NGA Glass Fabricator (GFAB) Conference

June 14, 2026 - June 17, 2026

| Radisson Blu Hotel - Chicago, IL

Fabrication , Best Practices , Fabricating Committee

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	✓	—	—
The Skyline Social Hour Tue Sponsored by DeGorter Inc. 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

June 14, 2026 - June 17, 2026

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.

Expand All / Collapse All

Cancellation will be effective only upon receipt of a written notice to loginhelp@glass.org. Conference registrants may receive a refund according to the following schedule. All cancellations will be charged a $50 processing fee. All refunds will be processed within 30 days.

Registrants canceling on or before June 5, 2026 will receive a full refund minus the $50 processing fee.
No refunds will be made after June 6, 2026.

By registering for the NGA Glass Fabricator (GFAB) Conference, you acknowledge that your name, company name, city and state/country may be shared with other registered attendees. By attending the NGA Glass Fabricator (GFAB) Conference, you acknowledge and agree to authorize NGA's capture of your image in multimedia format during the live event and consent to subsequent use of your image in the public domain by NGA. NGA disclaims all liability for the capture of your image in any multimedia format by other attendees at the event.

If you need any accessibility accommodations to facilitate your full participation in this event, we request this information as early as possible, and no later than 2 weeks prior to the event, to make reasonable efforts to provide access. Please complete the related fields during the registration process or contact Wendy Rochelle for specific questions or requests at wrochelle@glass.org, +1-703-827-1035.

Need help logging in? Email loginhelp@glass.org or call 703-442-4890 and select option 2 for assistance, Monday–Friday, 9 am – 5 pm ET.

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

Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, President & CEO · National Glass Association

Jason Pugh, NOMAC, AIA, AICP, LEED AP, Principal & Global Director of Inclusion · Gensler

9:35 – 9:40 AM

Take 5 Cyncly

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

Glass Forward: Sustainability, Safety and Innovation in Architectural Glass Design

What does it actually look like when an architect and a fabricator get it right? In this candid conversation, architect Kimberly Dowdell, vice president, Amrize, and fabricator Mark Toth, national sales director, Skyline Architectural Glass, pull back the curtain on real projects—the decisions, the trade-offs, and the moments where early collaboration made all the difference. From sustainable glass specification and bird-friendly design to health care daylighting and the maintenance conversation nobody wants to have, this session covers the trends shaping glass applications in buildings today. Come ready to listen, and leave with ideas you can use on your next project.

Mark Toth, National Sales Director · Skyline Architectural Glass

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

This moderated roundtable brings together panelists from Guidewheel, Lattuada North America, Bovone and Salem Fabrication Technologies to share real-world automation case studies and discuss a question most fabricators face: integrate automation into existing facilities, or build new? Learn more on common challenges, including system compatibility, space constraints and workforce readiness—and explore solutions ranging from affordable legacy machine retrofits to fully automated production lines. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, expect practical takeaways on ROI, common pitfalls and next steps.

Facilitated by Elton Boocock.

Alexa Johnson, Senior Account Executive · Guidewheel

Nicola Lattuada, President · Lattuada North America Inc.

Johnathan Paredes, General Manager · Bovone North America

Ed Robles, Vice President of Sales/Owner · Salem Fabrication Technologies Group, HHH Equipment Resources

2:00 – 2:05 PM

Take 5 IGE Solutions

2:10 – 2:50 PM

Update on M&A Market in Glass Fabrication: Walking Backwards to Your Exit

This practical, executive-level M&A session for founders, owners and C-suite leaders planning a future ownership transition, recapitalization or liquidity event introduces a "walking backwards" mindset—an approach to M&A that starts with the owner's definition of success and works backwards to shape strategy and decisions. Instead of leading with valuation formulas or deal mechanics, the discussion begins with a foundational question: What do you want your business to achieve—for you, your family, your team and your legacy?

From there, we will examine how M&A outcomes are shaped when priorities are clear from the start. Learn how acquirers evaluate businesses; how different buyer types value risk and growth; and how decisions around valuation, structure, timing, post-close involvement, and legacy influence leverage throughout the process. By reframing M&A as a process designed around intent rather than mechanics, owners can approach an eventual exit with greater clarity, control and optionality. Starting with the end in mind and walking backwards is where real exit power begins.

