Educating Without Exposing: How to Showcase Your Products Without Giving Up the Competitive Edge

Sponsors often find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. They want to educate potential customers about their products or services, but they also want to protect their competitive advantage. How do you strike the right balance?

At LearnGlazing.com, we understand this dilemma. That’s why we’ve developed a multifaceted approach that allows you to put your products and services on display without giving away your “special sauce.” Here’s how we make it happen:

Highlight Benefits, Not Specifics

We know that the allure of your products lies in what they do for the customer, not just how they’re made. That’s why we focus on communicating the unique benefits, leaving the intricate specifics behind the curtain. It’s about painting a vivid picture of what the customer will gain without revealing the recipe.

Use Testimonials and Case Studies

There’s nothing more powerful than a story. By sharing testimonials from satisfied customers or diving into successful projects, we can illuminate the value your offerings bring to the table. These real-world examples resonate with potential customers, showing them why your products are exceptional, without exposing the secrets that make them so.

Emphasize Company Values and Culture

What makes your company truly stand out? Often, it’s the values, mission, and way you conduct business that sets you apart. We help you emphasize these unique aspects, creating a connection with the audience that goes beyond mere products or services.

Create Content that Educates, Not Reveals

Educational content is a powerful tool in establishing trust and credibility. By addressing the industry’s needs and challenges without digging into proprietary details, we position you as a thought leader. It’s about sharing wisdom, not secrets.

Leverage Partnerships and Collaborations

LearnGlazing.com is a respected thought leader in the industry. By working with us, we extend our credibility to your brand. Our platform acts as a stamp of approval, endorsing the value of your products without exposing the proprietary details.

Protect Intellectual Property

Protecting your unique aspects legally ensures that your special sauce remains exclusive. This safeguarding adds an air of mystery and signals to the market that there’s something truly valuable behind your offerings.

Utilize Engaging Advertising Platforms

Platforms like LearnGlazing.com offer a space where products can be demonstrated to a targeted audience. We allow for educational product placement, revealing real-world application without the need to dive into confidential matters.

Offer Limited Access

For select or high-value customers, limited access under NDAs can create an exclusive allure. This selectivity builds a buzz without risking wide-scale exposure.

Craft a Compelling Narrative

Every company has a story. We help you tell yours in a way that captures the essence of what makes you unique. This narrative resonates with the audience, forging connections and building loyalty without giving away trade secrets.

Conclusion: Let’s Showcase Your Products Together

LearnGlazing.com offers a unique opportunity to engage with a broad, influential audience without compromising your competitive edge. We’ve tailored our approach to showcase your products in action, all while keeping your proprietary secrets safe. We warmly invite you to explore this opportunity and look forward to integrating your brand into our educational community. Trust us to teach the “what” and “why” without giving away the “how.”

Join us in shaping the future of the glazing industry. Together, we can influence the influencers and place your brand at the forefront, all without exposing what makes you truly special.

Welcome to LearnGlazing.com, the dedicated e-learning platform for the glass and glazing industry. We appreciate your interest and commitment to empowering your members through quality education. On this page, you’ll find a set of resources specifically designed to assist you in spreading the word about our free educational offerings.

At LearnGlazing.com, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our mission to advance the glass and glazing industry aligns perfectly with your goals, creating a partnership that benefits your members and the industry at large. The following sections guide you through the materials available for your use.

Our pre-crafted newsletter content provides an engaging and straightforward way to inform your members about LearnGlazing.com. It introduces our platform, details our offerings, and invites members to join and benefit from our free courses. You’re welcome to customize this newsletter to better fit your organization’s tone and style.

In the digital age, social media is a powerful tool to reach your audience. We’ve created a collection of ready-to-use social media posts for platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Each post is designed to be engaging, informative, and shareable, increasing the visibility of this valuable resource.

(Here, provide links or downloadable files for the social media posts)

We have created three banner ads that you can use on your website, in your newsletters, or on your social media platforms. Each banner ad is designed to pique interest and invite your members to join LearnGlazing.com and take advantage of our free educational resources.

Thank you for taking the time to review these resources. We encourage you to share these materials with your members at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. Let’s work together to achieve our shared goal: empowering success in the glass and glazing industry.

