The 2023 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (WFCT) is less than 100 days away! The event will be held September 20-22 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Va.
This is the only event exclusively held for the automotive, architectural, decorative, paint protection and security film industry, as well as ceramic coatings. If you’ve never attended or haven’t for a while, make this the year you join those that come to every WFCT to level up their businesses and take home lifelong memories and new strategies for success.
Take action today:
REGISTER: www.wfctevent.com/register/attend/
COMPETE: www.wfctevent.com/competing/
SPONSOR: www.wfctevent.com/exhibitor-contract/
HOTEL: www.wfctevent.com/hotels/
MORE INFORMATION: www.wfctevent.com/
Six Companies Join WFCT as Ruby Sponsors
The number of companies joining WFCT at the Ruby Sponsorship level has swelled to six. Those companies include: Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions, Global Window Films, Johnson Window Films, KDX Films, TubeliteDenco and XPEL.
Seven Emerald Sponsors Join WFCT 2023
Seven sponsors are joining this year at the Emerald level so far, including:
EPD (Energy Products Distribution);
International Window Film Association (IWFA);
TRÜ Spray Systems; and
Here are WFCT’s Wednesday, September 20, Sessions
Wednesday, September 20, is the first day of the show and the first full day of education. WFCT 2023 will be held from September 20-22 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The lineup is packed with industry experts across window film, marketing and vehicle wrapping. Full registration is required to attend the educational tracks. Get your full registration today.
Here’s What to Look Forward to:
8 – 11 a.m.
Learn the Ins and Outs of Vehicle Wrapping: From Sales to Installation
Join wraps trainer extraordinaire Jeremiah Bienko for two sessions teaching you how to wrap. In the morning he will be instructing on the business of vehicle wraps, giving attendees an idea on how to add this to their business. Everything from sales to vehicle prepping will be covered. During show hours, Bienko will provide attendees with hands-on training and installation tips in the designated demo area. (This session will move onto the exhibition floor from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
Jeremiah Bienko has been in the film industry for more than 15 years. He currently owns and operates SickWrap in Tampa. He is an advanced certified installer with Avery Dennison.
9:30 – 10 a.m.
Welcome and Market Update, Including Window Film, PPF, and More
Start the day with a presentation on the state of the window film, PPF and ceramic coatings market in the U.S., including insights on various segments and growth areas.
Nick St. Denis, director of research for Key Media & Research (KMR), a leading information provider to the window film and PPF industry, has studied the market for much of the past decade and regularly works with industry businesses, conducting custom research projects for clients.
10 – 10:45 a.m.
Ask Your Suppliers Anything
This is your chance to ask film suppliers about the present and future state of the market. What are the latest industry trends? What is the status of the supply chain and the economy? This will be the time to ask experts David Kratz, chief operating officer, Hüper Optik and Autobahn Window Films; Abby Monnot, general manager, Graphics Solutions North America, Avery Dennison; Fred Zwilling, business development manager, Global Hi-Tech Films; William Davidson, sales and distribution manager, Johnson Window Films; Allison Parker, sales specialist, Maxpro Window Films; and Erin Bernhardt, vice president and general manager of Eastman Performance Films.
11 a.m. – Noon
Shaun White to Keynote WFCT 2023, Sponsored by Autobahn
Legendary Shaun White will be the keynote speaker at WFCT 2023. White is a five-time Olympian (three of them gold), X-games superstar and investor/entrepreneur. He owns Art + Style Festival of Music and Snowboarding and is the founder of active lifestyle brand Whitespace.
12:15 – 1 p.m.
The Importance of Training Both New and Seasoned Installers
You train your newbies, but have you thought about training your seasoned installers as well? Jody Knight, director of business development at KDX Films, will share why you’re never too advanced to learn a thing or two.
These are the general sessions for Wednesday, September 20. Breakout sessions will also be available. For the full educational program and attendee brochure, click here.
Pre-registration ends soon. Sign up for the best discounts. WFCT’s hotel room block is selling out fast. Book your room today!
Ace the Specifics: WFCT’s Breakout Educational Sessions
Wednesday, September 20, and Friday, September 22, of WFCT 2023 bring specified breakout sessions on paint protection film, decorative and architectural film so you can choose specifically where to focus your growth. To attend these exclusive breakout sessions, you must have a full registration. If you haven’t done so, register now before pre-registration ends!
Here are Wednesday, September 20’s Breakout Sessions:
PPF Track
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Firing on all Cylinders: How to Market Successfully in 2023
As PPF demand grows, opportunities to cross-sell are out there for the taking. Owner of Ceramic Pro Pottstown in Pottstown, Pa., Gabe Fletcher’s business did more than $1 million in paint protection film, ceramic coatings and window tint sales in 2022. He and his business partner Tyler Lordi use their marketing agency Detailing Growth as a platform to lift fellow businesses to similar heights. Join the climb in a session applicable to all industry segments.
Decorative Track
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Diving into Custom Decorative Film
The decorative film segment is calling your name, but where do you start? Christian Huml, owner of Harmony Window Films and Graphics in Marshfield, Wis., shares the investments he made to get started, the connections that facilitated his growth and overall tips and tricks for an entrance into all things decorative.
Architectural Track
12 – 1 p.m.
Falling for Flat Glass: How to Construct Connections with Architects
The architecture and design community specifies building materials for a project, whether new construction or retrofit. Forging relationships within the segment can pay a window film dealer great dividends. Of course, like anything worthwhile, it requires a lot of work. Learn what it takes in this afternoon session with speaker Manny Hondroulis, vice president of Energy Products Distribution (EPD) in Baltimore.
Here are Friday, September 22’s Breakout Sessions:
Architectural Track
8 – 9 a.m.
Constructing Connections with Glass Companies
Are flat glass services a major focus of your business? If so, connections with glass companies in your local area are crucial. Learn how to supplement the glass and glazing industry in this session with Chris Ritter, owner of Performance Film LLC in Saint Cloud, Minn.
PPF Track
9 – 10 a.m.
Fighting PPF Perfectionism with Proper Expectations
Curtailing the customer’s desire for perfection and setting realistic expectations before an installation is crucial with paint protection film. In fact, Josh Poponick, owner of Blackout Tinting in Latrobe, Pa., says that goal falls second only to customer service and a quality installation. Learn how he sets the tone with customers in this session.
