Register Now for GFAB
Register Now for GFAB
We're bringing together the best of NGA Glass Conference and Glass Processing Automation Days (GPAD)—and launching something completely new: The NGA Glass Fabricator Conference (GFAB™). This conference is designed to address real-time challenges for every role in your fabrication business, from the C-suite to the production floor.
See what companies have already signed up!
THE MUST-ATTEND FABRICATOR EVENT IN NORTH AMERICA
Where glass fabricators...
- Sharpen strategy
- Boost profitability
- Drive the industry forward
- Level up on the plant floor
3 EDUCATION TRACKS. 1 POWERFUL EVENT.
GFAB will feature three elements to address the key needs of different fabrication personnel:
- Executive Track - Strategic sessions for decision makers, including top trends in glass, insights from design leaders, need-to-know market updates, technology and AI in the glass factory, and more.
- NGA Glass Conference Track – All the technical depth you love from NGA Glass Conference: committees, task groups, advocacy, and expert-led discussions
- GFAB Workshop Track: Quality Control in Glass Tempering* – Hands-on learning at Skyline Architectural Glass for leaders on your production team, covering quality control, glass tempering essentials, ROI considerations for the plant and more. GFAB will also complement the newly released MyGlassFAB™ online education and training platform with in-person discussion and networking. *Workshop Track is open to fabricators only. Space is limited.
Bonus: Every Executive Track registration includes a FREE Workshop Track ticket for a team member!
Schedule at a Glance
NGA Glass Fabricator Conference (GFAB) · June 14–17, 2026 · Chicago, IL
What's Included With Your Registration?
Compare registration types to find the right fit for your role and your team.
For Decision Makers Executive Track (All-Access) | For Technical Leaders Glass Conference Track | For Production Teams GFAB Workshop Track* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sessions & Programming | |||
| Executive Track sessions Mon Strategic sessions on markets, design, AI, M&A, and more | ✓ | — | — |
| NGA Glass Conference sessions Tue–Wed Committees, task groups, advocacy & expert discussions | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| GFAB Workshop: Quality Control in Glass Tempering* Tue Hands-on at Skyline Architectural Glass · Separate registration | FREE ticket for a team member | — | ✓ |
| Networking & Social Events | |||
| Welcome Reception Sun | ✓ | — | — |
| Architectural Boat Tour of Chicago Mon | ✓ | — | — |
| The Skyline Social Hour Tue Sponsored by DeGorter Inc. Open to all registrants | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NGA Volunteer Awards Dinner Tue Open to all registrants | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fun Run/Walk Wed | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Hands-On Experiences | |||
| Skyline Architectural Glass Facility Tour Tue See projects come to life · Open to all registrants | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| GFAB Lab Mon–Tue Interactive networking zone · Competitions, prizes & new tech on display | ✓ | ✓ | — |
Glass Conference Track is available as a stand-alone registration or is included with Executive Track registration.
*Workshop Track is open to fabricators only; workshop track registrants attend Tuesday only; space is limited.
Event Information
Event Registration
*Early-bird rates end May 5.
Cancellation will be effective only upon receipt of a written notice to loginhelp@glass.org. Conference registrants may receive a refund according to the following schedule. All cancellations will be charged a $50 processing fee. All refunds will be processed within 30 days.
- Registrants canceling on or before June 5, 2026 will receive a full refund minus the $50 processing fee.
- No refunds will be made after June 6, 2026.
By registering for the NGA Glass Fabricator (GFAB) Conference, you acknowledge that your name, company name, city and state/country may be shared with other registered attendees. By attending the NGA Glass Fabricator (GFAB) Conference, you acknowledge and agree to authorize NGA's capture of your image in multimedia format during the live event and consent to subsequent use of your image in the public domain by NGA. NGA disclaims all liability for the capture of your image in any multimedia format by other attendees at the event.
If you need any accessibility accommodations to facilitate your full participation in this event, we request this information as early as possible, and no later than 2 weeks prior to the event, to make reasonable efforts to provide access. Please complete the related fields during the registration process or contact Wendy Rochelle for specific questions or requests at wrochelle@glass.org, +1-703-827-1035.
Need help logging in? Email loginhelp@glass.org or call 703-442-4890 and select option 2 for assistance, Monday–Friday, 9 am – 5 pm ET.
Full Schedule (Subject to Change)
Richard Branch, Chief Economist · Free Agent Economist
Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President & CEO · International Interior Design Association
Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, President & CEO · National Glass Association
Mark Toth, National Sales Director · Skyline Architectural Glass
Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, Vice President · Amrize
Elton Boocock, AI Strategist, SaaS Innovator, Champion of Digital Transformation in Traditional Industries
This practical, executive-level M&A session for founders, owners and C-suite leaders planning a future ownership transition, recapitalization or liquidity event introduces a “walking backwards” mindset—an approach to M&A that starts with the owner’s definition of success and works backwards to shape strategy and decisions. Instead of leading with valuation formulas or deal mechanics, the discussion begins with a foundational question: What do you want your business to achieve—for you, your family, your team and your legacy?
From there, we will examine how M&A outcomes are shaped when priorities are clear from the start. Learn how acquirers evaluate businesses; how different buyer types value risk and growth; and how decisions around valuation, structure, timing, post-close involvement, and legacy influence leverage throughout the process. By reframing M&A as a process designed around intent rather than mechanics, owners can approach an eventual exit with greater clarity, control and optionality. Starting with the end in mind and walking backwards is where real exit power begins.
Scott Mashuda, Founding Partner & CEO · REAG
Kim Lear, Researcher, Writer & Corporate Speaker, Generations Expert, Inlay Insights
Included with Executive Track registration
Sponsored by DeGorter Inc.
Book Your Stay
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
221 N. Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL
NGA Group Rate: $303/night
Rate guaranteed until Monday, May 25, 2026.
