So GlassBuild America is finally here though it’s under very
unique and special circumstances thanks to Hurricane Irma. Because the forecasted path of the storm
included Atlanta (for a few days, but as of the 5PM update on 9/10 it does not)
it’s made the run up to the show much different than normal. Instead of people studying the exhibitor
lists, making meeting plans, and cleaning up their work at home before
departing, they are monitoring the weather channel or weather related websites
trying to determine what exactly is expected for the area weather wise. So obviously with the damage that this
hurricane has already done and the fresh images in our minds from Harvey in
Texas and initially from Irma, there have been some folks who have decided to
stay back.
For me I’ve probably not handled people cancelling out
well. It’s mostly because I love this
show (full disclosure I do work for the show) and I know how hard everyone
works all year long to get ready. And
just as important I know first hand the incredible commitment the exhibitors
make to do this event. So I obviously
want the best experience possible for all involved. Trust me I am not frustrated with the people
deciding not to come; I respect those decisions to stay back but my angst is
all about the overall situation. (Weather + Timing = Awful) In the
end I need to keep perspective, this storm is doing massive life changing
damage and that is surely more meaningful of my energy, thoughts, prayers, and
support. The show will go on this week
and it will be back in Vegas in 2018 ready again, as always, to be that crucial
part to our industry.
If you are not able to attend or had to cancel, please
follow along on social media. You can
follow GlassBuild on their Facebook and Twitter feeds. Also Glass Magazine and Window and Door Magazine
will have continuous coverage on social media.
In addition there will be many other media outlets will be at the show
and providing coverage as well. So you
can still stay connected. Plus I may do
a periscope or tweetstorm myself.
Here’s a quick list to connect:
If you are coming to the show… please download the App. If you have downloaded in the past, you need
to delete those versions and download the new one. Click this LINK for more info.
Some pre show thoughts from the trade show floor…. I am
really impressed by the overall size. It
is the biggest and most impressive trade show floor I have seen in many many
years. In some past years I could zip
from end to end pretty quickly, that will not be the case this year. I was also impressed by some of the exhibits
as they were coming together. Once again
the creativity going into this has been strong.
The annual Best in Show competition will be tough on the judges!
I also loved seeing so many of the loyal companies who come
here year after year in support of the industry.
I know I will miss some (and I am sorry) but people like Fenetech, CR
Laurence, Guardian, Bohle, MyGlassTruck, HHH, Vitro (PPG), Forel, GGI and IGE
are here. Then there’s a ton of companies that I have always either read
about or saw at other events that are showing this time. And last we have folks that are back here
after a few years away. So it really
makes it a very interesting and diverse floor.
Anyway I am here and ready- the weather for the first day
may be windy and rainy but after that it looks positive and I am excited to see
what happens. Next week I will I have my
complete recap including my favorites and people who I ran into and sadly may
have missed.
LINKS of the WEEK
This is a wild way to get locked in your own place!
A club for the 35 and over…
OK all of you inventors out there… time to replace sugar and
make some money!
VIDEO of the WEEK
The show… looking back at 2016 with some sights and sounds…
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