Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, and thanks to the industry's resilience and passion, GlassBuild America 2017 was a success, according to exhibitors at the event.
GlassBuild America 2017 was badly hit by adverse weather conditions
What was shaping up to be the second largest GlassBuild in its history was hit when first Hurricane Harvey hit in Texas, and then Hurricane Irma hit Florida and Georgia just days before the show. Not surprisingly, these weather events took a toll on the exhibits and attendance numbers, but the industry's resilience and passion made sure the show was far from a washout.
The final scorecard had 458 exhibiting companies occupying 180,395 net square feet on the show floor, and the total verified attendance was just shy of 6,000 over the three-day event. What might have been lost in quantity, was certainly made up for in quality with exhibitors and attendees alike appreciating the business done in Atlanta this week.
"We know spending time away from businesses and families is hard enough; adding in the challenges of Hurricane Irma made this year's journey that much harder," said Nicole Harris, NGAWDDA president & CEO. "We are appreciative of everyone who was able to make it to Atlanta to make GlassBuild 2017 a success."
On the final day of the event, GlassBuild announced a pledge of USD 15,000 in hurricane relief to help members and industry companies in the areas hardest hit by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Distribution of relief funds will be reported in future issues of NGAWDDA publications.
GlassBuild America 2018 will be held 12-14 September in Las Vegas.
