Sommelier Chris Fronsoe with DeaMor hosted a virtual wine tasting last night, sponsored by Groves Inc.

GlassCon Global VE-Glass Expo VE is giving attendees and exhibitors a chance to interact virtually in ways they haven’t been able to during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also providing plenty of relevant industry educational seminars and networking events.

The first day of the show included educational tracks, with a variety of sessions, and live Q&A sessions were held to allow attendees and fellow presenters to ask questions. While the day began with the Run for Glass VE 5K, which benefited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, it ended with a virtual wine tasting, sponsored by Groves Inc. and led by the industry’s very own sommelier, Chris Fronsoe with DeaMor.

The Virtual Show Floor

The virtual show floor includes 80 booths with downloadable product materials, introductory videos and other resources. Attendees also have the chance to chat with booth representatives live during show hours.

“This is definitely way nicer and feels like you are actually with people than the other online trade show versions,” said Karen Kubicko with Chelsea Building Products.

Many exhibitors were excited to speak with attendees about their latest products, especially those related to the pandemic.

“It’s so much different than being live and looking at everyone’s products, but it is nice that they made it work even during these times,” said Leslie Vargas with PRL Glass. “The glass partitions have been in high demand especially since we started offering glass and plexiglass. We offer different configurations so costumers have multiple options to choose from. I am on the marketing side and it’s something we have been promoting the most.”

Annissa Flickinger, global architectural manager at Vitro Architectural Glass said, “We are excited to introduce attendees to our Acuity low iron glass and Solarban 90 low-E glass.”

Mark Imbrock, vice president at EDTM, is focusing on the company’s Glass-Chek ELITE at his booth.

Mark Imbrock, vice president at EDTM, was excited to talk to attendees about its Glass-Chek ELITE, as it is always one of the company’s most popular products at any trade show, and a best seller.

Roto was showcasing its X-DRIVE Evolve casement program, according to Gina Lorenzetti, marketing communications specialist. “This features our new contemporary hardware for both OP06 and OP08 platforms, our new heavy duty operator, track and hinge,” she said. “That program also includes our new OP08 Egress Solution, along with a few more applications. Our video in the booth highlights some of the new hardware we have released for 2020.”

Deceuninck North America had experts on hand all throughout the event to chat with attendees live about Innergy AP—a new line of custom commercial components. The company says the product is made from a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), and delivers both structural strength and thermal performance. “It improves the thermal performance of commercial windows, doors, curtainwall and storefront systems without the need for a complete redesign,” the company states.

“This new offering is a natural extension of our Innergy reinforcements and demonstrates our team’s focus on innovation, reliability and sustainability,” said Gregory Koch, vice president of sales and marketing for Deceuninck North America. “We are delivering custom solutions to meet the heightened performance demands for today’s modern buildings.”

Registration is free and open through the end of the show today at www.glassexpove.com. The virtual event is co-organized by the Finishing Contractors Association International and USGlass and [DWM] magazines.