GPD China 2011 reached a record number of registrations this year in Shanghai. The attendance list contained an impressive number of glass processors, architects, faade designers, construction profess…
GPD China 2011 reached a record number of registrations this year in Shanghai. The attendance list contained an impressive number of glass processors, architects, faade designers, construction professionals, researchers and glass media professionals. We believe that a significant role in attracting so many participants was played by our Conference Program. This was focused, once again, on Energy Efficiency and Solar Technology issues, which continue to be growth areas of the industry. Further more this year we were honoured to have two of the leading companies of the glass industry, Dow Corning and Guardian Industries Corp., give addresses in the Plenary Sessions on both days of the Conference, says Brown Onduso, Member of the Organizing Committee. The Visionary address was given by Paul Hautekeer, global marketing manager of Dow Corning. Huatekeer talked about Building Success through Innovation, Sustainability and Responsibility. In the Plenary session of the second day, Bruce Miley, director of sales and marketing in Guardian addressed issues regarding the design considerations when using architectural glass. The combination of practical and general issues in two parallel sessions running each day brought exceptional knowledge updating opportunities to all participants on the current situation in the glass industry. As usual, both sessions had simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese, allowing all participants the freedom to attend any lecture of their choice. Coffee and lunche breaks in the programme provided participants the opportunity to network, as well as make new or potential business contacts. GPD therefore upheld its traditional key value of bringing industry experts and decision makers to a joint and international forum with researchers, architects, faade and structural designers, processors and builders for the purpose of developing the industry. GPD also offered attendees the opportunity of realistically assessing the risk of investing in a strongly dynamic and customer-oriented environment. The linkage with China Glass Expo again offered participants the opportunity to optimize their time use in combining technology briefings with expo participation. The Glass Performance Days Conference (GPD) dedicates special attention to how glass can contribute especially to the energy efficiency of buildings. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the focus on Solar Technology, already a major trend in the glass industry, received special attention in GPD China 2011. “I would like to relay my sincere thanks to our organizing partners China Building Materials Academy, all the speakers, and the participants. Without their continued support, GPD China would not be as successful” adds Onduso. The next GPD China will be held in Shanghai, in 2012. For additional information, please contact: Brown Onduso
, GPD & www.glassfiles.com, 
Vehmaistenkatu 5 (P.O.Box 25), 33731 Tampere, FINLAND, 
Tel. +358-3-372 3246, Fax +358-3-372 3180, 
Mob. +358-40-773 9313, e-mail: brown.onduso@gpd.fi.