Discover the future of glazing education with LearnGlazing.com. Our unique courses offer essential industry insights, deep knowledge of advanced glazing systems, and comprehensive understanding of project materials. Join us and shape your glazing career like no one else can.

In a rapidly evolving industry like glazing, staying ahead of the curve is more than just a smart move – it’s a necessity. That’s why LearnGlazing.com has carefully designed a suite of courses that not only arm professionals with essential industry knowledge but also equip them with insights that are rare to come by. So, are you ready for the future of glazing?

Here are 10 things LearnGlazing.com will teach you that no one else will:

1. The Power of Educational Product Placement – Traditional advertisements don’t cut it anymore. LearnGlazing.com takes a bold step into the future by seamlessly integrating product placements into the educational curriculum. This fosters an authentic understanding of industry-leading products, tools, and techniques, unlike anywhere else.
2. In-Depth Look at Glazing Systems – LearnGlazing.com covers not only the basics but dives deep into advanced glazing systems, offering detailed, hands-on training that you won’t find in conventional courses.
3. Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them – From common installation issues to frequently overlooked details in shop drawing reviews, we prepare you for the potential pitfalls in the field, making you a more efficient and effective professional.
4. Understanding Project Materials – With courses dedicated to project materials, from stock lengths to accessories, and sealant & backer rods, we ensure you know your materials inside out before setting foot on a project.
5. All About Glass – We don’t just teach you about different types of glass; we go a step further to illustrate their specific applications, common defects, and troubleshooting measures.
6. Key Insights on Design-Assist – A topic scarcely covered in traditional glazing education, our introduction to design-assist aims to familiarize you with this collaborative approach, preparing you for more complex projects.
7. Industry-Focused Perspective – Our training content is developed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring that you gain a realistic and industry-relevant learning experience.
8. Detailed Coverage on Door Hardware and Panic Hardware – We provide comprehensive learning modules dedicated to understanding door hardware and panic hardware, key knowledge areas that are often overlooked.
9. Building Information Modeling (BIM) – As BIM becomes increasingly essential in construction, we equip you with fundamental knowledge of this transformative technology.
10. The Business Side of Glazing – LearnGlazing.com doesn’t just make you a better glazier; we aim to make you a more successful industry professional. With our courses, you’ll learn how to navigate project reviews, understand shop drawing liabilities, and manage the initial phases of projects – essential knowledge for anyone looking to excel in this field.

At LearnGlazing.com, we believe that a well-rounded education is the key to success in the glazing industry. Our courses are designed to offer unique insights and in-depth knowledge, setting our students apart in a competitive industry landscape. Are you ready to learn what no one else will teach you? Join us at LearnGlazing.com and shape your future in glazing.

Skyscrapers, with their gleaming glass and steel structures, have become the epitome of urban modernity. However, their reflective surfaces, illuminated towers, and high-speed winds present a shocking invisible threat: they’re a deadly hazard for birds. In North America alone, a staggering estimated one billion birds die each year due to collisions with buildings.

But fear not, because a stunning solution is on the horizon. The realm of architecture is undergoing a radical shift, with bird-friendly design becoming an increasingly influential factor in shaping our cities.

The threat posed by modern architecture to birds is a considerable one. The Javits Center in New York, for example, was once dubbed the number one bird killer in the city due to its glassy facade. Birds, unable to distinguish the reflective surface from the sky or nearby greenery, would fly into the structure and often die from the impact.

However, this grim situation was significantly improved when the Javits Center underwent a renovation in 2014 to incorporate bird-friendly design features. The reflective glass was replaced with a fritted variety, dotted with patterns that birds could recognize as a solid barrier. After the renovation, bird deaths plummeted by an astounding 90%. The Javits Center’s transformation signifies how retrofitting our existing structures can result in an immediate and significant decrease in bird fatalities.

At the forefront of this architectural revolution are organizations like the American Bird Conservancy and the National Audubon Society. They advocate for bird-friendly design and promote building certifications like LEED Pilot Credit 55. This specific credit encourages the integration of bird-safe design through a point system, which then contributes to a building’s overall LEED certification.

