A prestigious Civic Reception and Dinner at St Helens Town Hall on June 3 will be a centrepiece of the Furnace Solutions 2026 Conference, providing a fitting setting for delegates to commemorate the milestone 20th anniversary event.
Organised by the Society of Glass Technology, the two day conference will bring together the international glass community in St Helens, UK, under the theme ‘Decarbonisation: What’s the Reality?’
In addition to benefiting from the technical conference programme, the Civic Reception and Dinner will provide delegates with a unique opportunity to network with global glassmakers, suppliers and end users. The evening will also incorporate the traditional Geoff Evans Dinner, held as part of the Civic Reception.
A spokesperson from St Helens Council said, “We are proud that St Helens has been selected by the Society of Glass Technology to host the 20th International Furnace Solutions Conference.
“Glass Futures and its world-class research and technology centre, alongside pillars of our manufacturing economy such as Pilkington and Knauf Insulation, will soon be joined by SINA Medical Glass, strengthening our position as a hub for glass innovation for generations to come.
“Hosting this landmark conference and welcoming delegates from across the global glass industry provides an opportunity to celebrate our heritage while showcasing the investment and collaboration shaping our future. St Helens Council will be honoured to open the Conference at the BrewDog Rugby League Stadium and host the delegates at a Civic Reception and Dinner at St Helens Town Hall.”
Richard Katz, Life President of Glass Futures, added, “Glass Futures is delighted that, with its rich glassmaking heritage, St Helens is to host the milestone 20th International Furnace Solutions Conference in June at the BrewDog Rugby League Stadium, previously known as The Totally Wicked Stadium.
“St Helens Council’s support in staging an accompanying Civic Reception and Dinner for attendees and glass industry leaders at the impressive St Helens Town Hall is greatly appreciated and will provide a wonderful setting to celebrate this anniversary event and perfectly complement the technical programme.
“With Glass Futures’ research and technology centre in St Helens already delivering trials investigating a range of alternative low-carbon fuel scenarios for glass furnaces — including hydrogen, biofuels and electric melting — Furnace Solutions attendees will also be able to tour our unique facility to learn more about future opportunities.”