GlassBuild America returns to Las Vegas this year, but while the location may be familiar, the show will offer exhibitors and attendees alike new and critical insights to support their businesses during a time of economic uncertainty. Glass industry members will find solutions through the products, people, and programming the largest North American glass industry trade show has to offer.
Business management. GlassBuild attendees can start the show right by hearing from Daymond John, Fubu founder and “Shark Tank” star, at GlassBuild’s new Keynote Theater. The reality TV star and entrepreneur will give audience members strategies to succeed in both business and life.
Part of business strategy is knowing when to step down: that’s why GlassBuild’s third day of Main Stage programming will feature a panel discussion with industry experts discussing how to create a leadership pipeline to support retirement and exit planning. Andrew Petryk, co-CEO and Head of Industrials and Building Products at Brown Gibbons Lang & Co., will lead the discussion, and emphasizes that exit planning is a long process. “The strongest companies don't wait until the CEO announces retirement to think about succession,” he says. “Leadership transition planning is one of the most effective ways to preserve enterprise value and maximize strategic options.”
Workforce development. Creating a successful leadership pipeline requires a healthy workforce, and NGA remains committed to supporting companies affected by the skilled labor shortage. This year, 500 local high school students will visit the GlassBuild show floor to learn about the people and products that help create the built environment.
Beyond engaging the next generation, GlassBuild programming will engage one of the largest talent pools available to the industry: women. NGA board member Syndi Sim, director of sales and business development, Q-Railing, will emcee a Keynote presentation on the show’s third day focused on women’s leadership development, and featuring architect Barbara Bouza, executive director at LIVE-WORK-PLAY at CannonDesign, a global design firm. Sim says that she is “looking forward to conversations that inspire courage, confidence, and connection,” at the keynote and breakfast.
Products and people. In addition to programming and education, attendees can walk the 198,250-square-foot show floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center and find solutions over 500 exhibitors are showcasing. This year’s product showcase previews some of the products attendees will see in Las Vegas. Given that the number of products submitted to the showcase this year almost doubled in size compared to last year indicates that attendees can expect to find a range of new innovations at the show.
GlassBuild attendees can also find several ways to connect, on the show floor and off. This year’s new opening party celebration, to be held at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 23, will offer new and returning visitors a singular opportunity for connection and networking. And on the second day of the show, installers can enjoy the Glazier Happy Hour on the show floor, 2-3 p.m.
I hope to see you there!
