GlassTalk began with a simple observation: that the cancellation of the glass and glazing industry's traditional trade event, Glassex, left a void in the industry calendar, that the traditional 'talking shop' was to be denied to an industry that thrives on talking. The idea was simply to provide the talking element - the networking - and, in the classic 'double glazing industry' way, with the bare minimum of discussion a large room was booked in the Metropole Hotel at the NEC, the site of many great glazing industry fortune making - and breaking - deals over the past 30 years.
With just weeks to go for the March inaugural GlassTalk, ideas were exchanged and the simple concept of 'speed dating for business people, was adopted. It was an immediate success with business becoming entertainment; against the accepted tenet, business and pleasure were mixed perfectly.
There has now been two GlassTalks, both of which were full houses, limited by the available space at the venues but also managed to manageable numbers to ensure delegates get the most from their encounters.
The second event, held at Daresbury Park, was hailed as a clear step forward, not least because the organisers had benefitted from their experiences but also because of the many highly constructive and supportive comments received from many of those attending. The On the Couch discussions, especially that concerning glass pricing, was heralded as a great success, touching on a subject that continues to be a raw nerve in the industry.
Now in its second year, GlassTalk has been invited to stage a special one-off On the Couch session at the G Regional exhibition to be held at Villa Park on 21st April this year. Tagged 'GlassTalk Extra' the heads of each of the four glazing-industry related trade associations - the Council for Aluminium in Buildings; the Glass & Glazing Federation; the British Woodworking federation; and the British PlasticsFederation/PVCAware - will join GlassTalk 'On the Couch' to answer questions put to them by visitors to the event.
The next 'full fat' GlassTalk will also be evolved to become 'GlassTalk Premium'. On May 27th GlassTalk will be held at the historic and luxurious Barceló Walton Hall Hotel, a grand 16th century country house hotel with superb facilities and set in acres of Country Park close to Stratford upon Avon. Even dedicated GlassTalk delegates are entitled to occasionally enjoy some of the finer things in life!
