Ah, another year, another GlassBuild show. I got to see a lot of old acquaintances and made a few new ones. It seemed like there was a lot of conflicting input:
- The Glazing Executive Forum was a great way to kick off the week. More than 125 professionals gathered to discuss issues surrounding contract glazing. Having this session off the show floor gave focus to our shared issues. The mood was cautious to pessimistic. However, all who attended agreed that taking action was the right approach. You can’t just sit back and hope. Thanks to Matt Rumbaugh and the rest of the NGA staff for putting on a great program.
- As fabricators, we got to have some good deep discussions with glazing contractors about what they need. The forum of the show puts people in the mindset of looking for ways to improve their businesses—during good times and bad. So, it is easier to explore alternative solutions to problems.
- As for the show floor, it was disappointing that all major system extruders were absent from the floor (except EFCO). I understand cutting back marketing expenses during tough times, but I think it is a mistake to have no presence at all. Just one guy’s opinion.
- On the floor there was the usual machinery, software and other booths. I didn’t see anything that knocked my socks off. I do think it was nice to see the major commercial equipment companies there with sizable booths. We did look at a lot of nice CNC systems. Now … what to do?
- Thanks to those who mentioned this blog when they saw me at the show. It is nice to see that somebody actually reads this stuff.
As everyone is going into strategic planning mode for 2010, I would be interested in comments about what you see coming. Commercial activity—how far will it sink in 2010? How about in your region? How about sub-segments? Education, healthcare, multi-family, institutional/government?
We are seeing strong activity in publicly funded projects—especially around D.C. and in the Heartland. Guess all that government money must be doing some good. Although, you might want to check out this to put the large federal spending into perspective.
Please post a comment and/or thoughts on my opinions.
4 comments:
Stratigic planning for 2010,Pull up your socks, keep checking bid costs against true costs and hang on, it is going o be a tough first 3 q's.
NY is seeing more bids coming out of the woodwork, too late for the last round of shut downs and lay-offs, however late 2010 is looking better as we go.
Interior commercial as offices open and/or expand, envelope guys will take longer to see the light, MUST keep an eye out for new products, a lot of good stuff coming down the pipeline, he who gets there first wins.
All the above is based on guys swapping talk on the street, nothing official, however, these guys are up to their ears in the "stuff" every day, worth a little listening.
a few prayers will help too.
good luck
Jim F
First, follow up from the show:
We liked some of the smaller stuff, like the glasscheck IG measuring device (if it ships soon!), and the new CRL one wheeled device with a suction cup to help take the load off our glass guys. I also thought the wood grained aluminum extrusions and the digital imprinting on glass were great.
As to 2010, we are pouncing on smaller projects in the 10-15K price range quickly, pricing them aggressively, and trying to close them quickly. It's working for now.
I am also watching cash flow, receivables and payroll very, very carefully.
It is awesome when you see people on the floor and they note that they read your blog... congrats! Good stuff and agree that it sucks when the marketing $$$ takes the hit!
We received fewer leads from the Glass Build America 2009 show than what we received in 2008; however, I was not disappointed because the quality of the leads were very good, which is much more important. I believe those who attended this event did so because they are serious about their business and committed to searching out new products and ideas.
On the flip side, I certainly understand those who felt the need to pass on the show this year because of budget cuts. It is tough times for everyone right now and it doesn't appear things are going to improve any time soon.
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