And there’s more to bird-friendly design than just fritted glass. Consider San Francisco’s Public Utilities Commission Building, where bird-friendly strategies were incorporated right from the outset. To deter birds from hitting windows, the architects installed specially designed exterior light shelves that reduce window reflection during the day and minimize light pollution at night.

Moreover, there’s no need to sacrifice aesthetic appeal when implementing bird-friendly design. The bullet-shaped Gherkin building in London, known for its spectacular diamond-patterned facade, has bird deflecting strategies built into its design. By integrating bird protection measures at the design stage, the architects of the Gherkin successfully minimized the building’s impact on bird populations without compromising its iconic visual appeal.

Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum, a strikingly modern architectural marvel with a crystalline design, incorporated bird-friendly features without sacrificing its aesthetic appeal. The museum used patterned glass, light control, and external screens to minimize bird collisions. The result? A reduction in bird fatalities and an iconic building that still dazzles visitors and locals alike.

Even landscaping plays a crucial role. The New York Times Building features a rooftop garden with native plant species. The garden not only reduces energy consumption but also serves as a habitat for urban bird populations, providing them with a much-needed refuge in the city.

What’s more, bird-friendly designs have the potential to enhance a building’s energy efficiency. The fritted glass used at the Javits Center, for instance, improves insulation and reduces energy costs by lowering the need for artificial heating and cooling. Thus, it’s clear that bird-friendly designs can benefit not only our feathered friends but also our climate and wallets.

This revolution in architecture illustrates that humans and nature can coexist harmoniously in urban environments. Designing bird-friendly buildings is not just about protecting bird populations; it’s about ensuring the vibrancy and diversity of our urban ecosystems.

As we continue to build our cities, architects, engineers, and conservationists must unite to make bird-friendly designs the standard in architectural practice. Collaboration across industries and sectors is key to combating the invisible war against birds and ensuring our cities are a haven for biodiversity.

The introduction of bird-friendly building codes in several cities worldwide is a testament to this shift. Chicago, for instance, approved the “Bird Friendly Building Design Ordinance” in 2021. The ordinance, a pioneering example of city legislation, demands that new building projects and major renovations must include bird-safe materials and design features.

San Francisco, another city leading the way, implemented a similar Standards for Bird-Safe Buildings in 2011. These initiatives are vital in integrating bird-friendly designs into mainstream architectural practice.

Architects and designers are not the only ones with a part to play in this crucial movement. Building owners and tenants can also contribute to this cause. Advocating for bird-friendly designs and policies in workplaces and residential complexes can drive the demand for such buildings.

Even consumers can play a part. The Audubon Society’s Bird-friendly Building Council, for instance, encourages consumers to choose businesses that operate from bird-friendly buildings. By making informed choices, we can support companies that respect and value biodiversity.

Educational institutions are also stepping up. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, for instance, is working diligently to educate the public about the issue of bird-building collisions and the importance of bird-friendly design. Through a range of innovative programs and outreach efforts, they are creating a new generation of architects and urban planners who consider biodiversity in their designs.

As we look towards the future of architecture, it’s clear that bird-friendly design is more than a passing trend—it’s a critical step towards creating sustainable and resilient cities. The adoption of bird-friendly practices in architecture isn’t just about saving birds; it’s about acknowledging our shared responsibility in preserving Earth’s rich biodiversity.

Together, we have the power to create lasting change. Let’s work towards a future where modern architecture is no longer an invisible killer but a beacon of harmony between human and bird life. By embracing bird-friendly design, we are not only ensuring the survival of countless bird species but also safeguarding the beauty and diversity of life on Earth.

Our architectural marvels need not be avian death traps. The surprising solution to this grave problem lies within our grasp. Through thoughtful design and considerate practices, we can transform our cities into spaces that are safe for birds, beneficial for humans, and emblematic of a more compassionate and sustainable future.

