The tradition continues at this year’s GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo, held Oct. 31–Nov. 2 in Atlanta. The tradition of 20 years of the longest-running glass industry trade show, where glass, window and door industries meet. And the tradition of 75 years for show organizer the National Glass Association, which advocates for a future in which glass is the material of choice to enhance spaces where people live, play, learn, work and heal.
“GlassBuild is more than a trade show, it’s a connection point,” says Molly Grenn, NGA event director. “You should step away from your day-to-day work and join us in Atlanta to refresh your mind and gain some new perspective. Come celebrate 20 years of GlassBuild with us as the tradition continues.”
GlassBuild 2023 in Atlanta will welcome 94 first-time exhibitors out of 479 total exhibitors. Visitors and exhibitors will enjoy 180,000 square feet of space at the Georgia World Congress Center. Over 150 international exhibitors from 23 countries will exhibit their products and services.
GlassBuild 2022, in Las Vegas
“We’re excited to return to the show floor for the first time in several years. We look forward to connecting with our customers, partners, and the industry at large to celebrate its progress and engage in conversations about how to move the industry forward."
Steve Schohan, marketing communications manager, YKK AP America Inc.
Meet the industry
While companies continue to return to trade shows and in-person events post-Covid, glass industry leaders stressed how valuable they find in-person interactions on a personal and professional level.
“While we’ve all learned that it’s possible for many people to function remotely in their jobs, you just can’t beat the feeling you get from sitting down with each other and really connecting,” says Kim Schultz, product marketing specialist, Magid.
Face-to-face interactions with customers and industry members allow company representatives to connect meaningfully with their customer base, and the industry as a whole. “Whether it’s from customers and partners we’ve worked with for decades, or someone we meet for the very first time, the information we pick up at the show informs product development and provides in-the-field insights, allowing us to optimally support our customers,” says Crista Tekstra, vice president of brand and product marketing, C.R. Laurence.
GlassBuild also offers a space for companies to gather crucial information on current, and future, market trends. “These events offer a platform for industry professionals to stay updated on the latest trends, innovations and market developments, which can help businesses adapt and thrive in a competitive landscape,” says Diane Hansbury, marketing manager, Deceuninck North America.
Labor shortage drives unitization, and capital investment
Industry leaders say they expect to see, and are interested in learning more about, solutions to the labor shortage at GlassBuild, including further automation and labor-saving possibilities.
“Fabricators and glaziers must employ automation to meet the needs of their customers,” says Chris Kammer, marketing lead, A+W Software North America. “I’m curious to see which companies are employing automation to meet their customer’s needs.”
“We’re seeing a move to modular solutions,” says CRL’s Tekstra. “A move to a modular strategy empowers glaziers to better manage the installation process and reduce delays.”
“Automation and smart home integration are becoming more prevalent, so we anticipate exhibitors showcasing products that allow for remote control and monitoring of windows and glass features,” says Deceuninck’s Hansbury.
“You run into an old friend on the trade show floor. You meet a customer for dinner. You wander into an interesting booth and create a new contact. That can’t happen when you’re sitting in your office.”
Alan Kinder, director, commercial segment and technical services, Guardian Glass North America.
In addition to offering shared space for industry conversation, GlassBuild will again offer a full slate of educational and business-oriented programming provided by industry experts. See what's in store on GlassBuildAmerica.com.
The last few years have been turbulent, as significant challenges like supply chain and material shortages combined most recently with inflation and interest rates. GlassBuild offers a shared space for industry members to discuss and troubleshoot these challenges.
“The real value [of trade shows] comes in how they create common spaces to facilitate important conversations about the most pertinent issues facing our industry today. This is crucial as we continue to develop solutions and, ultimately, move the industry forward,” says Steve Schohan, marketing communications manager, YKK AP America Inc.
“These gatherings bring together industry leaders and are more vital than ever. They provide so many opportunities to learn and share, and these collaborations and discussions often lead to great progress,” says Robert Struble, director of brand and innovation, Vitro Architectural Glass.
