BEC Conference Kicks Off in Nashville
BEC Conference kicked off March 4 in Nashville with a full day of informational sessions led by leading experts of the glass industry. The nearly 800 attendees to this year's BEC, had the opportunity on opening day to learn about the state of the flat glass industry, disruptions to anticipate and how to handle them, and much more.
Keynote presentation predicts disruption, urges preparation
President of Harmon Inc. Troy Johnson gave the conference's keynote presentation, "Disruption is Coming? Are You Ready?"
Johnson says that new entrants to the industry will be "the disruptors" to the incumbents. To prep for disruption, companies need to have a strong foundation; including organizational health and a solid business strategy. Companies should also strengthen their operating systems and identify unmet customer needs. Whereas individuals should embrace a growth mindset; including skill acquisition, digital literacy and embracing change.
"Change has to come in some form. At best, it will be transformational. At worst, it will be disruptive," Johnson says. "View this as an opportunity; not an obstacle."
State of the Flat Glass Industry
President of Vitro Architectural Glass Ricardo Maiz presented on the state of the flat glass industry. Maiz says float glass for solar energy generation is expected to see a large increase between now and 2032, with float glass in general anticipating an 8% per year growth in that same time frame.
"Glass is expected to do a lot more now than fill a hole in the building and allow light to come through,” says Maiz. "Glass has more functionalities than ever before; like thermal performance, dynamic glazing, technology, sustainability, safety and well-being."
Other happenings
Other Monday sessions included how to best manage project delays, recruitment, retainment and engagement, codes and specifications information and how architects and glaziers can effectively collaborate with one another. Keep up to date with BEC, which continues Tuesday, March 5, by visiting Glass Magazine's X and Instagram account.
