The Glass Industry Gathers at GlassBuild America 2026 

GlassBuild America returns to Las Vegas this year, to the newly renovated West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Along with the new site, GlassBuild’s programming will focus on providing fresh opportunities for industry companies to find success in what has become an unpredictable market.  

"This year's GlassBuild America is built for a moment when our industry needs clarity as much as connection,” says Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, president and CEO of the National Glass Association. “That's why so much of the new programming at this year’s show centers around helping industry members make informed decisions in an unpredictable economy.”  

As part of that commitment to supporting the industry, GlassBuild is debuting a Keynote Theater, offering high-level insights for attendees. “We're kicking things off with ‘Shark Tank’ star and Fubu founder Daymond John, who knows firsthand what it takes to build a resilient business from the ground up. His insights on strategy, to be shared in our brand-new Keynote Theater, will provide guidance on smart decision-making,” says Woods. “Combined with returning economist Connor Lokar’s data-driven forecasting, attendees will have the information they need to make more confident calls in the year to come.” 

Beyond updated programming, the National Glass Association remains committed to workforce development in the glass and fenestration industries. As part of its “See Yourself in Glass” student outreach campaign, NGA will host 500 students from local high schools at GlassBuild to learn about career opportunities, tour the show floor and participate in hands-on skill activities. 

“These students are already engaged with their high school building and manufacturing trade programs, and we want to show them the variety of career paths the glass industry has to offer," says Jenni Chase, vice president of workforce development, NGA. “Every student who leaves that day considering a career in glass is a win for our industry." 

New this year 

The Opening Celebration 

Join 1,500+ glass and glazing industry professionals for an exclusive evening at Allegiant Stadium, the iconic home of the Las Vegas Raiders. This premier event will set a new elevated precedent for attendees and provide unparalleled networking and connections that will last for years to come. The event will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas following the end of the first day of the show, Sept. 23. 

What to know about this event: 

• Shuttle transportation is provided from the Convention Center to Allegiant Stadium.   
• Gourmet catering and premium specialty cocktails will be available throughout the venue. 
• Live entertainment will create an unforgettable atmosphere. 
• Attendees can enjoy unparalleled networking with industry leaders, executives and decision-makers. 
• Get behind-the-scenes stadium access, including Raiders’ locker rooms, VIP lounges and suites. 
• See architectural glass products from NGA members and GlassBuild exhibitors. 

3 Days of Opening Keynotes 

For the first time, GlassBuild will host a special Keynote Theater at GlassBuild, featuring a dynamic opening keynote program each morning of the show, prior to the opening of the exhibit hall.  

Shark Tank’s Daymond John 

GlassBuild welcomes Daymond John, star of ABC’s Shark Tank, entrepreneur, and Fubu CEO/founder, as the show’s kickoff keynote. One of America's most recognized business minds will share his story of building a brand from nothing and the strategies that drive growth, in the keynote “Daymond John's 5 Shark Points: Fundamentals for Success in Business and Life.”  

The Construction Forecast with Connor Lokar 

Senior Economist Connor Lokar of ITR Economics delivers his annual data-driven forecast on day two of the show, a presentation designed to help your business plan with confidence. Lokar specializes in applied economic analysis and forecasting for construction and industrial markets, making him uniquely positioned to speak to the glass and glazing industry. He has served as the economic speaker at the Glazing Executives Forum since 2017. 

Women in Glass – Workforce Leadership Breakfast 

Closing out the keynote program on day three is Women in Glass – Workforce Leadership Breakfast. NGA Board member Syndi Sim, director of sales and business development, Q-Railing, will emcee this event, with keynotes focused on workforce development, featuring Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, NGA president and CEO, and Barbara Bouza, FAIA, former president, Walt Disney Imagineering and executive director of market strategies and growth, CannonDesign.  

Glass Magazine Awards Presentations 

The Keynote Theater program also includes the presentation of the Glass Magazine Awards and Window + Door Awards, which spotlight the innovative products and people in glass and fenestration. Join Glass Magazine and Window + Door, the official show publications of GlassBuild America, as we celebrate this year’s winners and their achievements. The awards will be presented as part of the keynote program on days one and two of GlassBuild.  

