25-year anniversary GPD brings the world’s top minds together for the best-ever interactive event

With only several months remaining until the world’s leading glass industry specialists gather at the 25-year anniversary GPD Conference in Tampere, Finland, at the end of June, we asked Jorma Vitkala, Chairman of GPD, to tell us what makes this year’s event so special. Why is this a not-to-be-missed glass industry milestone?

Q: What can participants expect from this special anniversary event?

A: With the theme of “Growth. Knowledge. New Generation.” this year’s 25-year anniversary Glass Performance Days (GPD) will surely be one that amazes all participants and marks a new era for the entire glass supply chain. We have chosen a new concept and a new place that radiates openness and fosters deeper interaction on multiple levels among speakers, exhibitors and the audience.

GPD has always been a melting pot of insight and new ideas for production, technologies, suppliers, products and people. Participants can meet other top specialists in intimate surroundings that they would never have the opportunity to meet at any other happening. This gives you a chance to network and gain access to knowledge and expertise to grow your business.

Q: What are the key takeaways?

A: The entire program has been built to ensure that everyone will get the investment in their trip and time paid back just through the valuable tips and ideas they’ll be taking home to put into practice.

Q: Who are some of the well-known speakers this year?

A: We have a terrific lineup of opening speakers:  Each give their reflections on how the different areas impacting our industry have changed over the past 25 years and what is to be expected in the future.

Michael Robinson will speak about automotive glazing and James Carpenter will present how light and glass make the core building elements. Bernard Savaëte, with his long and distinguished career in the glass business, will share his thoughts on what we have achieved during the past 25 years and where our industry is heading.

Our special opening speaker Esko Aho, Finland’s former Prime Minister, will talk about the key challenges for global growth with the accompanying risks and opportunities. In his recent work, he is Chair of the board of Finnish-Russian Chamber of Commerce (FRCC) and is on the joint board of directors of Business Team for Russia. He is also an elected member of the Executive Board at the International Chamber of Commerce, an invited member of Club de Madrid.

Thanks to the vast understanding he has gained from these prestigious international positions, he will offer us a unique viewpoint on what he sees as the next big trends that are especially vital for us to note.

Q: What special solutions or technologies will be showcased?

A: With over 180 presentations in total, in the form of conference speakers or workshops, this is by far the number one event in the world.

One of the hottest recent solution that will be covered is smart glazing and with it how the entire energy management plays a vital role. Smart glazing is changing the way that buildings are being designed, and how we will use them in the future.

Plus, the Internet of Things (IoT), or Industry 4.0 as it is also known, will be a topic of interest for many.

How can you be sure to take advantage of these advances in our industry?

Q: Who should attend this year’s GPD?

A: One of the greatest values of GPD is the interaction that occurs between the various players in our value chain. Architects and designers have the opportunity to share their dreams and visions for what their customers want in next generation buildings. They help equipment manufacturers and material suppliers develop the right selection for what brings value to the market.

Therefore, all glass specialists who want to stay at the pulse of the industry should definitely be at this year’s GPD. You can get the latest information, network with the world’s top experts and learn how to move your business ahead in the right direction.

This is a place where everyone can listen and learn how to better realize our customers’ dreams – together!