Eastman Chemical Co., manufacturer of LLumar Window Film, has signed on as one of the Supporters of the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 18-20 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 18-20.

During the conference, attendees will be able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers, network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers and suppliers and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

We spoke with Darrell Reed, global commercial director for Eastman’s performance films division.

Window Film magazine: Darrell, why did LLumar choose to sponsor the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?

Reed: As a leading global manufacturer of window film, LLumar feels it is necessary to support any event that shines a light on the skills and expertise of our industry peers. By supporting these experts, we are making an investment in the future of our industry and doing our part to ensure the high standards of quality, innovation and service we have all come to expect from the window film industry.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?

Reed: Within any industry, it is important for those involved to come together as a single support unit with a common goal for future growth and success. The IWFC offers dealers and manufacturers an arena to share best practices and exchange knowledge as they move toward that goal. Furthermore, the collective action of the IWFC and its members creates a platform from which to build category awareness and overall market growth.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from LLumar at the 2013 show?

Reed: Attendees can expect to have full access to representatives from both our marketing technical service group and sales organization. During the competition you will get the chance to watch some of the industry’s best, while installing LLumar high-performance products. We are excited to showcase the ease of install of our products; nothing could be a greater test of this attribute than to perform under pressure at this highly competitive level. We will also have Logan Bryant, manager of marketing technical services Americas, on hand to speak to attendees about how to increase efficiency and profits through the use of our new Precision Cut 4 software and plotter systems. This will be a seminar you do not want to miss.

Window Film magazine: What do you hope your dealers and distributors can obtain by attending an event like this?

Reed: We hope that our dealers and distributors walk away from this event with valuable insights into where our industry is going. The market is forever changing, the competitive landscape, consumer needs and available technology is constantly evolving; we hope that attendees can better prepare for these shifts through advancements in marketing, digital tools, techniques and best practices. It is important for everyone to learn how these advancements can change the way their business interacts with the market … and most importantly, how the market interacts with their business. With this increased insight comes the opportunity for long-term sustainable growth.

Window Film magazine: Does LLumar have any advice for the 2013 Tint-Off™ Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?

Reed: The installers need to be familiar with the judging criteria, films and vehicles. Contestants should be well-rested and ready to compete because the field of competitors will be very strong this year. It is going to be a great show!

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

Eastman Chemical Co. is a producer of aftermarket window films and a supplier of precision-coated film and film components sold to a variety of businesses. The business manufactures films that provide comfort, aesthetics, energy savings, safety and security when applied to glass. Eastman’s brand family of window film includes LLumar, Formula One, Vista and EnerLogic Window Films.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

We are excited to welcome Sonoco, a new Supporter of the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 18-20 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 18-20.

During the conference, attendees will be able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers, network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers and suppliers and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

We spoke with Pete Papajohn, plastic core sales manager for Sonoco.

Window Film magazine: Pete, why did Sonoco choose to support and exhibit at the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?

Papajohn: Sonoco produces high quality cores, core plugs and endwalls, all of which are perfectly suited for the performance film industry.  We felt the IWFC was an ideal event to showcase our products and capabilities that are designed to excel in the film market.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?

Papajohn: When suppliers and end-users can get together to discuss market challenges and opportunities, you have the chance to kick start innovation which could benefit the entire market.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from Sonoco at the 2013 show?

Papajohn: A complete line of packaging products that can add value to customer’s products by reducing contaminants, improving productivity and safely transporting film rolls to the end user.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging and packaging supply chain services. The plastic core division manufactures the cores used in window film spools.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

Firefighter and inspirational speaker Richard Picciotto was an FDNY Battalion Commander in Manhattan on September 11, 2001. Following the terrorist attack, Picciotto rushed inside the World Trade Center to rescue those inside, but soon found himself trapped in the smoldering rubble of the North Tower after its collapse. Buried for more than four hours, he emerged and was the highest-ranking firefighter to survive the collapse.

“Chief Picciotto’s story resonated with our International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off Committee and we are sure attendees will be inspired by his story,” says event marketing manager Holly Biller.

Picciotto is also the author of “Last Man Down,” the story of his experience and his remarkable survival of being located within the stairwell between the sixth and seventh floors of the North Tower when it collapsed.

Everyone has had to weather personal struggles; a lesson about maintaining your tenacity and surviving applies to each and every attendee. Picciotto will bring those survival tactics to light.

In addition to the keynote address, the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off will feature educational seminars, an exhibition area with suppliers and the attendee-favorite Architectural and Automotive Tint-Off™ competitions.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off is the largest international event dedicated solely to the window film industry. Registration and competition details are available online at www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

Contact event management at 540/720-5584 for more information or visit www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

This year’s event has something for everyone, including various educational seminars, a meet-and-greet with NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, the attendee-favorite Architectural and Automotive Tint-Off™ competitions as well as paint protection demonstrations. You can view the full schedule here.

Register to attend the event before the May 31 pre-registration deadline to receive a savings up to $79. Anyone wishing to compete in the Architectural and Automotive Tint-Off Competitions must pre-register by July 8.

