AAMA Southeast Region Fall Meeting to feature wind engineering facility tour

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association Southeast Region Fall Meeting will be held Aug. 5-6 in Orlando, Fla., and will begin with a tour of the University of Florida Wind Engineering Lab in Gainesville, Fla., according to aJuly 13 release.Forrest Masters, University of South Florida, will provide demonstrations of the hurricane simulator, cyclic test chamber (AAMA 520), installation testing and shingle/tile impacts. He also will provide a presentation on the requirements for design pressure, as well as other new proposals that will be of interest to industry professionals."Our regional meetings offer an important opportunity to both address regional issues, as well as a time to meet with our members to discuss what issues are impacting their businesses," said Chuck Anderson, AAMA codes and industry affairs manager and Southeast region director, in the release. "We're looking forward to a full agenda at the fall meeting, and the chance to view demonstrations and discuss ongoing research on a variety of issues affecting the Southeast region of the U.S."After touring the lab, the group will adjourn to the main University of Florida campus for lunch and presentations by Masters. The initial discussions of the findings from the Precipitation Imaging Probe will be discussed, as well as preliminary discussions on additional research projects.The Aug. 6 agenda will cover a variety of topics including ASCE 7-10, the gulf oil spill, IBHS simulation report, AAMA/FMA testing update, Florida Department of Community Affairs and an update on AAMA activities at the national level. In addition, the Southeast AAMA Technical Committee will discuss issues related to questions raised by AAMA Accredited Laboratories regarding the new AAMA 520 standard,Voluntary Specification for Rating the Severe Wind Driven Rain Resistance of Windows, Doors and Unit Skylights."The activities and efforts of the AAMA Southeast Region combine the influence of a large, national organization with a specific focus and dedication to the industry issues affecting the southeast region of the U.S.," said Kevin Seiling,VEKA Inc., president of the Southeast Region board.A block of rooms has been reserved at the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel. Thedeadline for hotel reservationswas July 14. After this date, reservations will be accepted on a space available basis and the AAMA rate of $109 per night (plus tax) may not be available.Information on registration, accommodations, transportation and meeting materials is available at the Southeast Region Meeting Web page. If there are any questions or trouble with the online registration process, please contact Kaydeen Laird, AAMA senior meetings coordinator, at klaird@aamanet.org.