Last year, the United Nations General Assembly formally approved a resolution designating 2022 as the International Year of Glass. And for FGIA, what an international year of glass (and fenestration) it has been! The Association expanded services in parts of Canada, updated FGIA education offerings, released a new glass safety standard and boasted high turnout at FGIA events all year. There was a lot to be thankful for in 2022, but here are a few highlights.

Expanded Canadian Focus

In a follow-up to FGIA’s collaboration agreement with l’ Association de vitrerie et fenestration du Quebec (AVFQ) in Quebec last year, FGIA added a Canadian region in 2022 by integrating the previously independent Fenestration Association of British Columbia (FENBC) as the new FGIA FENBC Region. The inaugural FGIA FENBC Region Technical Summit recently took place in Surrey and was attended by around 60 people invested in the British Columbia market. The energy at the event was high and that segment is poised for a reinvigorated future.

Big Developments in Education, Industry Standards

FGIA Education released an upgraded and modernized revamp of Fundamentals of Fenestration, FGIA’s online course introducing a basic working knowledge of the fenestration industry. Plans for releasing new FenestrationMasters Program recertification coursework are in the works for 2023 along with strategizing the release of the v3.0 edition of that program in 2024.

FGIA also published a new IGMA specification providing a framework for key aspects of safety programs within glass manufacturing facilities. IGMA TM-5000-22, Do’s and Don’ts of Glass Safety, was an important 2022 accomplishment. Rounding out the year will be the completion of the 2022 edition of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, NAFS — North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights (NAFS), slated to be available in first quarter 2023.

Events in Full Swing

In 2022, FGIA saw excellent turnout at two in-person conferences and one virtual, plus Southeast Region, Western Region and FENBC Region events. Professionals in our industry are engaging in a variety of venues and were clearly enthusiastic about meeting in person, leading to high numbers of registrants throughout the year. Not only that, but the annual IG Fabricators Workshop held earlier this month in Plano, TX sold out well in advance of the event! Luckily, there is an online video series version of the popular workshop for those who were unable to attend this time around. For 2023, save the date for several upcoming FGIA events and meetings. I hope to see you in Coronado, CA this February for our 2023 Annual Conference!

Share some of your 2022 industry highlights in the comments. Cheers to 2023!