GGF, FIT Show & FENSA Forge Partnership to Launch Glass Conference

Glass Conference will take place at Telford International Centre on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th October, 2024. The event will bring together every corner of the glass and glazing industry, from installers and fabricators through to trade counters and systems houses, for two days of unrivalled networking and learning opportunities.

The annual event is designed to serve the needs of the market and has been launched based on compelling demand for an annual networking and education platform to help the industry stay abreast of key legislative and regulatory developments.

FIT Show’s 2023 post event survey identified a clear appetite for an additional touchpoint in the industry calendar. GGF member feedback proposed fewer regional member events and for a more formal and inclusive event for the industry. After the successful GGF Members Day and Winter Conference last year prompted discussions for a wider industry event, this was the next logical step.

GGF is the most influential trade federation in the industry, with the GGF community of members making up over 60% of the fenestration sector’s £4 billion annual turnover. Speaking about the launch of Glass Conference, GGF Group MD, John Agnew, said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of Glass Conference. We’ve listened to our members and the market and have responded with the launch of Glass Conference.

“The conference will incorporate GGF Members Day and provide a new touchpoint in our industry’s calendar to bring together every corner of the sector to connect, share best practice, upskill and make proactive steps to elevate the future of fenestration. As a collective, we are committed to creating a platform that will ignite actionable change.”

Across the two days, Glass Conference delegates will listen to keynotes from industry experts, take part in networking, and speak first hand to every link in the supply chain all under one roof. At the end of the first day, the industry will come together for a gala dinner, with entertainment and a less formal networking backdrop.

Sponsors will have a physical presence in the form of stand space and branding opportunities. Experts will be on hand across the two days delivering solutions, practical advice, support and live product demonstrations.

FIT Show is the UK’s only trade show for the sector and has served the industry for over a decade. Event director, Nickie West added: “The launch of Glass Conference symbolises our determination to prioritise touch point opportunities annually for the industry.

“The extensive knowledge of the GGF and FENSA, combined with the data and power of the FIT Show brand is a winning formula for Glass Conference. Our aim is for every attendee to leave not just inspired, but equipped with actionable insights that can transform their day-to-day operations and the way they approach their business.”

Lis Clarke, Operations Director of FENSA, the government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with the GGF and FIT Show to launch the inaugural Glass Conference.

“As an organisation, FENSA’s mission is to improve window and door replacements across England and Wales, by professionalising installers and protecting homeowners. The content that we will be delivering across the two-day event will play a pivotal role in raising standards across the industry, as well as providing a vital platform for the entire industry to network and work together.”

“We have over 6,000 Approved Installers across England & Wales who install more than 500,000 jobs a year. They have huge sway in the industry. Providing the FENSA community with the opportunity to hear from fellow experts and industry leaders is one that we welcome and we can’t wait to see so many of them at Glass Conference in October.”