GlassBuild is almost here! The largest event for the glass, window and door industries in North America is taking place September 30-October 2 in Dallas, TX. While GlassBuild American is known for being the place to hear about new technologies and products first, it is also a great place to make connections within the industry. Here are some tips for how to make the most of the networking you’ll be doing at the show.

Before you get to the show, you can lay some groundwork for networking the week of GlassBuild:

• Check out the list of exhibitors and make your own checklist of what booths to visit.
• If you’d like to make an appointment to get some face time with someone specific, reach out now.
• Make sure you’re available and easy to find on social media yourself!
• Have some questions and ice breakers on hand for getting conversations going.
• Perfect your elevator pitch, which is basically your 30-second description of who you are, what you do and what you bring to the table.

Once you’re at GlassBuild, here is what to do if you meet someone you’d like to maintain as a contact:

• Exchange business cards.
• Send a connection request via LinkedIn.
• Follow the person/company on X (formerly Twitter).
• Find them at lunch to ask questions or catch up.
• Say hello at future networking events.
• If the contact you met is a member of FGIA, you can search FGIA’s online member directory for their contact information (member login required).

Now you’re set up for networking success at GlassBuild. Be sure to stop by the Industry Pavilion at booth 17009 to say hello to FGIA staff!