A PPF Professional’s Preview
By Chris Collier
2022 marks the 21st International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (WFCT). The event centers on several industry segments, including paint protection film (PPF). An energized slate of educational speakers, a packed show floor with sponsors’ products and services, giveaways and competitions with the largest prize pool yet comprise the event, held from September 14-16 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio.
Insightful Seminars
The event’s educational program ensures the content is fresh, relevant and valuable. Nick St. Denis, director of research for Key Media & Research (KMR), kicks off the day at 8:00 a.m. with a warm welcome and market update that includes window film, PPF and more. Scan several of the sessions and their details below:
Wednesday, September 14
General Sessions
Attracting the Next Generation of Installers: How to Train an Apprentice
8:30 a.m. -9:15 a.m.
We’ve all heard the stories. You have lived them. It’s crazy difficult to find installers. You find them, train them, and they leave for the competitor down the street. Learn how to train an apprentice and embrace them into the company culture.
Speakers: Kyle Fuller is the owner of Tint Pro in Bonaire, Ga., has been in the window film industry for more than 20 years. The company offers commercial, residential, and automotive film along with PPF, and his company has worked on large projects nationwide; Matthew Yelle is the owner of Palmetto Protection Films in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Moderator: Chris Collier
Ask Suppliers Anything
9:45 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
When will supply chain delays ease? What new technology is coming down the line? What does the future hold for all film and PPF categories? This is your chance to ask manufacturers about the future and the market ahead during a
special supplier roundtable. Moderated by Window Film and PPFMag editorial
director Tara Taffera.
Speakers: Jeffrey Plummer is senior vice president and general manager, window film for Madico; David Kratz is chief operating officer at Huper Optik USA; Adam Cote is vice president of Ceramic Pro’s Elite Dealer Program. Executives from Avery Dennison, Eastman and CoolVu are also confirmed.
Breakout Sessions (PPF Track)
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Breaking Out and Breaking Into New Markets
It’s no surprise that PPF and ceramic coatings are on the rise and poised for exponential growth. The PPF segment is pushing shops further due to its ability to generate tall tickets, provide peace of mind for automotive enthusiasts, and its evolving technology. With the product continuing to
strengthen, so will its market share.
Speakers: Nick Blek is the owner at Premier Armor in Corona, Calif.; Brian Brown is principal at Exclusive Detail in Charlotte, N.C.; Jay Ka is owner at Modern Elix in West Chester, Pa.
Moderator: Chris Collier
Thursday, September 15 (International Window Film Association Education Day)
Adding Services to Your Business for the Longer Term
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Are you looking to grow your business with another location or with additional
products? If so, come to this session and hear a veteran who has grown his business in multiple areas discuss the issues you might have growing your business to the next level and beyond.
Speaker: Bill Valway, CEO, AP Corp
Keynote Speech by Mike Rowe
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Emmy-winning host, bestselling author, executive producer, and trades advocate Mike Rowe will be the keynote speaker at International Window Film
Conference and TintOff™ 2022 at the Henry B. González Convention Center on September 15. Rowe is one of the nation’s most respected leaders
of championing vocations through series such as Dirty Jobs and Somebody’s Gotta Do It. He has held countless interviews speaking about the skills gap and the importance of trades. During Thursday’s Keynote, Rowe will discuss his insights, thoughts, and lessons learned while apprenticing on 300 “dirty” jobsites. Attendees of the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off will have the opportunity to ask questions that Rowe will answer during his presentation.
Friday, September 16
Use your Bank to Your Advantage
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Dealing with bankers doesn’t have to be scary. This session will help you learn how even the smallest company can develop a banking relationship to facilitate growth when you want it.
Speaker: Lyle Hill has a wealth of experience in the glass and film industry, has owned several businesses and has a wealth of experience working with banks.
Wrap it up
Several wrap demonstrations will be held on the Exhibition Floor during
the event.
Wednesday, September 14
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
#SickWrap
Join us in the WFCT demonstration area throughout the day as
Jeremiah Bienko of @SickWrap/813-TINTING completes a custom
install on a luxury car. Will the final product bring the heat? Stop by
to find out.
Thursday, September 15
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Coming in Hot
Jeremiah Bienko will give a beginner-to-expert wrap course in the
WFCT demonstration area. Learn what to watch out for, managing
premium car owners, and overall best practices.
Friday, September 16
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
That’s a Wrap!
Stop by the WFCT demonstration area for hands-on-training
with Jeremiah Bienko. Step into the ring to get first-class training in
the areas you need most and take home hot new tips to better your
wrap installations.
Get Your Game Face on
The PPF Competition is back in force at WFCT 2022, with substantial prizes up for grabs.
Paint Protection Film Division
$10,000 (Gold)
$5,000 (Silver)
$1,000 (Bronze)
Win This Printer
Mutoh Printer will be given away at WFCT 2022. Visit Mutoh on the show floor
for a sneak peek of what the printer is capable of. Details on the drawing: All registered attendees* at the International Window Film Conference and
Tint-Off™ (WFCT) are entered to win. Each day of the show, a finalist will be selected and announced on location and through the WFCT Mobile App. On Friday, September 16, the three finalists will be drawn from for one lucky winner to be announced at 1:30 p.m. on the show floor. Mutoh will ship a brand new printer to the winner.
*Sponsors and non-exhibiting suppliers are not eligible for the daily drawings.
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