4 Strategic Drivers Behind GIMAV’s Presence at GlassBuild America

Against this backdrop, GIMAV could not miss GlassBuild America 2026, one of the world’s leading trade shows for the glass industry.

Taking place from September 23 to 25, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the event will once again put the Made in Italy glass industry in the spotlight within a highly strategic institutional and business setting.

But what are the key strategic drivers behind GIMAV’s mission to the United States?

Lucia Masutti, Director General of GIMAV, outlines four key areas that highlight the value and opportunities of the Association’s participation.

1. Strengthening our presence in the leading export market for Made in Italy

For GIMAV, being at GlassBuild America is much more than simply attending a trade show: it represents a strategic presence in a market of fundamental importance to the industry.

“It is essential for GIMAV to be at GlassBuild America because the United States is the leading market for our member companies,” explains Lucia Masutti. “Being present where a significant share of the Italian industry’s export turnover is generated is crucial to supporting and expanding our companies’ business opportunities.”

Market data confirm that demand for high-end Made in Italy machinery and technologies continues to grow across the United States and Canada, driven by the increasing need for automation, energy efficiency and precision in both flat and hollow glass processing.

2. Strengthening institutional cooperation: the Italian Pavilion with the Italian Trade Agency

The presence of Italian excellence in Las Vegas will be supported by strong institutional cooperation.

GIMAV is once again renewing its long-standing partnership with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), coordinating the Italian Pavilion at GlassBuild America.

“Being at GlassBuild allows us to further strengthen our partnership with Italian institutions,” says GIMAV’s Director General. “Through our collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, we have created the Italian Pavilion, further consolidating GIMAV’s institutional role. Our goal is to promote and optimise access to public resources aimed at supporting international business development and the global expansion of our companies.”

3. USA–Italy: strengthening the strategic partnership with NGA

GlassBuild America also provides the ideal platform for strengthening international relations between industry associations.

GIMAV continues to develop and reinforce its direct dialogue with the National Glass Association (NGA), the leading U.S. association for the glass industry and organiser of GlassBuild America.

“The third key element is the increasingly important partnership that GIMAV is building and consolidating with NGA,” says Lucia Masutti. “Creating a strong bridge between the Italian association and the leadership of the U.S. glass industry means offering our members a privileged channel for accessing and engaging with the American market.”

4. The international launch of VITRUM 2027

Alongside business development and institutional relations, GIMAV’s mission to the United States will feature another event of international significance: the official presentation of VITRUM 2027, Italy’s international trade show dedicated to glass technologies.

“The fourth opportunity, and certainly no less important, is the official presentation of VITRUM 2027 at GlassBuild,” explains Masutti. “Our goal is to invite leading American players and top buyers whom we will meet in Las Vegas directly to Milan.”

GlassBuild America thus becomes an international launchpad for promoting Italian excellence on its home ground, attracting investors, buyers and international delegations ahead of the 2027 event in Milan — an edition that is set to bring many exciting new developments.

Italian excellence on the global stage in Las Vegas

GIMAV’s presence at GlassBuild America 2026 is therefore much more than another stop on the international trade show calendar.

It reflects a long-term industrial vision combining business competitiveness, institutional support and stronger international relations between industry associations.