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Top Glass turns nine

January 11, 2023 By Patrick Flannery

It’s hard to believe, but Top Glass, Canada’s trade conference for the architectural glass industry, will host its ninth edition on April 19 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont.

The show, a presentation of Glass Canada magazine, was launched by publisher Danielle Labrie and editor Patrick Flannery in 2014 at the same venue it is in today. That first effort attracted around 100 fabricators and glazing contractors with 20 exhibitors. Today, Top Glass regularly welcomes about 300 attendees including architects, specifiers and building engineers.

Flannery remembers the conversation with Steve Gusterson of Alumicor at an Ontario Glass and Metal Association Race Nite in 2013 that launched the show. The two were musing over a beer about the industry need for more networking and education opportunities.

“Why isn’t there a trade show for commercial glass in Canada?” Flannery asked.

“There used to be the Image show,” Gusterson replied. “But it ended in the early ‘90s. It’s hard for us to put on a show because we are a volunteer association and no one has the time.”

Unbeknownst to Gusterson, Glass Canada’s parent company had just hired Tara Jacobs as an event planner. Flannery raised his hand.

“We have a full time staff dedicated to organizing industry events.”

The rest, as they say, is history.

Every April since, Top Glass has offered a day of free education about and for the architectural glass industry with certificates of attendance to help attendees claim continuing education credits. Canada’s top vendors support the show enthusiastically and association partners join the party. Each show features the presentation of the Ontario Glass and Metal Association’s Awards of Excellence in Design and Execution of great glazing projects by members.

Information for all sessions and speakers for Top Glass 2023 is now available online. This year’s agenda is one of the best ever. Free registration is open. See you at Top Glass!

Association partners