Miami Beach Florida provided a vibrant backdrop for the largest annual North American glass industry event of the year The NGA Show 2001: America“s Glass Expo. Hosted by the National lass Associatio…
Miami Beach Florida provided a vibrant backdrop for the largest annual North American glass industry event of the year The NGA Show 2001: America“s Glass Expo. Hosted by the National lass Association (NGA), in partnership with the Glass Associaion of North America (GANA) and the American Architectural Manufacturers association (AAMA), The NGA Show 2001 was held 14 -16 March at the Miami Convention Center. Despite an unpredictable economy, The NGA Show 2001 drew nearly 7,000 attendees from over 40 countries during the 3-day event marking a 24% increase in attendence over the previous East Coast show held in Atlanta in 1999. 380 exhibiting companies, 82 of which were first-time exhibitors, displayed a variety of glass industry products and services. A total of 1,112 booths occupied 265,230 gross square feet of floor space the largest in NGA history. The event kicked off on 14 March with the Opening General Session where NGA presented two individual awards for outstanding service to the industry. The Maurice Peterson Lifetime Sales Achievement award was presented to John Matthews of Carolina Mirror. The Glass Professional of the Year award was presented to Bill Birch of GANA. Unable to accept in person, Mr. Birch“s award was accepted by his son, Chris Birch and longtime colleague and GANA board member, Bill Knutsen of Viracon. Well-known American comedian, columnist and author, Dave Barry, provided a light-hearted and humorous wrap-up of the opening session. Rounding out the industry event were 18 educational seminars covering architectural glass, auto glass and management safety topics. Next year, The NGA Show 2002 moves west and will be held 20 22 March at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX.