GlassBuild is always a fantastic experience, but 2025 was one for the books. We asked each FGIA staff person who attended to share their best takeaway from the trade show floor. Whether it was their first time there or they’ve been attending for years, each member of our staff walked away with new insights into the industry from perspectives like industry education, women leaders in fenestration and glazing or innovative products. Read on for more!
Amy Roberts, FGIA Canadian Codes and Advocacy Director
This year, GlassBuild added a Skills Challenge area, which created the perfect opportunity for participants to try their hand at tasks they may or may not have been familiar with – including two challenges from FGIA. We were honored to have Bill Lingnell, our glass technical consultant, lead a challenge on spotting insulating glass unit failures. His passion for teaching and willingness to answer any glass-related question elevated the experience for everyone. Watching experts like him openly share their knowledge and seeing attendees absorb it so enthusiastically reinforces how valuable these hands-on opportunities are for passing on real-world expertise and preserving our industry’s tribal knowledge.
Aaron Blom, FGIA Technical Training Specialist
Industry education was a focus of this year’s show both on the Main Stage and in the new Skills Challenge area. I led a session about AAMA 503, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems, and Janice Yglesias moderated an informative panel discussion about ways to mitigate impacts from supply chain disruptions. For the skills challenge, we tested participants’ knowledge of proper flashing techniques and identifying flaws in insulating glass units. Near the Skills Challenge area was Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT) testing performed live on the show floor again this year. Beyond education, innovation, automation and robotics continue to be an important focus for many equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
Janice Yglesias, FGIA Executive Director
Among the many innovations featured on the show floor was one that delivers the beauty of more vision area and reduced visible framing: the new VuePoint window from VEKA. I visited this long-time member to have our incoming Board Vice Chair introduce me to this new patent-pending product.
Bill Lingnell, FGIA Glass Technical Consultant
One of the trends that was observed by the glass industry is the growing use of vacuum insulating glass (VIG). Many fabricators have expanded capabilities in this area and in the U.S. as well. The energy efficiencies achieved by the product are significant and will benefit areas that have to meet energy codes that continue to become stricter. There are markets in the U.S. that will use this product in both retrofit applications and new systems.
Angela Dickson, FGIA Marketing and Communications Director
No surprise that the Women in Glass + Fenestration event is my favorite part of GlassBuild each year! The keynote speaker was the colorful (no one wears pink better) and insightful Stefanie Couch, Founder of Grit Blueprint. She encouraged the room full of industry women to not undervalue our story and provided three actionable tips to build confidence.
(Read more about Angela’s experience at the Women in Glass + Fenestration event.)
Sam Leeke, FGIA Senior Business Development Coordinator
With this having been my first GlassBuild, I was not sure what to expect. But everything was ginormous! The machinery, the signs and the booths themselves were outfitted to be a marketing daydream. It’s clear the exhibitors go all out and take a lot of pride in what they have to offer. I also really took a lot from the Women in Fenestration event as a young professional. The women up on the stage (Sheronda Carr, Stefanie Couch and Lakisha Woods) offered wisdom that I hope to embody in my career. I especially admired the strength and fortitude when Sheronda Carr stated this: inclusivity isn't a dirty word! She taught me that by showing up consistently, my perspective brings something of value to this industry.
Did you go to GlassBuild? What was your biggest takeaway? Let us know in the comments!
