Remember the TEXpo    
Glass TEXpo™ ’08 Returns Next Month

by Megan Headley

While national trade shows have the advantage of size—more product types to sort through, bigger crowds to fight—regional shows provide the opportunity to network with and learn from individuals who know the specific challenges local glass shop face. That’s the goal of Glass TEXpo™ ‘08. 

This April the regional Expo will return to San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the famous Riverwalk. The event, co-sponsored by the Texas Glass Association (TGA) and USGlass magazine, will be held April 10-12 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Come for the opportunity for one-on-one time with potential clients or national suppliers who you know distribute locally. 

In the past, TEXpo exhibitors have offered information on a variety of product types, including architectural and specialty glass; metals and metal finishing; glazing supplies and services; films and tints; computers and software; shower doors, doors, windows and related hardware; equipment and machinery; skylights and overhead glazing; adhesives and sealants; and more. This year such companies as Pilkington, United States Aluminum and The Vistawall Group are signed up to exhibit. 

In the Classroom 
In addition to the exhibitions, attendees can take part in seminars addressing both architectural glass and general business. A session on that big new buzzword, “green,” will explain how following this trend can be easy and profitable with a few margins put in place. The session “Green and What It Means to Me” will offer insight into how the trend can affect your business and lessons on how to implement and make a softer footprint on our planet.

And speaking of trends, “What to Expect: The Forecast” will help listeners to gauge the ebb and flow of the industry and surrounding markets, helping managers to prepare and plan for future. More concrete business sessions also are available. 

A curtainwall consultant will be available to walk individuals through the basics, as well as intricacies, of working with curtainwall products. A shower door installation expert will be teaching the ins and outs, and some additional techniques, to make your installation a smooth one. Instruction on mirror measurement and proper placement is also on the schedule. Texans will also find useful the seminar on Texas’ new franchise tax. Effective January 1, 2008, significant legislative revisions were made to the Texas franchise tax. These updates impact the tax base and rate. This seminar will provide information on exactly what these revisions mean to glass businesses.

Kick Up Your Boots 
Visitors have the option of staying in the host hotel, the Menger. Built in 1859 and having undergone more than 130 years of improvements, the Menger Hotel features historic charm coupled with modern conveniences. Located in downtown, adjacent from the Alamo and the Rivercenter Mall, this five-story hotel offers guests a historical stay with amenities to meet the needs of today’s traveler—the Colonial Room Restaurant, the Menger Bar, a heated swimming pool, full-service spa, a fitness room, high-speed Internet in all guest rooms and a wireless connection in the lobby. 

Four Player Florida Scramble Golf Tournament
Aside from the Expo and seminars, there is plenty to draw attendees out of their rooms and into the city. The TGA is hosting a golf outing on April 10. The game will be played as a four-person scramble; there are no team restrictions, the association cautions, so bring your best team. The shotgun start is at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third gross and net, longest drive and closest to the pin.

Sizzling in San Antonio
For those attendees traveling from further afield to take part in the activities, San Antonio offers five of the top tourist attractions in the Lone Star State—the historic Alamo, the Riverwalk, Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo. San Antonio’s newest attraction include the Guinness World Records Museum, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and Davy Crockett’s Tall Tales Ride, located directly across from the Alamo. The San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau is a great place to start when planning a visit to this historic city. For more things to do, visit www.sanantoniocvb.com.

More Information To register, visit www.usglassmag.com/texpo (pre-registration closes March 21). If you have questions, call the show registrar at 540/720-5584 ext. 0 or e-mail blathrop@glass.com. 

Schedule at a Glance
(for more details visit www.usglassmag.com/texpo)
Thursday April 10, 2008
1-5 p.m. Registration Open 
1-6 p.m. TGA Golf Tournament 

Friday April 11, 2008 
7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Registration Open 
8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Seminars & Workshops
3-8 p.m. Glass TEXpo™ ’08
6-8 p.m. Welcoming Cocktail and Party on the Show Floor 

Saturday April 12, 2008
8:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Registration Open
9-10 a.m. TGA Award Breakfast 
10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Seminars & Workshops
10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Glass TEXpo™ ’08

Please note schedule is tentative and subject to change.

USG
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