**Calgary**: The Fenestra buying group held its annual Advantage Acceleration event from February 10-12, 2024, in Calgary, gathering around 50 industry members for networking, discussions, and awards. Keynote speaker John Galbraith addressed the impact of AI on the future of fenestration manufacturing.
The Fenestra buying group recently held its annual Advantage Acceleration event in Calgary, Alberta, from February 10 to 12, 2024. Approximately 50 member fenestration manufacturers and suppliers gathered at the Airport Marriott for a series of networking opportunities, discussions, and speed networking sessions aimed at fostering business relationships within the industry.
During the event, the speed networking session offered participants a unique opportunity to engage in rapid meetings. Suppliers occupied tables while members rotated, engaging in 15-minute discussions at each station to discuss their businesses and share industry insights. This format has proven to be popular, with participants appreciating the chance to connect in a structured yet informal manner.
At this year’s event, Fenestra took the opportunity to recognise the dedication of its loyal members and suppliers by presenting awards in various categories. Frederick Gauthier presented trophies to Christian Guerard of Adfast and Sam Van Seters of Bethel Windows and Doors, who were honoured as Supplier and Member of the Year, respectively.
The educational component of the event featured a keynote address by John Galbraith of The Data Integrators, along with a panel discussion that included Van Seters, Adriano Iannetti of Auroral Portes et Fenetres, and Matthew Denniston of Modern Windows. Moderated by Patrick Flannery of Fenestration Review, the panel delved into how millennial leaders view the benefits of Fenestra for their businesses now and into the future. They shared their enthusiasm for establishing close relationships with other members and suppliers, emphasising the value of networking at events like Advantage.
In his keynote address, Galbraith addressed the rapid evolution of software technology, highlighting how new products are being launched at an unprecedented rate, largely due to advances in open source AI tools. He suggested that investing in traditional enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems may not yield the returns previously expected, stating, “Everyone’s telling us we need an ERP… the good news is you have one. It’s all right here.” Galbraith indicated that many organisations might benefit more from maximising the data and resources they already have internally, rather than pursuing new ERP systems.
He described the potential for AI to function as a “junior employee,” capable of assisting with tasks such as report preparation and production scheduling, yet lacking the broader industry insight that more experienced staff possess. He stated, “S ometimes when we digitize things, we actually impede the operator experience and it makes them a little bit slower,” stressing the importance of balancing digitisation and automation.
Galbraith also underscored the significance of transferring institutional knowledge from key employees to the broader organisation, noting the risks of relying on individuals who possess critical information but struggle with communication. He articulated that AI could serve as a vital tool for disseminating this knowledge throughout a company.
Outside of the formal sessions, attendees enjoyed various networking breaks, with opportunities for socializing over meals and drinks. However, a winter storm resulted in flight cancellations for many participants from Ontario and Quebec, forcing them to extend their stay for an additional day. This unexpected development allowed some attendees to watch the Canadian national team compete against Sweden in the Four Nations Cup at a local craft brewery, The Tool Shed, adding a social dimension to their extended visit in Calgary.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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