Are you a glass professional looking to network at an international trade fair? Look no further as we explore 7 of 2024's biggest glass industry events.
So you work in the glass trade. Perhaps you're an installer, a fabricator, a processor or a developer. Whatever your role, have you considered attending an international glass industry event or trade fair?
These kinds of international events can be super-valuable in any industry. At a time when the lion's share of business is done online, they provide great opportunities for making your brand known face-to-face.
A successful international fair will bring together thousands of buyers and sellers from all over the world. You're essentially visiting one giant, detailed cross-section of your industry as it is right now – a place to look at products and innovations, attend demonstrations and deepen your knowledge.
Next year is a busy year for glass industry events. Here are some of the biggest and best that should be well worth the travel fare.
1. China Glass, Shanghai, China
Date: 25 to 28 April
Website: chinaglass-expo.com
In April, the 33rd China International Glass Industrial Technical Exhibition – also known as "China Glass" – will be held at Shanghai's New International Expo Centre.
Organised by the Chinese Ceramic Society and managed by Beijing's Zhonggui Exhibition Company, the event is an exhibition highlighting China's homegrown glass industry.
This year, 881 manufacturers from 28 countries were in attendance. In 2024, 1,000 brands and 50,000 professional visitors are expected to take part.
The focus will be on "high-end, intelligent and green development" – innovations on the cutting edge of the industry. The venue itself will be split into thematic zones, with each one exploring an area such as raw materials and smart equipment.
2. Glassman Latin America, Mexico City, Mexico
Date: 15 and 16 May
Website:
glassmanevents.com/latin-america
Glassman Events puts on international exhibitions and conferences that focus on hollow and container glass manufacture. Next year's two-day conference provides industry players with an opportunity to meet, greet and do business.
It's fitting that the event will take place in Mexico City, a metropolis with a rich history of glass-making. It's home to the Vitro Glass Museum, which covers everything from European specimens to homegrown Pulquero glass.
3. Glass South America, São Paulo, Brazil
Dates: 12 to 15 June
Website: glassexpo.com.br
Organiser: Nürnberg Messe GmbH
Next year, São Paulo will host Latin America's premier glass trade show. It's expected to focus on glass applications in civil construction, architecture, furniture and the automotive industry.
4. ICG International Congress on Glass, Incheon, South Korea
Dates: 25 to 28 August
If you're a glass technician or scientist, save the date – this conference in Incheon is the place to be. It typically attracts somewhere between 700 and 1,000 specialists and is a great symposium for sharing ideas, lectures and technical research.
5. GlassBuild America, Dallas, USA
Dates: 30 September to 2 October
Location: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, Texas
Website: glassbuildamerica.com
Organised by the National Glass Association (NGA), GlassBuild America is North America's largest annual event for the glass, window and door industries. In its own words, it's an event "where buyers and sellers meet and learn to solve their most pressing challenges".
Next year, GlassBuild America will set up shop in a newly renovated convention centre in Dallas, Texas, making it easily accessible for international visitors.
And it's shaping up to be a big one, building on last year's 450 exhibitors and 8,000 attendees.
6. Glasstec International Trade Fair for Glass Production, Düsseldorf, Germany
Dates: 22 to 25 October
Website: glasstec-online.com
In autumn 2024, Glasstec's annual conference will be covering all aspects of the glass-making industry: from manufacturing, engineering, processing and finishing to architectural applications and the latest in solar glass and photovoltaics.
The fair will include a start-up zone where new companies can speak to experienced manufacturers and processors. Companies at all levels will be able to present their products.
7. The Glazing Summit, Birmingham, UK
Date: 17 October
Website: glazingsummit.co.uk
Finally, there's an international trade summit a little closer to home. More than 400 leaders are expected to attend the Glazing Summit in Birmingham's Edgbaston Stadium – better known as the city's cricket ground.
The event will focus on issues facing industry leaders from across the glass and glazing industries – from the supply chain crisis to labour shortages and changing regulations.
As well as delving into these topics, the event will provide ample networking opportunities, including but not limited to the Glazing Summit Dinner in the evening.
Meanwhile, in Italy…
Finally, something a little different – not an industry event as such, but a celebration of glass nonetheless.
Murano is a series of islands linked by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon – and it has been famous for its glass-making since the 13th century.
Every evening from the beginning of 2024 to the end of February, Venice's St Mark's Square will be lit up by 12 illuminated glass chandeliers – a collaboration between local glass-makers and international artists.
It may not be your number one destination for industry hobnobbing – but it is a reminder of just how beautiful and inspiring glass can be.
So there you have it – seven of the biggest glass industry events for your 2024 diaries. Who knows – maybe we'll see you at one of them!
Since 1993, ToughGlaze has been one of the UK's most trusted suppliers of commercial glass products. Thanks to our state-of-the-art facilities, we can handle almost any job on any scale. Contact one of our friendly experts for a quick quote or chat today.
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