BEC Conference 2026

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Fresh off the GlassBuild America Main Stage, national workforce leader Joshua Johnson will share how the glass industry can close workforce gaps by tapping all overlooked talent pools and transform them into an unstoppable competitive advantage.

Joshua Johnson is a national workforce leader, keynote speaker, and second-chance advocate who blends lived experience with executive expertise to drive equity in apprenticeship and workforce systems.

 

Discover how DOWSIL™ 375 redefines architectural elegance and efficiency. This two-part polyurethane embedding solution offers invisible bonding for frameless glass balustrades, delivering pure glass aesthetics with unmatched structural integrity. Designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, DOWSIL™ 375 can ensure rapid installation, high rigidity, and long-term durability—making it the ideal choice for modern construction projects that demand both beauty and performance. Learn how this innovative material enhances productivity, safety, and design freedom in today's built environments.

Jeff Quast, Research Scientist, Concept Development Specialist, Dow

This dynamic panel brings together next-generation leaders who have successfully navigated the complex journey of taking over established family businesses in the glazing industry. Gain invaluable insights into the practical realities of leadership transition—from managing legacy employees and family dynamics to implementing modernization while honoring company traditions. The discussion addresses a critical industry challenge: FMI's 2024 research showing 58% of contractors lack any succession plan, making this session essential for both outgoing owners preparing for transition and emerging leaders stepping into new roles. Panelists will share candid recommendations on what worked, what didn't, and how to balance innovation with respect for the foundation that built these companies, providing actionable strategies attendees can immediately apply to their own succession planning or leadership journey.

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In today's manufacturing environment, automation alone isn't enough. Visibility, responsiveness, and workforce enablement are just as critical to long-term success. That's why Erdman Automation has developed Erdman Connect—a real-time, app-based support and communication platform built specifically for IG production environments. Erdman Connect gives operators, supervisors, and Erdman's support teams a shared window into machine performance and plant activity. Whether it's walking a line for maintenance, capturing production data, or requesting immediate assistance, the platform empowers teams with live alerts, guided tasks, and a direct link to Erdman service—without ever leaving the floor.

Cece Belcher, Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Erdman Automation Corp.

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Tough economic times require innovation. It's critical to develop future leaders, modernize processes and foster a culture that adapts to a changing workforce. Priscilla Koeckeritz (PK) returns to the BEC stage to dive deeper into the people, culture and labor challenges shaping the glass industry, sharing invaluable insights from her journey transforming Brin Glass. Participants can expect practical strategies for overcoming traditional mindsets and embracing innovation during tough economic times as well as actionable advice on navigating leadership transitions, protecting company legacies and building resilient teams equipped for the future challenges of the glass industry and beyond.

As a leading provider of glass and metal railing solutions—including guardrails, balcony enclosures, and glass barriers—Q-railing is known for its commitment to modern design, safety, and innovation. It aims to be the most reliable and forward-thinking railing system provider worldwide, and continuously evaluates both market trends and internal processes to drive ongoing improvement. Q-railing offers a turnkey service, managing every stage of a project—from shop drawings and engineering to fabrication and glass supply—providing clients with a comprehensive, full-service solution. Learn how our products and services help project stakeholders reduce their risk, increase profitability, elevate their brand reputation, and speed up the installation process.

Syndi Sim, Director of Sales and Business Development, Q-Railing - North America

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Join Timothy Hawk, FAIA, president of WSA, and NGA President and CEO Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, for a candid conversation about the forces reshaping architectural design—and what they mean for glazing contractors. From embodied carbon and thermal bridging to smart glass and supply chain resilience, architects are navigating intense performance pressures while clients demand transparency in every material decision. But here's the opportunity: the glazing contractors who step up as design partners early—not just executors—are the ones winning more complex, higher-value projects.

Can glass be both complexly curved and heat-strengthened or fully tempered? Yes, and you'll have the chance to learn more about the new capabilities of multi-curved, heat treated glass. sedak's groundbreaking multi-curved, tempering furnace-based technology opens new design possibilities in architectural glass, with possiblities up to 8, 11, and 18 meters in length——pushing the boundaries of façade design.

Derek Losee, North American Sales Manager, Sedak

NGA's Urmilla Sowell and Thomas Culp return to the BEC Conference to update glazing professionals on the latest technical advancements and industry initiatives shaping the glazing sector, including the new EPD generator tool for measuring embodied carbon, energy code trends and thermal enhancements, and developments in school security and daylighting standards—topics that directly impact project specifications and competitive positioning. Learn about emerging tools and resources you can leverage in your own work, understand upcoming code changes that may affect future projects, and hear about collaborative industry efforts that are driving the profession forward.

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In response to national architect research, Vitro Architectural Glass has evolved its warm-toned, low-emissivity glass products, focusing on sustainability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Learn how Vitro's commitment to market-driven innovation and advanced glass solutions help achieve a balance between performance and appearance.

Erin Casci, MSVD Product Manager, Vitro Architectural Glass

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After a year of elevated uncertainty and shifting market forces, where is construction headed in 2026? In this session, Sarah Martin will unpack what’s driving change across key commercial sectors and the macroeconomy. Discover how markets are projected to perform, alongside potential risks and opportunities that will shape the industry this year.

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Whatever you want from life, you need to be more interesting to get it. People give us promotions, propositions and proposals. That means you need to attract more of them to you. In this engaging and humorous keynote led by Deedre Daniel, you'll discover the secrets to attracting the right people and seizing new opportunities. In this personal and professional development session, you will learn how to increase your opportunities using a combination of creative thinking, humor and building connections. Many people need to remember to be more mindful of how they present themselves to others. This program encourages you to identify and tackle poor communication habits and embrace better ones to lead more exciting lives and inspire others to do the same. Boost your personal and professional success by becoming more interesting than a cell phone!

Plus a special bourbon tasting, featuring Markers Mark, Bulleit 10 Year, Elijah Craig, Basil Hayden’s, Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey 101.
 

Kick off to Tactical Tuesday, featuring need-to-know tips and tech that are practical, actionable, and ready to implement for preconstruction to installation.
 

Ethan Turner, Binswanger Glass, and a panel of experts utilizing these tools daily

Are you ready to cut through the AI hype and get realistic, actionable guidance on implementing artificial intelligence and data modeling throughout your glazing business? Rather than focusing on chatbots or AI-enabled software features, Ethan Turner and his panel will share proven strategies for leveraging AI at both the company and project levels-transforming how you budget, forecast, manage resources and make strategic decisions.

Steven Henderson, Construction Attorney

Gain the practical legal knowledge you didn't know you needed to protect your business, with ready-to-use tools for contract management and compliance. This session provides the risk management foundation needed before investing in new technologies and processes.
 

While field operations have rapidly modernized, pre-construction remains stuck in outdated processes. Discover specific efficiency improvements that increase profit margins and position you ahead of competitors who wait for industry-wide adoption.

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Join Travis Nevins, and a panel of vendors and field experts to see how jobsite technology completes the efficiency loop started in pre-construction, with practical insights on implementation costs, training needs and installer perspectives on tools that actually work in the field.