Glass Expo West™ 2025 opened its doors at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California, with an action-packed first day featuring insightful education sessions, a bustling trade show floor and a cocktail reception that brought industry professionals together.
The event, which is sponsored by the California Glass Association, USGlass magazine, USGNN and [DWM] magazine, is a key gathering for the glass and glazing industry. It drew an enthusiastic crowd eager to gain insights and explore the latest innovations in the field.
Education Sessions Set the Tone
The day began with a series of educational sessions that addressed the glass industry’s current state and future. One of the standout sessions was an industry economic outlook by Nick St. Denis, vice president of research and data at KMR. This session provided attendees with a detailed analysis of market trends and projections. One area St. Denis was particularly keen on was offices.
“Vacancy rates will continue to decrease as more people return to the office,” he notes.
The highlight of the educational portion was the keynote address by Attila Arian, president of Vector Foiltec in Fairfield, New Jersey. In his talk, titled “Future-Proofing Your Glazing Business,” Arian outlined five emerging technologies that he believes will shape the future of the glass and glazing sector:
- Artificial intelligence;
- Robotics;
- Three-dimensional printing;
- Blockchain; and
- Autonomous driving.
“We live in a time where science fiction is becoming science fact,” Arian states, emphasizing the transformative potential of these technologies. He urged business leaders to stay ahead of the curve and integrate these advancements into their operations to remain competitive.
Another compelling session, “Protecting People and Property,” was led by Wade Arnold, commercial sales director at Quikserv in Houston. Arnold focused on the growing importance of security glass in various applications. However, he cautioned against misleading terminology, particularly the widespread use of the term “bullet-proof glass.”
“‘Bullet-proof glass’ is a misnomer,” Arnold explains. “It’s purely a marketing term.”
He stressed the importance of accurate labeling and understanding the true capabilities of different types of security glazing.
The educational sessions were well attended, with engaged audiences eager to learn from industry experts. The level of interest and participation underscored the industry’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
A Buzzing Trade Show Floor
Following the morning’s sessions, attendees transitioned to the Mayoral Ballroom for the trade show. The exhibition floor showcased a wide range of products and solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Some of the most talked-about innovations included:
- Bullet-resistant glass by PRL Glass Systems (Industry, California), which drew significant attention from security-conscious professionals looking for advanced protective solutions.
- Zero-Hinge, a brand-new, cutting-edge shower door component from C.R. Laurence (Los Angeles), designed to enhance both aesthetics and functionality in residential and commercial applications.
- Enviro-Shield by SPH Global (Houston), a product that resonated with attendees interested in sustainable and energy-efficient glazing solutions.
Networking and Camaraderie
Day 1 of Glass Expo West 2025 concluded on a high note with a welcoming cocktail party on the trade show floor. The relaxed atmosphere allowed attendees to unwind while discussing the day’s insights and forging valuable industry connections. The gathering reinforced the collaborative spirit of the glass and glazing community and set the stage for an equally exciting second day.
Source: USGlass with additional information added by GlassBalkan
