Glass Companies Noticeably Absent from CSI 2007

Architects, specifiers and others attending the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Show & Convention in search of the latest in glass and glazing didn't find an over-abundance of information in their field, as only two fabricators and one manufacturer exhibited at the show, which opened June 20 and runs through today. J.E. Berkowitz, McGrory Glass and PPG Industries were the three glass companies that made up the fewer than 500 total exhibitors. Curtainwall, window film and some hardware suppliers were on hand, as well.

The show was not only light on glass exhibitors; it was also light on attendees. Official numbers have not yet been announced, but many of the exhibitors agreed the show's traffic was slow.

However, some also said that while the CSI Show did not bring in the same large crowds as other shows, they do get quality traffic.

"The attendees are focused and looking for information," said Bill Wilder of Graham Architectural Products. His company was promoting a new architectural products binder designed to complement the information on their website. He explained that the binder is not as big and as detailed as in the past, but is more compact and directs users back to the website for the complete information, drawings, specifications, etc. They were also promoting new thermal materials.

The green movement and energy efficiency continued to be a major topic at the show. Employees in the PPG booth, one of the busiest booths at the show, all wore green shirts to keep in check with the latest trend. The company was displaying its variety of products that can help a building earn LEED points including its glass, paint and finishes. James Bogdan, manager of green building initiatives, said they were also looking at ways that they, as a company, can be more energy efficient, including transportation and other operating procedures.

Curtainwall companies such as YKK AP, United States Aluminum and Traco exhibited, as well, keeping in check with the green trend, as well as that of safety and security. Doug Ellerbrock, executive vice president of United States Aluminum, said sunshades were a popular item for them, and that they've also re-designed their impact products to be dry-glazed, a system on which they worked with DuPont to develop.

Other news to come from the CSI show was the re-naming of next year's event to Construct 2008-The Art and Science of Building. The show will be produced by Hanley Wood LLC with CSI as the official sponsor. Dates have not yet been announced, but the event will take place in Las Vegas.