Here’s what’s new in Bird Friendly Design

Here are a few new advancements that have come up since the topic gained attention:

1. Smart Glass Technology: One of the latest developments in bird-friendly design is the advent of smart glass technology. This tech makes windows and glass structures visible to birds, thereby reducing the risk of collisions. One exciting example is the Ornilux bird-protection glass. It incorporates a UV-reflective coating that is visible to birds but remains virtually transparent to humans. Birds see the glass as an obstacle and avoid it, reducing the chances of fatal collisions.
2. Innovative Lighting Design: Another new trend is using specialized lighting design to deter birds from approaching buildings. Techniques include reducing unnecessary exterior lighting, using motion sensor lighting, and implementing downward-facing lights that do not disrupt bird flight paths.
3. Retrofitting for Older Buildings: While most bird-friendly design principles apply to new constructions, there’s growing awareness about retrofitting older buildings with bird-friendly solutions. These can include external window treatments like screen, film, or decals that break up the reflection and prevent bird collisions.
4. Bird-friendly Building Certifications: Newer on the scene are certification programs that evaluate the bird-friendliness of a building or design. The American Bird Conservancy’s Bird Collision Deterrence: Material Threat Factor is one such example. This certification encourages designers and builders to use bird-safe materials and adopt bird-friendly practices.
5. Urban Planning for Bird Safety: Urban planning is beginning to consider bird safety at the city level, not just at the level of individual buildings. For instance, some cities are implementing “Lights Out” programs during migratory seasons to reduce the light pollution that disorients migrating birds.

These are just a few of the new developments in bird-friendly design. The field is constantly evolving as architects, scientists, and conservationists continue to find innovative ways to protect birds in urban environments.

In the words of Jane Goodall, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” It’s time we all choose to make a difference and stop the invisible killer lurking in our cities.

It’s not just about training—it’s about experience. At LearnGlazing.com, we’ve pioneered an innovative approach to advertising that not only benefits our advertising partners but is also a boon for our students. Here’s why LearnGlazing.com’s unique form of advertising enhances your learning journey:

1. Real-World Exposure:
When you’re learning about glazing systems, reading about it in a book or a screen is one thing, but encountering them within the learning context takes your education to another level. Our educational product placements allow you to gain familiarity with real industry-leading products, providing valuable insights into how they operate in real-world scenarios.

2. Trust and Familiarity:
The products and services integrated into our courses aren’t just arbitrary picks—they’re offerings from reputable industry manufacturers. As you engage with these brands during your coursework, you foster a sense of trust and familiarity, which helps when you need to make product decisions in the field.

3. Hands-On Interaction:
Interactive learning has been proven to enhance understanding and retention. The inclusion of actual products in the course content facilitates an interactive learning environment, granting you a more comprehensive grasp of the material.

4. Current and Relevant:
The glazing industry is fast-evolving, with new products and technologies constantly emerging. Our advertising approach ensures that the products and services you interact with are current and relevant, keeping you abreast of industry trends and advancements.

5. Exposure to a Broad Spectrum of Products:
Our courses cover a diverse array of topics from glazing systems to door hardware, and so do the products and services featured. This gives you exposure to a broad spectrum of offerings in the industry, widening your knowledge base and enhancing your versatility as a professional.

6. Real-time Problem-Solving:
As you navigate through our courses and engage with the products, you’ll encounter instances where you need to troubleshoot or problem-solve, mirroring real-life challenges in the field. This not only enhances your critical thinking skills but also prepares you to handle similar situations when you are working on actual projects.

7. Informed Decision-Making:
By incorporating the offerings of our advertisers into our curriculum, we provide you with the information you need to make knowledgeable decisions about products and services in your professional career.

8. Insights into Industry Practices:
The integration of products and services from various industry leaders gives you a glimpse into industry practices and standards, helping you understand what is expected in the professional world.

At LearnGlazing.com, our unique approach to advertising is part of our commitment to providing you with a comprehensive, practical, and relevant education. We are not just preparing you for the industry—we are immersing you in it. Come, experience the future of glazing education with us.

Are there specific products, glazing systems, or manufacturers you’re curious about? Your input is invaluable to us. Please reach out and let us know which examples you’d like to see integrated into our training. We’re here to tailor your learning experience to best suit your needs.

Contact us today and help shape the future of glazing education at LearnGlazing.com!

Are you a manufacturer looking to gain exposure for your products and services in the glazing industry? Consider LearnGlazing.com as your platform to connect with engaged learners who are eager to familiarize themselves with the latest industry tools. Contact us today to explore partnership opportunities and learn how your brand can contribute to the evolution of glazing education.

Contact us today and help shape the future of glazing education at LearnGlazing.com!

