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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.

I’m working, don’t get me wrong, but it’s hard to consider it “work” when you’re staying at a four-star hotel near the beach. As an aside, there is a sign posted in the lobby that you aren’t allowed to take photos or ask for autographs of any guests. This of course means I’ve been on celeb watch, with my camera and notepad handy. Just in case you’re worried I’m enjoying myself a little too much, here’s what I’ve been up to this week.

After flying in Monday to attend the National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) 2013 Spring Committee Meeting, I toured the first net-zero building in St. Petersburg and stopped by the Madico Window Films plant to catch up with everyone and take a tour.

Fun side note, Madico played a large role in helping reduce the energy expenditures of the net-zero building. Angie Leonetti, marketing manager, even shared a few exciting updates. The company was filmed for an upcoming episode of TLC’s How It’s Made (the air date hasn’t been announced) and even has plans to assist with the construction of St. Petersburg’s first area net-zero residence. I’ll have more information on both of those as soon as there are more details.

Tuesday, I attended another day of NFRC meetings where members discussed U-factor and Lisa Winkler of Eastman’s Performance Films division led the discussion about solar heat gain codes. I was even able to grab dinner with my grandparents who live in the area (such a cliché, right? My grandparents live in Florida).

After the board meeting for NFRC wraps up Wednesday I’m planning to see the sights! I’m spending my entire afternoon checking out the Tampa area just so I can make sure you guys have plenty of fun things to do while you’re in town for this year’s International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). It’s a hard life.

For my final day in Florida, Thursday, I’m heading down to Sarasota to see AntiFog Systems and Accent Distributing to get an update on the state of the industry in Bay-area Florida.

After spending a few days here I can’t wait to spend a few more with all of you at this year’s IWFC. It’s been a real stress to devote almost a whole week to researching the area for all of you, but I guess someone has to do it.

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.

“The IWFA believes that, by working with a partner/co-sponsor such as Window Film magazine, and by including as much of our window film industry as we can, the IWFC event will be the largest and best gathering that will further our goals of bringing value to the window film industry. This includes manufacturers and distributors, in general, and window film dealers in particular,” says Jack Mundy, chair of the IWFA Members Action Committee.

“We look forward to working with members of the IWFA once again for the upcoming event,” says Debra Levy, publisher of Window Film magazine. “We’re expanding the show and hope every window film manufacturer, supplier and retailer can join us.”

The IWFC will be held at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina in Tampa, Fla., September 18-20. Auto Glass Week™ will also be held concurrently. Attendees can expect to see educational seminars, exhibits and networking in addition to the Tint-Off competitions.

“We heartily invite everyone in the auto glass and window film industries to attend,” says Ally Curran, event coordinator of the IWFC. “Tampa will have something for everyone and I hope those who were unable to make it to Louisville last week can join us next year in Tampa.”

The Tint-Off™ competitions will return in 2013. The event will once again be managed and sponsored by Window Film magazine.

Registration to attend, as well as compete, and the hotel room block will open soon. Stay tuned to www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc for the latest information as it becomes available.