Scott Mashuda, Founding Partner & CEO · REAG

2:50 – 3:30 PM

🤝 Networking Break & GFAB Lab

3:30 – 3:35 PM

Welcome Back

3:45 – 4:30 PM

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

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

7:30 – 8:30 AM

☕ Networking Breakfast

Visit GFAB Lab tabletops during meals and breaks

8:30 – 9:45 AM

NGA Fabricating Committee and Presentations

Facilitated by Aaron Thompson, Viracon, NGA Fabricating Committee Chair and Vice-Chair Bobby Chestnut, Walker Glass, the Fabricating Committee general business agenda includes an overview of NGA committee structure and resources. Find out what to expect at NGA Glass Conference and how to get involved. Meet your peers: all conference attendees will introduce themselves. Protective Glazing Liaison Vaughn Schauss, Kuraray: task group updates on bird-friendly glazing, fire-rated glazing, security and forced entry resistant glazing and windstorm resistant glazing. Presentation: Hurricane Glazing 101, presented by Jose Colon of Intertek Insulating Liaison Rob Carlson, Tristar Glass: task group updates Stephen Morse, Michigan Tech University will present an update on VIG deflection testing under a joint FGIA/NGA project. Laminating Liaison: Julie Schimmelpenningh, Eastman | Saflex: task group updates on NGA Laminated Glazing Manual revision, and two new task groups forming.

9:45 – 10:15 AM

Innovation Presentations

Sponsor DFI – Diamon-Fusion International

Sponsor LPKF

Sponsor Matodi/IMMMES

NGA Director of Membership Sara Neiswanger will moderate an educational look into new technologies available from industry suppliers.

10:15 – 10:45 AM

Break

Sponsor Eastman | Saflex

Visit GFAB Lab tabletops during meals and breaks

10:45 – 11:30 AM

Glass & Glazing Industry Codes & Standards Update

Learn how to influence the direction of industry standards, presented by Urmilla Sowell, NGA Vice President of Advocacy & Technical Services. NGA Code Contractor Tom Culp of Birch Point Consulting will present updates to the energy codes and green/stretch codes and standards. Get the latest updates on fire and structural building codes and standards and bird-friendly glazing legislation from Thom Zaremba and Nick Resetar of Roetzel & Andress, NGA Fire and Structural Codes Contractors.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

🍽️ Networking Lunch

Visit GFAB Lab tabletops during meals and breaks

12:30 – 2:00 PM

NGA Advocacy Committee & Sustainability Subcommittee with Presentations

NGA Advocacy Committee Chair Paul Bush, Vitro Architectural Glass, will facilitate discussions on NGA's advocacy efforts in 2026 with priority topics school security, bird-friendly glazing and workforce development, including next steps resulting from NGA Glass & Glazing Advocacy Days. Sustainability Sub-Committee: Chair Kayla Natividad, Pilkington | NSG will lead task group updates. Sophie Pennetier, Digne will discuss the status of the Architectural Glass Circularity & End of Life project, jointly with Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) and NGA. Panel Discussion- A Building Owner, Architect and Builder Walk into a Speakeasy…Let's Talk Glass Recycling. Georgia Oehler, NGA Senior Manager of Technical Services & Sustainability will moderate a panel discussion with building deconstruction stakeholders on how to optimize architectural glass recovery and recycling. The panel includes Sydney Mainster of Durst Organization and Nelson Russom of Turner Construction.

2:30 PM

🚌 Board bus for facility tour

3:00 – 3:45 PM

🏭 Tour: Skyline Architectural Glass Facility

3:45 – 5:00 PM

🥂 The Skyline Social Hour Sponsored by DeGorter Inc.

5:00 PM

🚌 Board bus · Return to Radisson Blu

7:00 – 9:00 PM

🍽️ NGA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Radisson Blu

NGA invites all conference participants to share a networking dinner together. Volunteer of the Year and CG Carney awards will be presented.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

7:00 – 8:00 AM

🏃 Fun Run/Walk

Join us for a casual walking or running tour to see the sights of downtown Chicago. Meet at 6:50 AM in the foyer of Atlantic ballroom. Please wear your Fun Run T-shirt for a group photo at the start. Special thanks to Matt Hanna of GCC for creating the routes.

8:00 – 9:00 AM

☕ Working Breakfast with Glass & Glazing Codes & Standards Update, continued

9:00 – 11:00 AM

NGA Fabricating Committee and Presentations, continued

Decorative Glazing Liaison Michael Saroka, Goldray Glass: task group updates, status of the new manual and discussion on communicating accurate details to fabricating equipment. Tempering: Liaison D.J. Weil, Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions: Task group updates, including the new MyGlassFab Tempering courses presented by Jenni Chase, NGA VP Workforce Development. NGA Installing Committee Update: Learn about opportunities to participate in joint NGA Fabricating & Installing Committee activities.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

🍽️ Working Lunch with Presentation

12:30 – 1:30 PM

NGA Forming Committee and Presentations

NGA Forming Committee Chair Steve Marino, Vitro Architectural Glass and Vice Chair Jon Griggs, Guardian Glass LLC will facilitate updates from the flat glass manufacturers. Presentation: Glass Industry Trends Update– Katy Devlin, NGA Chief Content Officer

1:30 – 4:30 PM

Workshop: Glass & Glazing EPD Generator Tool

NGA's Urmilla Sowell and TrueNorth Collective will lead a working session on documentation of glass sustainability and transparency through Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) generation, with Kristin Morehouse, Jeff Zeman and Anna Lasso.

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