GPD: An inspirational forum in challenging times

The organizing committee has always strived to keep GPD a forum where information and technological advances can be analyzed and debated. On more than one ocassion, these discussions have sparked the development of amazing glass applications, in energy efficiency, solar and many other areas.

To create this kind of environment that encourages in-depth discussion of industry developments, we not only maintain the high quality of our established activities, but also strive to find fresh ideas to add value for our participants. This year, the event in Finland will be held June 17-20 and will feature our traditional key sessions: Glass in Architecture, Glass Processing, Solar and Glass Technology, Changing Markets, and Automotive and other Vehicles. Having a wide range of topics up for discussion enables us to offer knowledge for the entire glass supply chain: knowledge on where the industry is heading, knowledge on market and customer needs, and knowlege on new developments and applications.

In addition, this year's conference will include a Glass Product Expo and 18 workshops. The Expo has proven particularly useful for participants looking to launch new products or concepts before an international expert audience, prior to full-scale commercial introduction.

New this year will be the Energy-efficiency and Solar Park, where exhibitors from industry, the public sector, and research and development will present state-of-the-art contributions to sustainable development. The Architect Competition, an invitational event with four internationally well-known participants, also will take place. The objective will be to produce a creative solution for a parking facility entrance at the Bank of Finland Square in the center of Tampere city.

Last, but by no means least, GPD takes pride in its ability to enhance networking, and this year, we have put even more focus on this aspect by launching our own online Contact Forum, available exclusively to GPD participants. The mission of the Contact Forum is to enable and facilitate one-on-one meetings among attendees to enhance future business opportunities and the sharing of new ideas.

We welcome you to come see, be seen and be heard! Particpant registration and more info is available at www.gpd.fi.

Brown Onduso handles marketing and public relations for Glass Performance Days. Write him at brown.onduso@gpd.fi.