My Favorite Things

As quickly as glasstec 2008 arrived, it’s now over. Last Monday I stood there in Hall 13 at the Messe helping our team prepare for the event and now, a week later, I’ve returned. Where did the week go? Time sure does fly.

If you’ve never been to glasstec it might be difficult to fully grasp all that the event entails. And, if you’ve only been to U.S. trade shows, the comparison is very, very different. Think about this:

At glasstec an exhibitor’s booth is not just a booth; it’s a café, a bar, a lounge … a place to sit, relax and talk to customers, peers and friends from the show.

At glasstec, the show floor is not just a show floor; it’s your exercise program for the week. Attendees often trudge from hall to hall (785, 700 square feet) lugging around bags filled with brochures and company literature. No time to exercise? No problem. Just walk from Hall 9 to Hall 17 a time or two.

At glasstec, you don’t have to ask people where they will be going out that evening because you know most everyone typically ends up in the Altstadt (the Old Town)—an area where, if everyone doesn’t already know your name, they most likely will before the night … err… morning is done.

So those are just a few general points about glasstec. I also thought I’d share with you a few of my very own favorite things about glasstec 2008. So to start (and in no particular order) …

Hall 9. Here is where the beauty of art glass can be found. Craftspeople are creating and sculpting beautifully, delicate creations. There is even an artist’s gallery showcasing sculptures, vases, and many other pieces—even glass shoes and purses!

Glass Technology Live. There really is nothing else like this display as it’s a section where you can see glass in ways you’ve never seen it before. This year the highlight was a glass bridge that people could actually walk across.

Familiar Faces. Don’t get me wrong. I love to meet new people, but there is just something about being thousands of miles away from home and running into someone you have not seen or talked to in months, maybe even years. For those of us in the glass industry, that happens a lot at glasstec. Such a small world …

Coffee. Don’t laugh, but without a good dose of caffeine each morning it’s near impossible to get through the long day to follow. This year I found some really good coffee over in the Vesuvius booth. In fact, it was the second to last day of the show and after two cups, it was like the week was just beginning.

Skechers. If you’re wondering what Skechers are, they are comfortably stylish shoes that have been my saving grace when it comes to walking the show floor. I really do not know how I ever survived before.

OK, so like I said, that was my personal list and I’m sure everyone else who was there has a list of favorite things, too. Let’s hear yours, too and share your favorite glasstec things by posting a comment.