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Radisson Blu Hotel -
Chicago,
IL
Register Now for GFAB
Register Now for GFAB
We're bringing together the best of NGA Glass Conference and Glass Processing Automation Days (GPAD)—and launching something completely new: The NGA Glass Fabricator Conference (GFAB). This conference is designed to address real-time challenges for every role in your fabrication business, from the C-suite to the production floor.
See what companies have already signed up!
THE MUST-ATTEND FABRICATOR EVENT IN NORTH AMERICA
Where glass fabricators...
- Sharpen strategy
- Boost profitability
- Drive the industry forward
- Level up on the plant floor
3 EDUCATION TRACKS. 1 POWERFUL EVENT.
GFAB will feature three elements to address the key needs of different fabrication personnel:
- Executive Track - Strategic sessions for decision makers, including top trends in glass, insights from design leaders, need-to-know market updates, technology and AI in the glass factory, and more.
- NGA Glass Conference Track – All the technical depth you love from NGA Glass Conference: committees, task groups, advocacy, and expert-led discussions
- GFAB Workshop Track: Quality Control in Glass Tempering* – Hands-on learning at Skyline Architectural Glass for leaders on your production team, covering quality control, glass tempering essentials, ROI considerations for the plant and more. GFAB will also complement the newly released MyGlassFAB™ online education and training platform with in-person discussion and networking. *Workshop Track is open to fabricators only. Space is limited.
Bonus: Every Executive Track registration includes a FREE Workshop Track ticket for a team member!
Schedule at a Glance
NGA Glass Fabricator Conference (GFAB) · June 14–17, 2026 · Chicago, IL
What's Included With Your Registration?
Compare registration types to find the right fit for your role and your team.
For Decision Makers Executive Track (All-Access) | For Technical Leaders Glass Conference Track | For Production Teams GFAB Workshop Track* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sessions & Programming | |||
| Executive Track sessions Mon Strategic sessions on markets, design, AI, M&A, and more | ✓ | — | — |
| NGA Glass Conference sessions Tue–Wed Committees, task groups, advocacy & expert discussions | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| GFAB Workshop: Quality Control in Glass Tempering* Tue Hands-on at Skyline Architectural Glass · Separate registration | FREE ticket for a team member | — | ✓ |
| Networking & Social Events | |||
| Welcome Reception Sun | ✓ | — | — |
| Architectural Boat Tour of Chicago Mon | ✓ | — | — |
| Rooftop Reception Tue Open to all registrants | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NGA Volunteer Awards Dinner Tue Open to all registrants | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fun Run/Walk Wed | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Hands-On Experiences | |||
| Skyline Architectural Glass Facility Tour Tue See projects come to life · Open to all registrants | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| GFAB Lab Mon–Tue Interactive networking zone · Competitions, prizes & new tech on display | ✓ | ✓ | — |
Glass Conference Track is available as a stand-alone registration or is included with Executive Track registration.
*Workshop Track is open to fabricators only; workshop track registrants attend Tuesday only; space is limited.
Event Information
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Radisson Blu Hotel
221 N Columbus Dr
Chicago,
IL
60601
Event Registration
Early Bird *
Regular
Onsite
Member Fabricator Executive Track
$795
$995
Member Supplier Executive Track
$1,295
$1,495
Member NGA Glass Conference Track
$695
$795
Member Workshop Track
$245
$345
Non-Member Fabricator Executive Track
$945
$1,145
Non-Member Supplier Executive Track
$1,545
$1,745
Non-Member NGA Glass Conference Track
$845
$945
Non-Member Workshop Track
$295
$395
*Early-bird rates end May 5.
Full Schedule (Subject to Change)
Sunday, June 14, 2026
1:00 – 5:00 PM
GFAB Lab Setup
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Registration Open
5:30 – 7:00 PM
🥂 Welcome Reception
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
Monday, June 15, 2026
8:00 – 9:00 AM
🤝 GFAB Lab Tabletop Networking
8:00 – 9:00 AM
☕ Networking Breakfast
9:15 – 9:30 AM
Welcome & Introductions
9:35 – 9:40 AM
Take 5 Cyncly
9:45 AM
Intro Keynote Introduction · Cardinal Glass
9:45 – 10:30 AM
Mapping the K-Shaped Construction Market
Leveraging his accomplishments as chief economist at Dodge Construction Network, Richard Branch brings nearly three decades of economic expertise to help industry leaders understand where construction markets are headed—and why it matters. As 2026 unfolds, a clear K-shaped divide is emerging across construction sectors. This session explores where opportunities are forming, what’s driving the split and how evolving market dynamics will produce demand.
Richard Branch, Chief Economist · Free Agent Economist
10:35 – 10:40 AM
Take 5 glasstec
10:45 – 11:15 AM
Glass in the Interior: Opportunities, Emotion and the Future
In this candid conversation on the untapped potential of glass in the commercial interior environment, National Glass Association President and CEO Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, sits down with Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA, CEO of the International Interior Design Association, for a deep dive on how designers currently think about and specify glass, where fabricators have an opportunity to enter (and influence) that conversation earlier, and what's standing in the way of a stronger partnership between the two industries. Expect to learn how to speak the designer's language, where interior glass opportunities are growing and what a more productive fabricator-designer relationship could look like.
Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President & CEO · International Interior Design Association
Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, President & CEO · National Glass Association
11:20 – 11:25 AM
Take 5 TSS
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Case Studies in Glass
Details coming soon.
Mark Toth, National Sales Director · Skyline Design
Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, Vice President · Amrize
12:00 – 12:05 PM
Take 5 A+W
12:05 – 1:00 PM
🍽️ Lunch & GFAB Lab Networking
1:00 – 1:05 PM
Welcome Back
1:10 – 1:35 PM
AI in Glass Fabrication
In this interactive session, Elton Boocock with thinkivity AI will explore what AI will mean to glass fabrication, taking stock of where we are now and the likely timelines. Through real world examples, he will show how we can benefit from introducing simple AI tools into our daily work to gain a competitive advantage and not get left behind. Afterwards, he will chair a panel of fabricators to uncover the concerns, opportunities and challenges, with plenty to take away and put to use.
Elton Boocock, AI Strategist, SaaS Innovator, Champion of Digital Transformation in Traditional Industries
1:35 – 1:55 PM
Smart Factory Roundtable
Facilitated by Elton Boocock
Featuring Guide Wheel and additional sponsors (TBC)
2:00 – 2:05 PM
Take 5 IGE Solutions
2:10 – 2:50 PM
Update on M&A Market in Glass Fabrication
Details coming soon.
Scott Mashuda, Founding Partner & CEO · REAG
2:50 – 3:30 PM
🤝 Networking Break & GFAB Lab
3:30 – 3:35 PM
Welcome Back
3:40 – 3:45 PM
Take 5 LiteSentry / Soft Solution
3:45 – 4:30 PM
Keynote: Prepare for the Future
If the recent past has taught us anything, it’s that the only constant is change. Today’s economic pressures, cultural shifts and technological innovations are transforming how people think about money, debt, risk and loyalty. Kim offers a deep dive into those evolving attitudes—with a focus on what they mean for companies competing in a changing financial landscape. Her future-focused approach draws from years of longitudinal research and generational insights to help leaders decode shifting expectations. Backed by original studies and real-world examples, expect to gain a clear view of where we are heading, what’s shaping decisions and how to engage effectively.
Kim Lear, Researcher, Writer & Corporate Speaker, Generations Expert, Inlay Insights
4:30 PM
Closing Remarks
5:30 – 7:30 PM
⛵ Chicago Architectural Boat Tour
Sponsored by Vitro Architectural Glass
Included with Executive Track registration
Included with Executive Track registration
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
7:30 – 8:30 AM
☕ Networking Breakfast
Visit GFAB Lab tabletops during meals and breaks
8:30 – 11:30 AM
NGA Fabricating Committee and Presentations
Innovation Presentations
Sponsor DFI – Diamon-Fusion International
Sponsor Salem Fabrication Technologies
Sponsor LPKF
Sponsor Matodi
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
🍽️ Networking Lunch
Visit GFAB Lab tabletops during meals and breaks
12:30 – 2:00 PM
NGA Advocacy Committee
12:30 – 2:00 PM
GFAB Lab Tear Down
2:30 PM
🚌 Board bus for facility tour
3:00 – 3:45 PM
🏭 Tour: Skyline Architectural Glass Facility
3:00 – 5:00 PM
🥂 Reception at Skyline Architectural Glass
5:30 PM
🚌 Board bus · Return to Radisson Blu
7:00 – 9:30 PM
🍽️ NGA Volunteer Awards Dinner
Radisson Blu
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
7:00 – 8:00 AM
🏃 Fun Run/Walk
8:00 – 9:00 AM
☕ Working Breakfast with Presentation
9:00 – 11:30 AM
NGA Fabricating Committee and Presentations, continued
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
🍽️ Working Lunch with Presentation
12:30 – 1:30 PM
NGA Forming Committee and Presentations
1:30 – 4:30 PM
Glass & Glazing EPD Generator Tool
TrueNorth Collective
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 · Skyline Architectural Glass
Workshop Sponsors
Sponsor LiteSentry · Softsolution · Strainoptics
Sponsor Skyline Architectural Glass
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Arrival at Skyline & Welcome
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Session 1: Quality and Training in Tempering
Classroom session
10:00 – 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 – 11:45 AM
🛠️ Round Robin #1: Addressing Roller Wave
Station 1 · Tempering Line, operator end — Common tempering issues from the operator's perspective
Station 2 · Tempering Line, finished end — Automated roller wave measurement with Osprey scanner
Station 3 · Manual Room — Manual roller wave measurements
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
🍽️ Break & Box Lunch
12:45 – 2:15 PM
🛠️ Round Robin #2: Common QC Issues — Bow, Warp & Breakage
Station 4 · GASP Measurements
Station 5 · Bow Measurements
Station 6 · Cullet Counting
2:15 – 2:30 PM
Break
2:30 – 3:00 PM
🏭 Skyline Architectural Glass Facility Tour
3:00 – 5:00 PM
🥂 Rooftop Reception
Open to all registrants · Join when your tour group finishes
7:00 – 9:30 PM
🍽️ NGA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Radisson Blu
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Book Your Stay
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
221 N. Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL
NGA Group Rate: $299/night
Rate guaranteed until Monday, May 25, 2026.
