From the fabricator: Looking back and looking ahead

Well, another GlassBuild is in the books. Overall, I thought the show was very positive. The vibe there did fall on the side of hopeful, and the buzz about the future was encouraging. Yes, there were some rough parts, like some slow and spotty crowds and some key people missing, but considering the climate we are in, I would easily deem the show a success. The people that came and walked the show gained from the new and exciting things they saw, and for the most part, the exhibitors should have gained from a focused attendee base, not just people using the show as an excuse to be in Vegas. The hope here is when we meet back up in Atlanta next year, we're talking about how much better things are than now. 

Elsewhere...

• One theme that I spent time on was the fact that back in 2005 when things were rolling, did any of us sit back and say "Wow, this is great!" Chances are you didn't, so I think when times change again we'll be able to appreciate them more.
• Vegas itself really is an amazing place... from the awesome architecture and design (and my goodness the interiors of the CityCenter were incredible) to just the cheese factor that is Vegas. Like hundreds of people watching the show outside of Treasure Island. Lip synched songs and fire I guess attracts 'em in. But the other wild thing is getting up at 4 a.m. to catch the 6 a.m. flight and seeing the hotel lobby and casino packed. That can only happen in Vegas.  

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Perilstein is chief marketing officer for Vitro America, Memphis. Write him at mperilstein@vitro.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.