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NGA Glass Fabricator (GFAB) Conference

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| Radisson Blu Hotel - Chicago, IL
GFAB June 14-17, 2026

INTRODUCING 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.

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 

The future of glass fabrication happens here.

WHY YOU NEED TO BE THERE

Let's face it: the challenges facing fabricators today—economic pressures, workforce development, evolving technology—require real solutions. GFAB delivers hands-on training, strategic insights, and the connections you need to stay ahead. This is education that directly impacts your success.

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.

Bonus: Every Executive Track registration includes a FREE Workshop Track ticket for a team member!

EXPERIENCES YOU WON'T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE

  • Network with leaders across the industry
  • In-person look at Skyline Architectural Glass to see projects come to life
  • Architectural boat tour of Chicago’s iconic buildings
  • Watch live equipment demos
  • Catch presentations featuring the latest innovations for the plant floor
  • Take home actionable strategies to improve efficiency and profitability
  • GFAB Lab - A brand new interactive table top networking zone with competitions, prizes, new technologies on display and more

REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 31.

Event Information

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Radisson Blu Hotel
221 N Columbus Dr
Chicago, IL 60601

Schedule (Subject to Change)

9:45am - 10:30am
Session 1: What's Coming for the Construction Market?

Richard Branch, chief economist, American Institute of Architects

10:45am - 11:15am
Session 2: Opportunities for the Interior
A conversation with Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President and CEO | IIDA
And Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, president and CEO of the National Glass Association
11:30am - 12:00pm
Session 3: Case Studies in Glass with Skyline Design
1:10pm - 1:35pm
Session 4: AI in Glass Fabrication

Elton Boocock

1:35pm - 1:55pm
Session 5: Smart Factory Roundtable
2:10pm - 2:50pm
Session 6: Update on M&A Market in Glass Fabrication
8:30am - 9:00am
Arrival & Welcome
9:00am - 10:00am
Session 1: Quality & Training in Tempering

Classroom Session

10:00am - 10:15am
Break & Split into Groups
10:15am - 11:45am
Round Robin #1: Addressing Roller Wave

3 hands-on stations

11:45am - 12:45pm
Box Lunch
12:45pm - 2:15pm
Round Robin #2: Addressing Common QC Issues—Bow, Warp & Breakage

3 hands-on stations

2:15pm - 2:30pm
Break
2:30pm - 4:00pm
Skyline Facility Tour
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Rooftop Reception
7:00pm - 9:30pm
NGA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Radisson Blu

Image
exterior of the Radisson Blu in Chicago

Book Your Stay

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

221 N. Columbus Drive

Chicago, IL

Book Now

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