The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance’s (FGIA) 2026 Annual Conference offered attendees multiple opportunities to introduce and cultivate ideas with like-minded peers, said Rob Grommesh of Cardinal IG, chair of FGIA’s board of directors.
The three-day event in Huntington Beach, California, at the Hyatt Regency, featured a wide range of hands-on sessions, technical education seminars, roundtables, networking events, task groups and forums to further propel the fenestration industry forward.
Combating Negative Perceptions
A Vinyl Material Council forum dove into the benefits of modern vinyl. Ned Monroe, president and CEO of Vinyl Institute, said the industry continues to battle unfavorable perceptions and market and regulatory headwinds.
“How can you counter the attacks and myths that are out there about the PVC industry?” Monroe asked. One counter, he noted, is to host town halls, focusing on the benefits and safety of modern vinyl, along with driving home improvements in manufacturing processes. The industry also argues that complaints are exaggerated.
PVC products have a long service life, leading to minimal maintenance, and the industry has worked to improve recyclability and reduce vinyl chloride emissions, which have declined by 86% since 1987, Monroe said. Vinyl chloride emissions are hazardous, contributing to lung cancers, leukemia and lymphoma, but, “Everything that we do is regulated by the federal government … and we ensure that our customers and neighbors are safe,” Monroe, said.
In a regulatory session, Kathy Krafka Harkema, FGIA’s United States technical operations director, opened with updates on several governmental actions affecting the residential construction industry.
A new Senate bill, the Housing Tariffs Exclusion Act, would exempt home building materials from current and future tariffs. This could allow importers to apply for tariff exemptions on home building materials, except for anti-dumping and safeguarded products, she said.
Krafka Harkema also discussed the Energy Star program, which has survived, despite recent attempts to eliminate it from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s lineup. With all the turmoil and questions surrounding the program, Krafka Harkema said Energy Star partners should continue to maintain unit shipment data. They should also use appropriate logo and brand requirements and continue certifying new products but should expect delays in the process.
Krafka Harkema also noted that by July 1, manufacturers selling products in Minnesota with intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) must submit initial reports to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The reports require that manufacturers identify products and specify PFAS use, as well as its purpose and concentration. New Mexico is looking to follow in Minnesota’s footsteps but would exempt fluoropolymers, she said.
Residential Products Forum
Another program that was touched on at the event includes NFRC 7000 certification, which replaces the existing certification program procedural guide: NFRC 700, “Product Certification Program,” effective May 29, 2026, said Jason Seals, FGIA’s certification services manager. The program sets the rules for testing, simulation and certification of the energy performance of doors, windows and skylights. The latest update is driven by a need to align the program with ISO/IEC 17065 standards, Seals said, with the majority of changes falling on the side of administration. Changes focus on restructuring how the program is governed, shifting from a balloting process to a public comment process for future changes, he explained.
And the Award Goes To
On the event’s lighter side, FGIA officials recognized the contributions and achievements of members at a 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony. Among those receiving distinguished honors was Greg McKenna, a retiree of Kawneer Co., who received the Outstanding Service Award. The Chairperson Award went to Quanex Building Products, while an Education Award went home with Quaker Window Products.
Shelley Lee, vice president of North American sales, marketing and operations for NuCoat North America, earned the Marketing Distinguished Service Award, while the Glass Products Council Distinguished Service Award went to Matt Waldren, of Pella Corp.
The Architectural Products Council Distinguished Service Award went to Chris Giovannielli, of Kawneer Co., while David McDonald, of Marvin, won the Residential Products Council Distinguished Service Award.
Nominations are currently being sought for FGIA’s Rising Stars program, officials said. Members can nominate a rising star at fgiaonline.org/newleaders.
Engagement in FGIA continues to be strong, said Janice Yglesias, FGIA executive director, who adds that the organization’s advocacy program will shift from awareness to action, equipping members with clear messaging and engagement tools. The association added a new summer event, to be held May 10-12, 2027, at the Hilton Downtown Tampa in Tampa, Florida. The event will offer another focused, high-impact format, with more interactive programming and professional development. As always, the focus will be on networking, show organizers said.