Sun and Sand or Desk and Mouse?

Last Monday I traveled down to Sanibel Island, Fla., to report on the 8th annual conference of the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA). The weather on the 12-mile long island, famous for its beaches filled with unique shells, reached the low 80s before I left. Yes, it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it.

I’m sure that the sunny shores of Florida (in January, no less) are a great temptation to members of any association—or the industry at large—to participate in industry meetings. But for those individuals who haven’t found an opportunity to get involved—why not?

The IGMA Certification and Education committee asked a similar question during last week’s meeting. The group questioned how to best provide its educational seminars to individuals who haven’t yet taken part (CLICK HERE to read that story). Specifically, the committee considered whether it should offer its Preventing Insulating Glass Failure seminar (and an upcoming seminar on IG quality procedures) at industry trade shows in the future, or reserve it for online use where interested individuals could access it at their leisure.

Certainly the use of online webinars, and even “virtual expos,” are greatly increasing. These educational tools offer the benefit of being able to take part from the comfort of one’s own chair (many even feature virtual “hands” you can raise to ask questions during a presentation). I’ve listened in on many a webinar to bring an afternoon of education to our readers.

However, it can be argued that webinars are lacking in one important feature—networking opportunities such as those gained during coffee breaks, group dinners and the occasional volleyball tournament. Of course, in this day and age where individuals can search for their soul mate online, email networking isn’t entirely impossible …

Another possibility suggested by the committee was offering its seminars in those metropolitan areas where large numbers of the target audience reside. Again, it increases the convenience level, but it may leave out many other people who might still resist travel but are otherwise interested.

Both are good options sure to draw new participants, as we’ve learned here.

The USGlass/USGNN.com™ online message forum aims to build relationships and networking via the web. It’s one place where individuals in the industry can turn to ask questions as they arise, getting answers not only from our online editors but also from their colleagues in the industry.

If you are in fact looking for educational opportunities to come to you, and bringing the networking opportunities that entails, consider the regional Glass Expos sponsored by USGlass magazine. Our March issue will feature a preview of the upcoming Glass TEXpo™ ‘08 to be held April 10-12 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. More information about the upcoming expos can be found HERE.

Where do you turn for your continued education? Whatever method you choose, I hope USGlass plays a part.