Positive vibes were everywhere on the third day of Fensterbau Frontale in Nuremberg, Germany, which welcomed more than 100,000 visitors this week. Improving economies around the world were boosting business for many companies, including one major industry player.

The Veka blimp hangs suspended in a hall at Fensterbau.

“We’re off to a very strong start to 2016,” said Joe Peilert, Veka North America president and CEO. “The weather certainly helped. It’s nice to see all of our North American markets performing well. We’ve got some nice momentum, though the one that’s certainly tougher right now is Canada because of the economy. The regions affected by oil and gas exploration are down. Fortunately there are some areas like Vancouver and Toronto that aren’t affected.”

Peilert said he also loves the innovation that’s born at Fensterbau.

“The show has been really fantastic,” he said. “It’s a forum for ideas and innovation from all over the world. It just really sparks great ideas and discussion. That’s how you drive progress and move forward. We really appreciate the customers who make their way out here to have those discussions.”

Peilert also discussed Veka Academy. Launched in May 2015, the educational initiative is designed to cover key aspects of the fenestration industry. The two-day sessions are geared toward entry- to mid-level sales, production, engineering, purchasing, marketing and management personnel who are interested in learning more about the door and window industry. The seminars are taught by industry professionals who have decades of experience, and the agenda mixes classroom learning and hands-on experience.

“We’re trying to help hiring in the industry,” Peilert said. “We are excited to get people who want to advance their career in the window industry, and we can lend a helping hand with that.”

On Saturday, Fensterbau opens the doors to the public for the final day of the trade show.