Introduction
In our most recent training project, we partnered with MP Drafting to construct a comprehensive curtain wall mock-up. Our objective was to create a hands-on experience for the team, allowing them to better understand the intricacies of the systems they design every day. We documented the entire process in our curtain wall mock-up video, providing a step-by-step guide on how we brought this project to fruition.

Planning and Preparations
The first step in creating the mock-up involved careful planning. The owner of MP Drafting, Marcus, and I decided that the project should encapsulate every aspect of a real curtain wall—from including a splice and glass, to ensuring proper anchorage. After settling on the size and products we would use, we formulated a comprehensive list of all the items we needed for our mock-up.

The drafting team subsequently crafted a set of shop drawings for us to review, serving as the blueprint for the project. We then started with the takeoff process to ensure we had all the necessary materials for our curtain wall.

Frame Construction
Once we had our list of materials, we began sourcing what we needed. Surprisingly, the wooden frame for our mock-up cost more than the other materials combined. After acquiring all the components, we started assembling our structure. We first built the outer frame and used a 4×4 with a 1×6 to simulate a floor line, which allowed us to create a two-story application.

Fabrication and Installation
After we had our base structure in place, we moved onto the fabrication phase. We cut all the pieces necessary for our curtain wall and then brought them back to the shop to begin installation.

We divided our installation process into two parts: stick-built and ladder system installations. For the stick-built section, we installed one piece at a time, making sure to pre-locate all the f and t clips on the frame for easy placement. For the ladder system section, we pre-built everything and then stood it up and slid it into place.

Anchorage and Accessories
We then focused on securing the system in place. To do this, we used wind load and dead load anchors. We made sure to coat the steel components to prevent corrosion between the steel and aluminum parts of the system. Once the system was securely anchored, we worked on making it weather tight by installing rubber and foam accessories.

Glass Installation
With the structure in place and weather tight, we moved onto the final step of our curtain wall mock-up: glass installation. We decided on a two-story structure to showcase the difference between vision glass and spandrel glass. We started installing from the bottom, ensuring the alignment of weep holes.

Conclusion
After installing the glass and closing up the system, we had a completed curtain wall mock-up that would serve as a tangible reference for future projects. This hands-on experience was not only educational but also a fun and engaging project. The project was made possible thanks to Midwest Glass Fabricators, MP Drafting, Driven Fabrication, and Tubelite.

We hope that our curtain wall mock-up video and this accompanying article provide useful resources for anyone interested in the complexities of curtain wall construction.

Keywords
Curtain Wall, Mock-up, Planning, Fabrication, Installation, Anchorage, Accessories, Glass Installation, Training Project, MP Drafting, Midwest Glass Fabricators, Driven Fabrication, Tubelite, Weather Tight, Vision Glass, Spandrel Glass, Shop Drawings, Stick-Built, Ladder System, Wind Load Anchors, Dead Load Anchors.

Our Glass Industry Courses/Classes teach you the basics of becoming a project manager in the glazing business.

To learn more about glass and glazing visit us at https://www.Learnglazing.com/

Follow us on Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnglazing

In our latest educational video at LearnGlazing.com, we delve into the fascinating world of storefront systems and curtain wall systems, focusing specifically on their design features that manage and drain water. Not many are aware that these structures have inbuilt mechanisms to channel water effectively, ensuring their longevity and functionality.

In the case of storefront systems, the mullions play a pivotal role in water management. They are ingeniously designed to channel any water ingress to the sides and down the verticals. This water then travels all the way to the floor where a sill pan awaits to catch and divert the water out of the system. This design ensures that the storefront remains dry and safe, even in the face of adverse weather conditions.

Contrastingly, curtain wall systems handle water drainage differently. Each window in a curtain wall system is a self-contained bay with its own water management system. The horizontal cross members at the bottom of each bay have their own weep holes that allow the water to exit. This unique design ensures that each window independently manages its water drainage, preventing the water from travelling down the entire system. This video showcases these intricate designs that make our buildings safe and durable. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel at Learn Glazing and hit that like button for more insightful content.

“storefront systems”, “curtain wall systems”, “water management”, “mullions”, “weep holes”, and “Learn Glazing”

Our Glass Industry Courses/Classes teach you the basics of becoming a project manager in the glazing business.

