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Support pouring in for FenCon17

A very cost-effective conference for the window and door industry is coming to life in a remarkable way in a very short periord of time with an excellent response from manufacturers as well as related stakeholders.. Core components of content have been put together with CME Lean and industry experts, a very accessible and affordable facility has been secured complete with affordable hotel costs and FenCon17.com has been created with broadening content accessible.
 

It is also very encouraging to see the growth in interest and commitments to attend the event. “We are impressed by the content and will be looking at ways to encourage people to attend,” says Allan Doyle, president of Fenestration Canada and general manager of Global Windows in New Brunswick.   

And from the other coast: “We’ve discussed the program and myself and our operations manager will be attending,” says Isbrand Funk, president of Euroline Windows in Vancouver.  “FenCon17 definitely has important content and we are very supportive of this venture,” says Jean-Francois Voyer, president of GM Woodwork in Calgary.
 
To re-cap, a short but intense one-day agenda on Feb. 10 in Winnipeg will allow window and door manufacturing professionals, owners and senior managers to select sessions in one of three different streams of seminars. The seminars are a mix of operational topics such as ERP implementation, safety, automation, continuous improvement and innovation while adding content on innovation and performance. Speaker and supplier sponsorships will include access to table top presentations in the plenary room allowing for easy access for additional technical discussions during breaks.As many of us have found, some of the most valuable times are spent talking to like-minded professionals with similar challenges and unique solutions.

The technical parts of the program include important topics such as high performance glass and choices in colour finishes.  “Colour continues to expand in the
fenestration market and FenCon17 will be a way to fully examine the growth in that direction,” comments one of the speakers, David Harris, Renolit Exterior
product manager.  “We are pleased to offer information about not only trends in the market but also leading edge technology in the performance of colours.”
 
Several feature speakers have been added, most recently Nicole Verkindt (luncheon keynote) speaks to the importance of disruptive thinking, technology, innovation and women’s roles in business and stresses to audiences that the key to success lies in the ability to ignore being told “no” over and over again. Martin Holladay, editor of Green Building Advisor and Fine Home Building, brings a very personal set of insights and experience to energy efficient construction as he has lived off-grid since 1975.
 
FenCon17 organizers have also been able to arrange for some tours of a factory or test facility as well as a mixer/reception event for the first day – Thursday afternoon – at the Victoria Inn Conference Center. These represent additional opportunities for manufacturing professionals to add value to their investment of time.

“CME Lean coordinators and trainers have been fabulous to work with and we are excited to see Continuous Improvement as a core component of the program,”
says Aynsley Dueck, Duxton’s Continuous Improvement manager.  “We’ve literally seen the impact and look forward to learning more from other presenters.”
 
Finally, this ideal off-season timing allows for people to not only experience the special offerings of friendly Manitoba in the winter but to take a closer look at the recently launched Canadian Museum for Human Rights at the Forks, possibly after going for a skate on the world’s longest river skating rink and before enjoying an unusual dining experience at the Raw on Almonds. “I went to the Human Rights Museum last June and realized that all mankind should witness it and reflect – very emotional!” says Diane Huybers, WindowMaker sponsor.  “For whatever reason, I’ve always loved visiting Winnipeg and look forward to FenCon17.”

For more information
fencon17.com