The top global glass events of 2026

Today's industries are sprawling affairs – and the world of glass is no exception.

Where once each town might have its local glassmaker, today's glass manufacturers, processors and suppliers are scattered across the world.

Despite this geographical spread, the industry is fairly cohesive in its pursuit of new materials, machinery and methodologies. So, it's no surprise that people from across the world gather each year at glass events to share ideas in pursuit of common goals.

Glass events help drive innovation and forge international collaborations that might otherwise fall under the radar. After all, an in-person chat is usually better than a message on LinkedIn. 

In 2026, the glass industry is likely to focus on addressing the hot topic of sustainability. For a material that's 100% recyclable, glass has a surprisingly large carbon footprint – something that the industry as a whole is seeking to change.

Meanwhile, advances in glass fabrication continue to be developed and refined, whether that's smart glass, self-cleaning glass or energy-efficient glass.

These events take place across the world. But in 2026, the main events are in China, Europe and North America. Here, then, are 13 global glass events for your 2026 calendar. 

China Glass 2026

7–10 April, Shanghai, China

China Glass 2026 is another name for the 35th China International Glass Industrial Technical Exhibition – a major global event for the glass industry.

Taking place in Shanghai from Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April, the exhibition's focus is on smart green manufacturing and innovations in glass.

Trends on show will include low-carbon glass, digital transformation (AI and the Internet of Things) and advanced products including smart glass and energy-saving glass.

Glass Lyon 2026

13–17 April 2026, Palais des Congrès in Lyon, France

This event in Lyon, France, is hosted by the French glass society (USTV). It will bring together the International Conference of Glass (ICG) Annual Meeting and the 18th European Society of Glass (ESG) Conference.

Both focus on the scientific side of glass. The ICG Annual Meeting brings together scientists, researchers and industry figures to study the latest in glass science and tech.

Meanwhile, the 18th ESG Conference focuses on improving the quality and performance of glass products.

H3: The International Glass Manufacturing Show (IGMS) Dubai 2026 

21–23 April, Dubai, UAE

The International Glass Manufacturing Show (IGMS) 2025 will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April. It's a major event for the glass industry in the region.

The trade show will cover the entire value chain – from production technology and machinery to finishing and digitalisation.

The event is likely to attract manufacturers, buyers and experts from across the world looking to explore innovations and market trends in the Middle East and Africa.

Top Glass Conference and Exhibition

30 April, Mississauga, Canada

Canadian glass brand Top Glass has been hosting glass shows in Toronto since 2014. In its own words, it's "overwhelmingly attended by Canadian glazing contractors, glass fabricators, architects and specifiers".

In 2026, more than 40 Canadian suppliers to the architectural glass industry will gather in the city of Mississauga. As the organisers say: "You might learn more on the show floor than in the lecture hall!"

Canada's glass industry is growing fast in the container, flat glass and fibreglass segments, especially in relation to the construction and automotive industries. These concerns will likely be reflected in the Top Glass conference's programming.

Glassman Latin America

20–21 May, Mexico City, Mexico

This two-day event in Mexico City centres on the hollow and container glass industries. More than 100 exhibitors – including manufacturers, suppliers and innovators – from Latin America and beyond will share the latest in glass manufacturing.

The event will also feature sessions on decarbonisation and digital glassmaking, reflecting the industry's current focus on all things sustainability.

International Festival of Glass

17–31 August, North West England

In 2026, the biennial International Festival of Glass comes to North West England, with events taking place in St. Helens, Manchester and Liverpool.

For more than 200 years, St Helens has been a name with a rich connection to the global glass industry. Perhaps most notably, it was here that Pilkington invented float glass.

Today, it's home to Glass Futures, a not-for-profit organisation focusing on disruptive technologies and sustainability in the glass industry.

The festival brings together artists, researchers and industry leaders for exhibitions, masterclasses, artist demonstrations and presentations. You can also expect workshops and hands-on activities. Its flagship exhibition, the British Biennale, is the biggest of its kind in the UK.

Submissions close on Sunday 1 March, and the biennial is from Monday 17 to Monday 31 August.

GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window and Door Expo 2026

23–25 September, Las Vegas, USA

GlassBuild America is the biggest glass industry trade show in North America. According to its website, it "brings together the brightest minds and leading companies in the glass and fenestration industries".

Details about the 2026 instalment beyond its date and location are scarce. Looking back to 2025 in Orlando, Florida, however, you can expect somewhere in the region of 500 exhibitors, 9,000 participants and 229,000 square feet of floor space.

Glasstec 2026

20–23 October, Düsseldorf, Germany

In October 2026, manufacturers, processors, architects and representatives from over 1,000 companies will meet in Düsseldorf, Germany, for glasstec 2026.

In the words of Salvatore Ruggiero from multinational glass company Schott AG:

"glasstec remains the premier gathering for the glass industry, offering an opportunity to connect with customers, discover fresh ideas and engage with those seeking innovative solutions."

It is, he goes on, "the ideal platform to showcase our latest innovations."

This year, its "hot topics" are AI and digital technologies, decarbonisation and the circular economy.

Founded in 1993, ToughGlaze is a leading specialist glass supplier in the UK. For more industry news and commentary, visit our free resource centre.