Yes, that’s glass!

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you, there is nothing out there quite like glasstec. The show is big. Really big. Whatever you need, you’re probably going to find it there. Take a walk through the glass technology live pavilion and you’ll surely find something you want; only to be saddened to learn those displays are still on concept phases—at least for now.

Throughout the course of the four days all I heard was positive thoughts, feelings and expressions about the show, the economy and the North American market. I was so giddy with excitement that I thought I would share here a few of my favorite things about the show–some are about products, others about companies and others just the little things that helped make the mammoth event a little more comfortable.

Thin it to Win it: One definite direction companies are taking is thin glass. Several in the glass technology live pavilion featured concept displays of thin glass. Now to be clear, when I say “thin glass” I’m talking glass that’s in the range 0.5 to 1.0 mm, commonly used in electronic devices such smart phones and tablets. It’s not yet fully reached the architectural market, but companies are working toward it. Keep your eyes open, because such applications could make their way to a building near you before you know it.

Cheers to Bovone for 60 years!

Let’s Celebrate: Who doesn’t love a party? glasstec is the ideal place to bring together customers, vendors, suppliers, industry friends and other media partners for a little cake, bubbly and wine. Bovone, for example, celebrated 60 years in business and even featured commemorative wine bottles from its village in Italy.

Best coffee at the show.

Coffee Talk: Let’s face it, glasstec makes for a seriously long show. It opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Then there can be any number of receptions, dinners and parties that take place at night, making for one seriously long day. So if you’re like me, you need a good cup of java to get going in the morning. Many thanks go to Vesuvius for being my go-to coffee spot last week. Hot coffee with a little sugar and milk hit the spot, so thank you, Vesuvius!

A colorful booth AND ice cream!

Who Doesn’t Like Ice Cream? Four days trekking across nine exhibit halls makes for a lot of walking. I’m fairly certain over the course of the show I walked at least the equivalent of a marathon. And just as I indulged in deep-dish pizza after completing the Chicago Marathon a few weeks ago, I felt an indulgence here and there was well deserved during glasstec—and what better way to splurge than ice cream! Kuraray, in its super colorful booth, was serving up soft-serve ice cream, complete with an assortment of toppings, from dark chocolate to brownies. Can you say yum? It was delicious, appreciated and hit the spot after hours of walking. Thanks, Team Kuraray!

What’s Next? The guess is anyone’s and there is one way to find out: stay tuned for news and announcements for glasstec 2016. You’ll get an inside peek at technologies in development, new machines hitting the market and so much more. I hope to see you there!