More than 100 technical leaders from across the glass and glazing sector gathered in Chicago in June for the National Glass Association (NGA) Glass Conference Track, held during the NGA Glass Fabricator Conference (GFAB). The event brought together industry experts through educational sessions and committee meetings focused on advancing fabrication standards, sustainability, building performance and advocacy.

The NGA Fabricating Committee launched a new task group to establish best practices for suction cup use in glass handling, while additional groups continued work on heat-soaking standards, building code proposals for exterior tempered glass, photovoltaic glass measurement procedures and optical distortion in architectural glazing. Progress was also reported on the new NGA Decorative Glazing Manual, alongside initiatives covering laminated glass fall-out protection, expanded glass nomenclature and advanced insulating glass technologies. Michigan Technological University presented updates on vacuum insulating glass (VIG) load resistance testing, while discussions also addressed security glazing, hurricane protection testing and the growing adoption of bird-friendly glazing guidance in industry standards.

The NGA Forming Committee reviewed sustainability legislation, technical documents on anti-microbial coatings and standardized flat glass definitions, while launching a joint project examining dimensional requirements for photovoltaic glass systems. Members also recognized Chair Steve Marino’s retirement, with Logan Tautkus-Berry appointed to complete his term.