As sponsors and exhibitors continue to sign on to the event, the trade show floor plan will be updated with the latest booth information.

Auto Glass Week 2013™ will be held concurrently.

For all of the latest information on the upcoming 2013 IWFC, stay tuned to www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc. Also, be sure to check out the May/June 2013 issue of Window Film magazine for a closer look at this year’s speakers and more.

The well-known driver, brought to you by 3M, will meet attendees and sign autographs on site.

Biffle, originally from Vancouver, Wash., went to Roush Fenway Racing from the short tracks of the Northwest and quickly made a name for himself when he took the 1998 Rookie of the Year Award in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

He went on to win the truck series championship two years later and captured the Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year honor in 2001. In 2002, Biffle became the first driver to win both the Craftsman Truck and Nationwide Series Championships. He accomplished a lifelong goal in 2003 at Daytona with his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. In 2004, Biffle added two more wins to his Cup record but nothing would compare to the 2005 season when he ran away with five wins in the first 15 races. Biffle added one more victory at Homestead to become the winningest driver of the 2005 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Biffle recently placed in the top ten in Martinsville, Va., and finished fourth at Texas Motor Speedway, both in early April 2013.

Biffle’s appearance is sponsored by 3M Window Films. He features their Crystalline 90 automotive films on his racecar.

In addition to Biffle’s appearance, the event will feature educational seminars, an exhibition area with suppliers, as well as the return of the highly anticipated Architectural and Automotive Tint-Off Competitions.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is the largest international event dedicated solely to the window film industry. Registration and competition details are available online at www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc. Early bird registration ends May 31^st to attend and the deadline to compete is July 8^th.

Contact event management at 540/720-5584 or competitions@windowfilmmag.com for more information.

Once again HanitaTek Window Films is one of the Supporters of the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 18-20 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 18-20.

During the conference, attendees will be able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers, network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers and suppliers and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

We spoke with Sarah Ortiz, business manager for HanitaTek.

Window Film magazine: Sarah, why did HanitaTek choose to sponsor the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?

Ortiz: The IWFC is a unique event in our industry in which we can all get together and learn from one another. There is no other event that draws as many industry professionals into one place, with education and networking being the focus.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?

Ortiz: It is so important for our dealers to interact and learn from one another. Education on current trends is so valuable to make your business grow and thrive. The more we work together as an industry to be professional and cutting edge, the better the future is for our industry.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from HanitaTek at the 2013 show?

Ortiz: HanitaTek is excited to show our new films at the show. Our E-lite 70 spectrally selective film, our XTRM exterior films offering up to a 15-year warranty and our Skylite film for both glass and poly glazing will be featured.

We also will showcase our energy-efficiency program, our suite of security solutions and our top-notch personnel.

Window Film magazine: What do you hope your dealers and distributors can obtain by attending an event like this?

Ortiz: I hope they can get the knowledge they need to continue an educated and professional front for our industry. This will help take our industry into the future.

Window Film magazine: Does HanitaTek have any advice for the 2013 Tint-Off™ Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?

Ortiz: The best advice is to have confidence in your work and not to be too psyched out by the event. Act as if this is a job for your best customer and compete against yourself, not the other competitors.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

HanitaTek is the North American distributor of Hanita Coatings SolarZone and SafetyZone, window films. With a focus on energy savings, they work hard to partner with their customers to provide solar and safety solutions for their client base.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

Once again 3M is one of the Supporters of the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 18-20 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 18-20.

During the conference, attendees will be able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers, network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers and suppliers and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

We spoke with John Price, marketing communications supervisor for 3M.

Window Film magazine: John, why did 3M choose to sponsor the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?

Price: As a leading industry innovator, 3M understands firsthand the imperatives of not only keeping up with industry trends, but leading them. This means making a continuous effort to foster curiosity, evolve automotive applications and expand the capabilities of our employees, distributors and technicians. We are proud to support the IWFC in their similar efforts to educate those technicians, company owners, managers and suppliers who participate in the event and equip them with the latest tools and knowledge to stay at the cutting edge of their craft.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?

Price: An event like the IWFC is important because it gives professionals in the industry a chance to compete and learn from one another. The unique trade and peer-to-peer education is unrivaled when it comes to swapping techniques. It’s also useful for participants to discuss consumer feedback together because it helps identify developing needs in the marketplace which can ultimately be explored and addressed by companies like 3M and those others in attendance.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from 3M at the 2013 show?

Price: 3M is very excited to display its new Scotchshield Automotive Security Film which provides a powerful deterrent to smash-and-grab theft. Skilled car thieves can require as few as three seconds to break into a car. The new 3M Scotchshield Automotive Security Films are designed to keep glass in place upon breakage and have undergone rigorous testing to confirm that they will hold windows together and slow down a thief attempting to enter a vehicle. Overall, this new film is a great addition to our automotive window film line, offering customers increased theft and damage protection in addition to benefits like solar heat rejection.

