FGIA staff had a great time as usual at GlassBuild in Las Vegas! Our team was asked to share their observations from the trade show floor, and everyone agreed it was great to see so many of our members in person and have the opportunity to deepen those important business relationships. Read on for more industry takeaways from GlassBuild 2026.
Janice Yglesias, FGIA Executive Director
“GlassBuild provided a valuable industry gathering space where attendees made high-quality connections and strengthened existing relationships, exchanged ideas and explored new opportunities. Plus, the Opening Celebration and company-hosted after-hours social events extended conversations beyond the exhibit floor. Together, these opportunities created a dynamic environment for collaboration, relationship-building and industry engagement that delivered an excellent overall experience.”
Aaron Blom, FGIA Technical Training Specialist
“This year’s show had a heavy focus on increasing efficiency and improving building performance. Software as well as field installation and automated equipment solutions were on display to help glaziers, fabricators and others in the industry increase their efficiency and reduce labor demands. Efficient, cost-effective solutions are as important as ever in the current economic conditions. Many window and door manufacturers were showcasing their newest product designs – including better thermal performance, smaller sightlines and larger viewing areas and lighter, more efficient designs.”
The presence of international exhibitors was also strong.
“The show continues to attract national and international exhibitors, featuring a strong turnout of glass manufacturers and fabricators from both Asia and Turkey, which had a larger presence this year. ”
Sam Leeke, FGIA Senior Business Development Coordinator
“My favorite part of GlassBuild is meeting more people in person. This expands to international companies that are less likely to travel to an FGIA event and are often interested in Product Certification. The show gives me the opportunity to discuss those needs with a more expanded audience! The conversations we engaged in went deeper, and I walked away with the promising feeling we would cross paths again.”
Beyond the exhibit hall, it was Sam’s first time in Las Vegas!
“I gotta say….GlassBuild? Very real. So many amazing connections have been forged. A company that just activated their membership the week of the show is a company I met last year in our booth – and that feels serendipitous! But Vegas? Vegas is not real. It’s like a different planet. From the gambling machines in the airport terminal to the collective energy bill for the whole city. It’s a fun location – just not a real place.”
Angela Dickson, FGIA Marketing and Communications Director
“My role at GlassBuild is to ensure our amazing team is able to meet with both members and prospects, while also fulfilling our Main Stage and podcast commitments. This requires a detailed schedule assembled well in advance of the event. For fans of Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, that means the not-so-secret word of the day (every single day) was focus. (We just didn’t scream every time someone said it.) Our focused team connected with numerous members and prospects on the show floor and during evening networking events across Las Vegas, making our time at GlassBuild a great success.”
