GlassBuild 2026 Will Feature Daymond John as Kickoff Keynote

GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo, returns to Las Vegas, Sept. 23-25, 2026. Named a Fastest 50 fastest-growing trade show by Trade Show Executive, the 2025 show hosted over 600 exhibitors and nearly 10,000 attendees. Plans are underway for the 2026 edition of the glass and fenestration industry’s largest gathering, bringing new experiences and opportunities to an even bigger audience.

For the first time, GlassBuild 2026 will host a keynote stage, the Keynote Theater at GlassBuild, featuring a keynote each day of the show. GlassBuild welcomes Daymond John, star of ABC’s Shark Tank, entrepreneur, and FUBU CEO/founder, as the show’s kickoff keynote.
 
“In celebration of 20 years of the Glazing Executives Forum, this year’s show will debut the Keynote Theater at GlassBuild, featuring three days of powerhouse opening keynotes, VIP opportunities and dynamic networking experiences,” says Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, president & CEO of the National Glass Association, owner of GlassBuild. “The keynotes are above and beyond all that GlassBuild already offers, taking place off the trade show floor and before expo hours, allowing attendees and exhibitors ample time to do it all and see it all.”

Keynote Theater Schedule

Day 1: Shark Tank's Daymond John

One of America's most recognized business minds shares his story of building a brand from nothing and the strategies that drive growth, in the keynote Daymond John's 5 Shark Points: Fundamentals for Success in Business and Life.

Daymond John has been a phenomenally successful businessperson for over 25 years. Along his entrepreneurial journey, through his many successes as well as failures, he has learned a few things about getting the best out of business and life. He believes the keys to his success include establishing the right mindset and following a few fundamental principles, which he calls his five S.H.A.R.K points. He will share his unique goal setting and achievement strategies, empowering audience members to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives.

Day 2: The Construction Forecast with Connor Lokar

Senior economist Connor Lokar of ITR Economics delivers a data-driven forecast to help your business plan with confidence. Lokar specializes in applied economic analysis and forecasting for construction and industrial markets, making him uniquely positioned to speak to the glass and glazing industry today. He has served as the economic speaker at the Glazing Executives Forum since 2017 and will offer insights on the biggest stage yet at GlassBuild America this year in the Keynote Theater.

Day 3: Women in Glass – Workforce Leadership Breakfast

Close out GlassBuild with an inspiring Women in Glass breakfast, NGA Board member Syndi Sim, director of sales and business development, Q-Railing, will emcee this event, with keynotes focused on workforce development, featuring Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, NGA president & CEO; and Barbara Bouza, FAIA, former president, Walt Disney Imagineering and executive director of market strategies and growth, CannonDesign.

“For over 20 years, GlassBuild has been the must-attend event for the glass and fenestration industries, offering innovation and education on a large scale while simultaneously offering space and opportunity for making personal connections. I am so pleased to continue that tradition while elevating the full trade show experience for our industry by welcoming Daymond John, Connor Lokar and Barbara Bouza to the brand-new Keynote Theater,” says Katy Devlin, chief content officer for NGA.

Registration for GlassBuild 2026 opens June 25. Learn more about the event at GlassBuildAmerica.com.