Speakers at the recently-held BEC Conference gave presentations to help businesses “position for recovery”, as well as discussing the use of new technology to build smarter building envelopes. Key words included those of cost, cash and risk, and safety, quality, schedule.
During the recently-held BEC Conference in Las Vegas, hosted by the Glass Association of North America (GANA), glass industry representatives took advantage of the sessions on topics ranging from avoiding problems in the field to changes in contract language.
“The theme of our meeting is: how to position your company for recovery,” said Henry Taylor, architectural services team manager for Kawneer Co., and GANA’s BEC Division Chair.
Ted Hathaway, CEO, Oldcastle Building Envelope, gave his presentation on smart building envelopes, asking the audience: “How, as an industry, can we make use of new technology to build smarter building envelopes?”
He presented brief case studies on three projects: 30 Mary Axe (The Gherkin) and Heron Tower, in London; and the Barclays Arena in Brooklyn, now under construction. The projects demonstrate successful and diverse smart building designs achieved using extensive modelling, innovative technology and close communication, he said.
Victor Corniellier, CEO of TSI/Exterior Wall Systems, provided tips for glazing company executives in his presentation: “Leadership in your Contract Glazing Firm.”
“None of us is too big to fail,” he said. “These three words – cost, cash and risk – are the vital signs of your business. You have to have a succession plan in order to survive,” he said.
Anthony Callas, director of operations, Heinaman Contract Glazing, provided tips for project managers about avoiding problems in the field, with the four most important considerations for contract glazing project managers being safety, quality, schedule and cost.
Other speakers included: Thomas Schwartz, president of the building technology group and senior principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, with tips to avoid problems on site with regards to installation, fabrication and labour; Richard Kalson, shareholder and attorney for Babst Calland Clements and Zomnir, discussing trends and changes in contract language; and Courtney Little, president, Ace Glass Construction Corp., who spoke about the importance of carefully tracking finances and profits.