To learn more about glass and glazing visit us at https://www.Learnglazing.com/

Follow us on Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnglazing

How (and Why) we Built a Curtain Wall Mock-Up

Over at our sister company, MP Drafting, we recently put together a mock-up of a full curtain wall assembly system. While much smaller than an installed system, it has all the functional components a curtain wall needs.

You can see the finished product in the photo below and check out our video at the end of this article to watch the project from start to finish. But first, read on to learn why we built it and what we learned from the experience, including how it has helped us avoid some common mistakes.

Why we built a curtain wall mock-up

You might be wondering why we decided to construct a curtain wall assembly to store inside our shop. Aside from the fact that it’s a great conversation piece, we actually have a few practical reasons for building it.

We wanted to have a tangible representation of a curtain wall system and its various components to improve our drafting process. Our drafters spend so much time looking at curtain wall components in 2D drawings, but not nearly as much time actually seeing and getting their hands on the actual parts they’re drawing. So we wanted to give our drafters, especially those with less experience, a more intimate understanding of curtain walls and their components. There are several important reasons for this.

If you think about it, drafting is kind of like painting (but not the abstract kind). In both cases, you’re creating a 2D representation of something 3D in the real world. To do this properly, an artist needs to study their subject. Of course, you can paint a landscape, for example, without ever having been there, but the accuracy of your representation will suffer.

It’s the same with drafting. You can draw standard wind load or dead load clips, but if you don’t understand how they actually work, and if you’ve never actually seen them, you’re likely to make mistakes. Creating high-quality shop drawings is all about accuracy and attention to detail.

Another reason for building the mock-up was to avoid costly mistakes we’ve made in the past. For example, a common mistake drafters make is improperly showing wind load and dead load clips, splits, and F&T clips.

Seeing these components properly installed on the mock-up has helped our drafters draw these complex details.

In fact, the mock-up includes several details and conditions that are particularly challenging to draw, including brake metal corners, splice sleeves, dead load anchors, wind load anchors, spandrel glass, and F&T clips.

Since the mock-up was built, our drafters have referred to it at least once a week. We also use it for onboarding new drafters. We show them the components, how they look in real life compared to a 2D drawing, and talk about the individual components that comprise the curtain wall.

What we learned from the process

Building the mock-up was a great learning experience. It really cemented some key concepts for those involved, including how to properly locate shear blocks and weep holes, and figuring out the sequence of F&T clips.

Another realization was just how much more difficult it would be to install a curtain wall on a much larger scale. For example, perfectly aligning the holes from the mullions and shear blocks is challenging enough; just imagine doing it from a lift – or outside in the cold during the winter! That would introduce a whole new set of challenges.

This experience opened our eyes to the challenges installers go through on a daily basis. And it emphasized the importance of making their jobs as seamless as possible. The best way we can do that is to create clear, concise, and accurate drawings. If we can do that successfully, we can remove any ambiguity and make the installation process as smooth as it can be. As a result, we’ll save time by avoiding mistakes in the first place and producing a better product.

See for yourself

Watch the full video below to see the project step by step, including some of the key challenges we faced and how we solved them.

Did You Know that B.I.M. is now being used by the Glazing industry? So, what is Building Information Modeling? This video shows an example of a glazing B.I.M. drawing and talks about how this technology helps the glass industry

Thanks to MP drafting and design for the B.I.M. 3d video used in this video
Lin – https://mpdrafting.com/

Let LearnGlazing.com Do the Lifting

The team at LearnGlazing.com understands that you probably don’t have the time to figure out how to structure such a program and implement it consistently. But we also know that you don’t have the time to deal with employees who don’t know how to perform their roles effectively and efficiently, nor do you have the time to deal with a high turnover rate because employees feel they are poorly fit for their tasks. This is why we have done the heavy lifting for you, designing an internal training system that you can adjust to fit the particular needs of your company, and which is easy to organize and run routinely.

Ready for LearnGlazing.com? Jump right in and sign up for free. Use the link below to subscribe to USGlass Magazine and gain instant access to the training.

www.LearnGlazing.com/USGM

If you have any other questions or comments feel free to reach out to us here.