Industry Events

Glassex-GP&T 2008

A message from the organisers

As the industry's only dedicated show it’s been much awaited and discussed; Glassex-GP&T 2008 took place April 8- 10 at Birmingham’s NEC, and delighted exhibitors and visitors alike.

More than 25% bigger than the 2007 event, the show featured exhibitors large and small from all sectors of the glazing industry, alongside seminars and awards ceremonies, and with a profusion of business and networking opportunities.

Initial – and as yet unaudited – returns suggest that the show attracted about the same number of visitors over three days as attended the previous four-day show making for busy aisles and a buzzing atmosphere. More tellingly, the majority of exhibitors reported that visitors to their stands were of consistently high quality, with serious business intentions.

For many exhibitors Glassex-GP&T was the only show they had chosen to exhibit at during 2008. Despite concern over the economic climate, exhibitors were amazed at the number of decision-makers among the visitors, the number of firm orders that were taken on-site, and some major machinery and equipment sales.

On the Tuesday, the winner of the long running, popular Conservatory Design Competition, Guernsey Glass, was announced at a champagne ceremony. Sponsored by ConservatoriesOnline.com and judged by an independent panel of experts including Kieran Long, editor of The Architects' Journal, the competition once again illustrated the great wealth of skill, design innovation and diversity the conservatory industry has to offer.

Visitors thronged to the two seminar theatres to hear leading industry experts make presentations on a wide range of topics including technical issues, business skills and sustainability. Speakers were pleasantly surprised by the appetite for the subject matter, the engagement of the audiences, and the high quality of the queries raised.

The Gold Club acted as a focal point for exhibitor-nominated guests. Sponsored by the Glass & Glazing Federation, it acted as a haven of refreshment and a quiet space to relax and do business in some privacy. Many visitors took advantage of the free refreshments and internet access.

On Thursday afternoon, the New Product Awards were presented in the Forum seminar theatre. In its second year, the awards were introduced to recognise and reward innovation in the industry. Many exhibitors had taken the opportunity to enter, and the quality of the entrants was exceptionally high. The judges were particularly impressed with the environmental credentials of many of the products, reflecting the show's theme of sustainability for profit.

Dave Broxton, sales director of Glassex said: “Standing in the Halls at the NEC, I felt great pride at being part of the glazing industry. Our exhibitors recognised the tremendous effort that had been made to make the exhibition a success, and reflected that in the energy they brought to the show. They exhibited new products and services in abundance, and invested thousands in superb stand builds to show them off. Their staff made the show buzz with enthusiasm, optimism and passion for their business. I think everybody went home feeling like they had done a month's work in three days – but that is surely the point of an exhibition like Glassex-GP&T.”

Exhibitors demonstrated their satisfaction and support for the show by voting with their feet and re-booking more than 3,800m2 on-site for Glassex 09 – over 50% of the available floorspace for next year. Glassex 09 will take place at the NEC, Birmingham March 17-19, 2009.

For our full Glassex-GP&T review turn to page 79 of the May 2008 issue.