Window Film magazine: What do you hope your dealers and distributors can obtain by attending an event like this?

Price: The IWFC is a great opportunity for dealers and distributors to gain a better understanding of the state of the industry. What are the latest trends? Where is the industry heading? What’s the next big breakthrough coming down the pipe? By staying in the know and on top of their game, they can continue to have a direct hand in shaping the future of the industry, growing their business and helping keep window film products top of mind for consumers.

Window Film magazine: Does 3M have any advice for the 2013 Tint-Off™ Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?

Price: Yes! Practice, relax and have fun. You can learn a great deal from these competitions, even just by watching others, so it’s important to take it all in and enjoy the experience.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

3M’s Renewable Energy Division provides window films for residential, commercial, government and automotive use serving customers all over the world.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

Once again Johnson Window Films is one of the Supporters of the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 18-20 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 18-20.

During the conference, attendees will be able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers, network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers and suppliers and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

We spoke with Denise Beck, marketing director for Johnson Window Films.

Window Film magazine: Denise, why did Johnson Window Films choose to sponsor the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?

Beck: As a founding member of the International Window Film Association (IWFA), we believe in the value of education for both industry professionals and consumers alike.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?

Beck: It is a great opportunity to see the latest film technology in use and be able to interact in person with dealers and industry professionals.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from Johnson Window Films at the 2013 show?

Beck: Attendees can expect to see a comprehensive look at our extensive line of films for automotive, residential, commercial and protective applications as well as receive help and advice on how to grow a window film business using our detailed sales materials.

Window Film magazine: What do you hope your dealers and distributors can obtain by attending an event like this?

Beck: We hope they are able to gather real solutions to their questions and concerns.

Window Film magazine: Does Johnson Window Films have any advice for the 2013 Tint-Off™ Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?

Beck: Practice, practice, practice and request Johnson Window Films to use in the IWFC competition.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

Located in Southern California for more than 35 years, Johnson Window Films’ family-owned and -operated business provides solar control and protective window film products throughout the world.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

Solar Gard is once again one of our Supporters of the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 18-20 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 18-20.

During the conference, attendees will be able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers, network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers and suppliers and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

We spoke with Lawrence Constantin, director of sales, Americas for Solar Gard.

Window Film magazine: Larry, why did Solar Gard choose to sponsor the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?
Constantin: The International Window Film Conference is such an important event in the industry—growing every year in significance—and Solar Gard is proud to stand behind both the International Window Film Association (IWFA) and Key Communications (publisher of Window Film magazine) event team. Dealer/installer training and education are crucial to creating successful window film entrepreneurs and we are thrilled to have the chance to be a part of it.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?
Constantin: Events like the IWFC are a perfect time for everyone in the window film industry to come together and share “tips and tricks” of the trade. Training sessions help advance the progression of the industry, and the Tint-Off competition brings excitement to window film. The event showcases what the IWFA does behind-the-scenes and helps connect dealers with manufacturers, as well as fosters community between fellow dealers. You’ll find the most leading-edge technology and techniques at the IWFC and it’s a great forum for industry announcements and new product debuts.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from Solar Gard at the 2013 show?
Constantin: We encourage attendees to stop by our booth and learn more about our comprehensive automotive and architectural film portfolios, now including Solar Gard Ecolux™ 70 Low-E (a new sustainable, all-season low-E window film for homes and commercial properties), Galaxie™ and TrueVue™ film offerings, as well as business expansion opportunities with our Clearshield® paint protection film and ComputerCut® software. Last year we also launched Solar Gard Partner Points, the industry’s first points-based loyalty program, where we say “thank you” by giving back to participating dealers. For every purchase dealers make with Solar Gard, they earn points that can be redeemed for thousands of merchandise options, event tickets or travel opportunities. We love that dealers have already been able to turn their film purchases into everything from the latest Apple and Samsung electronics, to concert tickets to see country superstars like Kenny Chesney, to sporting and outdoors equipment. We also know quite a few are saving up those valuable points to take well-deserved cruise vacations!

Window Film magazine: What do you hope your dealers and distributors can obtain by attending an event like this?
Constantin: Whenever business owners have the opportunity to step outside their environments, they get to see how others just like them operate a similar type of business. These events provide a chance to talk with other dealers, “bounce around” ideas and solutions, share installation techniques and tool preferences, etc. This forum for exchange builds new friendships with other window film professionals, and they can keep in touch with advice, successes and challenges long after the event is over.

Window Film magazine: Does Solar Gard have any advice for the 2013 Tint-Off™ Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?
Constantin: We wish all the competitors the best of luck, and are looking forward to an exciting Tint-Off! We hope you all have a very busy and profitable season and look at every installation as an opportunity to perfect your technique and improve your speed—all in preparation to take home the coveted first place title (and prize money)!

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Solar Gard makes architectural and automotive window films, photovoltaics and custom coatings and is a division of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, a leader in the habitat and construction markets. Solar Gard products are sold in more than 90 countries under the Solar Gard®, Panorama®, Quantum® and Solar Gard Armorcoat® brands.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.