Win-door Show Expands its Lineup
August 18, 2009

Organizers of Win-Door North America, to be held November 17 through 19 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, say they are busy adding the finishing touches to the show's lineup.

"Along with the latest products, services and leading edge technology, there are even more additions," says show chair Matt Kottke of Owatonna, Minn.-based Truth Hardware. "We've added daily live impact testing demonstrations on the show floor and members of the Insulated Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) have increased their presence through a special promotion that will run throughout the show."

With early signs of economic recovery fueling headlines, the show's timing makes it a barometer for what lies ahead for the industry, says Kottke.

"Our Thursday morning breakfast features Craig Alexander, an economist with TD Securities, who will give us the latest forecast and at the CWDMA meeting, Bob Langdon will be offering advice on operating a business in turbulent times. Even if there's a recovery underway, it still means we all have to be smart about how to run our businesses."

Patrick Shield, show manager, adds that the last Win-Door Show occurred exactly when the global economy was deep in recession.

"But, the show continued to do its job," he says. "It regularly attracts serious buyers and they were here to do business. This time around we're confident the buyers will be out again. There's activity in the market, there's some building demand and overall, the people who are responsible for making purchasing decisions don't stop investigating, researching and winnowing down that list of possibilities. They need to be prepared to move when the time is right and that's what the show does for them. It puts product and information at their finger tips and gives them knowledgeable people to talk to."

In addition to a comprehensive range of products, services and technology, Kottke thinks there's something else that holds a great deal of importance with attendees, and that's value.

"I'm always impressed by the level of financial value this show offers attendees. With free parking, free lunches, complimentary beverages and snacks on opening night and all the other incentives, visitors to the show see this as a viable business trip that won't break the budget. We regularly welcome attendees from across Canada and we're now seeing increasing numbers from the U.S. border states in the Great Lakes region. I can understand why they'd make this the show they'll attend."

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