Dallas, Texas — The largest event for the glass, window, and door industries in North America was held from September 30 to October 2, 2024, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. This annual gathering, making its debut in Dallas, attracted thousands of industry professionals to discuss and showcase the latest technologies and innovations in the field. Workforce Development Takes Center Stage Amidst the ongoing labor shortage in the national construction industry, this year's conference put a special emphasis on workforce development. Organizers offered a series of educational sessions and workshops aimed at providing practical strategies for businesses to address the challenges of recruitment, training, and employee retention. Educational Sessions and Workshops The event included multiple educational segments, such as the development of internal training programs, opportunities through mentorship and the establishment of safe workplaces, as well as professional development through networking. A renowned industry educator delivered a keynote speech, sharing her experiences on how to inspire and attract young talent to the construction industry. Innovative Showcases Over 500 exhibitors displayed their latest products and technologies, designed to enhance industry efficiency and productivity while reducing reliance on manual labor. The showcased products included advanced machinery, tools, and digital solutions, as well as high-performance tempered glass, window and door glass, and architectural glass tailored to the needs of modern construction. Community and Student Engagement The conference was also committed to building a pipeline of qualified professionals by engaging with local communities and the broader workforce. During the event, 50 STEM students from a local high school visited the exhibition to learn about career opportunities in the glass, window, and door industries. Looking Ahead With the successful conclusion of this year's conference, industry participants are optimistic about the future of innovation and workforce development in the glass and construction industries. The next event is planned to take place in Orlando, Florida, in 2025.