Schedule and Location 

See GlassBuild.com for additional information and updates. All keynotes will take place at GlassBuild’s Keynote Theater in Room W232 off the show floor. Separate registration is required.  

• Wednesday, Sept. 23, 8:30 a.m. | Shark Tank’s Daymond John 
  Plus: Recognizing award winners for the Glass Magazine and Window + Door competitions 
• Thursday, Sept. 24, 8:30 a.m. | The Construction Forecast with Connor Lokar 
  Plus: Recognizing the Glass Magazine Awards and Window + Door Awards, product and people winners 
• Friday, Sept. 25 | Women in Glass – Women’s Leadership Breakfast, with Syndi Sim, Q-Railing; Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, NGA; and Barbara Bouza, FAIA, CannonDesign 

The Innovation Lounge 

New in 2026, the Innovation Lounge, located on the GlassBuild America show floor, is your destination for what's next. 

Explore a curated showcase of recently launched or about to launch products from select GlassBuild exhibitors. The Innovation Lounge is open all hours of the show and features the most forward-looking products in the areas of technology, sustainability, robotics, artificial intelligence and architectural glass.  

AI (Artificial Intelligence). The AI zone inside the Innovation Lounge showcases how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way glass and fenestration companies design, quote and manufacture. See how predictive systems are reducing waste, accelerating lead times, and putting smarter decisions in the hands of the people who need them most. 

Technology. Step into the Technology zone to explore the connected ecosystem powering modern glass operations. Whether you're looking to digitize your workflow, upgrade your CNC capabilities or integrate your ERP with your production line, this zone puts the tools to transform your business right in front of you. 

Robotics. The Robotics zone puts automation front and center. Watch live demonstrations of robotic arms handling large-format glass with precision and speed, collaborative robots working safely alongside human operators, and automated processing systems that are redefining throughput for fabricators of every size.  

Sustainability. The glass industry has a critical role to play in a more sustainable built environment, and the Sustainability zone highlights the companies leading that charge. Explore products and processes designed to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and lower the carbon footprint of glass from production to installation.  

Architectural Glass. The Architectural Glass zone celebrates glass as one of the most dynamic materials in the built environment. From high-performance insulating glass units to façade-defining specialty laminates, this zone is essential viewing for architects, glazing contractors, and specifiers looking to stay at the leading edge of design and performance. 

"The Innovation Lounge represents everything GlassBuild America stands for: giving our industry a firsthand look at what's next,” says Sarah Swango, vice president of development and exhibit sales, NGA. “From AI-driven design and quoting to robotics reshaping the fabrication floor, this is where our members will see the innovations that will define the next decade of glass and glazing. We're proud to give these forward-thinking exhibitors a dedicated space to showcase what's possible." 

Glass Design Exchange 

From daylighting and human health, to advanced glazing systems, to incredible case studies in glass, the Glass Design Exchange, held the first day of the show, Sept. 23, delivers a full day of education built around one central idea: glass and fenestration are essential to better buildings.  

Attending architects will earn 5+ LU|HSW credits from the AIA while exploring real project failures and lessons learned, code and advocacy updates, and emerging technologies like vacuum insulating glass and thin triples. Whether you specify, fabricate or install, this is where the conversations that shape the next generation of building design begin. 

Registration is free for architects, specifiers, interior designers and engineering firms. 

Schedule and Location 

The Glass Design Exchange takes place at the GlassBuild Main Stage, Booth #4737. For more information and updates. Sessions run 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Sessions include:  

• Glass Magazine Awards Winners’ Circle 
• Designing for Daylight: Illuminating Health and Architecture 
• Case Studies: Project Failures & Lessons Learned 
• The Retrofit and Recycling Opportunity 
• Need to Know Glass & Glazing Codes 
• The Present and Future of VIG 

Celebrating 20 Years of the Glazing Executives Forum 

At GlassBuild 2026, the National Glass Association recognizes 20 years of the Glazing Executives Forum, GlassBuild’s educational conference and networking event for owners and managers of glazing subcontractors. For two decades, the Glazing Executives Forum has brought together company leaders for a day of glass industry business management education and peer networking. The NGA recognizes the success of the program and its focus on improving companies by expanding opportunities for glazing business leaders over all three days of the show.  

