and exterior glass doors in residential and light commercial markets. This interactive skills challenge focuses on best practices for proper residential window installation techniques, based on FMA/AAMA 100, Standard Practice for the Installation of Windows with Flanges or Mounting Fins in Wood Frame Construction for Extreme Wind/Water Conditions. Two stations will allow participants to test their talents at creating a flexible sill pan and applying self-adhering flashing.

Identifying Flaws in IGUs

During the same hands-on workshop, the second skills challenge will be a version of the popular Insulating Glass Fabricators Workshop. Led by industry experts, the workshop addresses best practices for the most important aspects of fabricating and testing insulating glass units. This interactive skills challenge includes two stations from the two-and-a-half-day workshop, focused on ensuring proper sealant mix and identifying flaws in IGUs. The forensic investigation performed at the workshop is a participant favorite and tests their knowledge of identifying failures to avoid these in the future and maximize the effectiveness of an IGU.

Engaging in Black Color Space Research for Black Vinyl Frames

Black framed windows have rapidly emerged as a defining trend in modern design, but achieving both aesthetics and performance requires advanced engineering. In an effort to support ongoing research into black color space, the FGIA Vinyl Material Council will be hosting a table in the registration area during the conference. There, conference participants can assess digital black panels in person. Participants will view samples on color-corrected monitors and will determine, in their opinion, which samples reflect a black color change that would be acceptable to them on their home over time.

Registration

FGIA members can take advantage of early-bird pricing until July 24 and register for the conference for a fee of US$1,050. Non-members may register for US$1,600 before Aug. 7, or US$1,800 after that date. Spouses and guests may be included in events for a fee of US$225 per person, or they may opt for the all-inclusive upgrade, which includes evening events and all meals, for US$450 each.

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