Editor’s Note: Window Film magazine is marking the days until the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ by introducing this year’s Supporters with company profiles. Over the next few weeks, we will continue profiling each of the six Supporters you will see on the show floor—be sure to stay tuned.

Solar Gard is once again one of our Supporters of the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 18-20 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 18-20.

During the conference, attendees will be able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers, network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers and suppliers and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

We spoke with Lawrence Constantin, director of sales, Americas for Solar Gard.

Window Film magazine: Larry, why did Solar Gard choose to sponsor the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?
Constantin: The International Window Film Conference is such an important event in the industry—growing every year in significance—and Solar Gard is proud to stand behind both the International Window Film Association (IWFA) and Key Communications (publisher of Window Film magazine) event team. Dealer/installer training and education are crucial to creating successful window film entrepreneurs and we are thrilled to have the chance to be a part of it.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?
Constantin: Events like the IWFC are a perfect time for everyone in the window film industry to come together and share “tips and tricks” of the trade. Training sessions help advance the progression of the industry, and the Tint-Off competition brings excitement to window film. The event showcases what the IWFA does behind-the-scenes and helps connect dealers with manufacturers, as well as fosters community between fellow dealers. You’ll find the most leading-edge technology and techniques at the IWFC and it’s a great forum for industry announcements and new product debuts.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from Solar Gard at the 2013 show?
Constantin: We encourage attendees to stop by our booth and learn more about our comprehensive automotive and architectural film portfolios, now including Solar Gard Ecolux™ 70 Low-E (a new sustainable, all-season low-E window film for homes and commercial properties), Galaxie™ and TrueVue™ film offerings, as well as business expansion opportunities with our Clearshield® paint protection film and ComputerCut® software. Last year we also launched Solar Gard Partner Points, the industry’s first points-based loyalty program, where we say “thank you” by giving back to participating dealers. For every purchase dealers make with Solar Gard, they earn points that can be redeemed for thousands of merchandise options, event tickets or travel opportunities. We love that dealers have already been able to turn their film purchases into everything from the latest Apple and Samsung electronics, to concert tickets to see country superstars like Kenny Chesney, to sporting and outdoors equipment. We also know quite a few are saving up those valuable points to take well-deserved cruise vacations!

Window Film magazine: What do you hope your dealers and distributors can obtain by attending an event like this?
Constantin: Whenever business owners have the opportunity to step outside their environments, they get to see how others just like them operate a similar type of business. These events provide a chance to talk with other dealers, “bounce around” ideas and solutions, share installation techniques and tool preferences, etc. This forum for exchange builds new friendships with other window film professionals, and they can keep in touch with advice, successes and challenges long after the event is over.

Window Film magazine: Does Solar Gard have any advice for the 2013 Tint-Off™ Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?
Constantin: We wish all the competitors the best of luck, and are looking forward to an exciting Tint-Off! We hope you all have a very busy and profitable season and look at every installation as an opportunity to perfect your technique and improve your speed—all in preparation to take home the coveted first place title (and prize money)!

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Solar Gard makes architectural and automotive window films, photovoltaics and custom coatings and is a division of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, a leader in the habitat and construction markets. Solar Gard products are sold in more than 90 countries under the Solar Gard®, Panorama®, Quantum® and Solar Gard Armorcoat® brands.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.