letter from the editor

Mark Your Calendars Now

There’s just something so invigorating about starting off a new year! It’s a fresh start, and all good things lay ahead. There’s plenty of work to be done and money to be made.

The hurricane protection industry certainly has been busy—last year’s “once-in-a-lifetime” season has seen to that. And for the year ahead, at least one expert (the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team) expects another above-average season, although nothing quite like 2004 (see page 6).

It’s important for everyone in the field to set some time aside to take full stock and prepare for what may be ahead—builders, manufacturers, suppliers and dealers alike. Customers will be looking for and wanting hurricane protection this year like no other in recent history, and the first part of the new year is an excellent time to begin researching what products are available, what changes are anticipated in building codes and product approvals and what new equipment will be offered for designing, installing and selling.

Mark your calendars now—the 2005 season really begins in January with the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, FL, January 13 to 16. This year, iShow will present the NextGen05 Demonstration Home showcasing impact-resistant windows and hurricane protection panels along with the latest in safety and lifestyle technology.

February 11 to 13 the International Code Council ICC) holds its Symposium on Hurricanes in Tampa. Observations, lessons learned and unmet research needs from the 2004 season will be presented.

The National Hurricane Conference returns to New Orleans March 21 to 25. The conference draws emergency management officials, law enforcement officials, engineers and volunteer agencies for workshops and training sessions.

But above all, be sure to set aside May 5 and 6 for the World of Hurricane Protection Trade Show and Conference. Also held in Orlando, FL, this year (at the Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando), the World of Hurricane Protection is the only trade show and conference solely for the manufacturers and suppliers of hurricane protection products to exhibit for coastal builders, coastal contractors, architects, facility managers and dealers. The conference features eight educational seminars led by expert instructors providing solutions, tools and strategies for the coming season. The World of Hurricane Protection is also a great opportunity to network with peers, share ideas, and get involved.

Everyone interested in exhibiting and attending the 2005 World of Hurricane Protection should contact Hurricane Protection magazine; call or e-mail Kerri Caldwell at (773) 775-9293, kcaldwell@lcclark.com.

See you there!