“In celebration of 20 years of the Glazing Executives Forum, this year’s show will debut the Keynote Theater at GlassBuild, featuring three days of powerhouse opening keynotes, VIP opportunities and dynamic networking experiences,” says Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, president and CEO of the National Glass Association, owner of GlassBuild. “The keynotes are above and beyond all that GlassBuild already offers, taking place off the trade show floor and before expo hours, allowing attendees and exhibitors ample time to do it all and see it all.” 

The Keynote Theater program features returning Glazing Executives Forum economist Connor Lokar, in addition to “Shark Tank”’s Daymond John with a keynote designed for business leaders and entrepreneurs.  

On the show floor, glazing company leaders get three days of education at the Main Stage. Sept. 23 at the Main Stage features the Glass Design Exchange, offering need-to-know design, performance and market trends for the whole project team. Sept. 24 at the Main Stage focuses on the Business of Glass, with glazier-focused sessions on marketing, recruitment, and safety and risk management. Plus, the afternoon features a meeting of the NGA Installing Committee, with a focus on Division 8 versus Division 10. Sept. 25 at the Main Stage presents an ever-important topic for glazing contractors: leadership succession.   

Finally, don’t miss the Glaziers Only Happy Hour, Thursday, Sept. 24,  2-3 p.m. at the Innovation Lounge.  

Skills and Ideas You Can Use 

GlassBuild doesn’t just help you find new products and connections; it offers new ideas and resources for your business. Here are some opportunities to explore on the GlassBuild show floor. 

NGA Membership Booth 

Have a question for the National Glass Association? Stop by Booth #4645 to ask NGA staff about membership, member resources and our work across the industry. Ask us about our advocacy priorities and industry partnerships; our industry-specific education platform, MyGlassClass.com; our apprenticeship curriculum; our technical manuals and resources; and many other association and member resources. We want to hear from you, and it’s only with industry feedback that we can continue to grow and improve GlassBuild.  

Association Row 

NGA’s association partners will have booths in the foyer space outside the exhibit hall (near the podcast studio), including the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance, Fenestration Canada, and the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants. NGA encourages attendees to stop by to visit with them and learn about the mission and programs available to those in the construction industry.  

Main Stage 

Don’t miss the GlassBuild Main Stage for three days of industry insight, networking, and celebration, right on the show floor. Open to all attendees, this dynamic hub is presented by the National Glass Association and sponsored by MyGlassClass.com, Glass Magazine, and Window + Door. Programming spans the full spectrum of the glass and fenestration industry, with sessions for glaziers, fabricators, suppliers, architects and more.  

Daily themed education includes: 

• Glass Design Exchange: Where glazing expertise meets design innovation to shape the future of glass 
• Business of Glass: Practical insights on profitability, innovation and the people driving the industry forward 
• Legacy and Leadership: From milestone celebrations to succession strategies, a day built for owners and next-generation leaders 

Skills Challenge and Shower Design Challenge 

GlassBuild America will once again host the Skills Challenge and NGA Shower Design Challenge on the trade show floor during show hours Wednesday and Thursday. Specifically designed for glaziers, this unique space offers attendees the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities to test their skills while learning about new products and services. Located at Booth #4755, the event will feature two activities: 

• The GlassBuild Skills Challenge: A space dedicated to commercial and residential glaziers to try their curtain wall, storefront and sealant installation skills while exploring new products and opportunities designed to further their skills.  
• The NGA Shower Design Challenge: A space dedicated to all things shower enclosures. Glaziers can test their installation and measurement skills, learn about new products, and network with peers. 

Find GlassBuild America 2026 on Social

• Facebook: @GlassBuild 
• Instagram: @GlassBuildAmerica 
• YouTube: @NationalGlassAssociation
• LinkedIn: @NationalGlassAssociation