ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY—The Glass & Metal Alliance (GMA), the region’s leading architectural glass and metal contractors and craftspeople, hosted its Second Annual Glass Symposium on April 29, 2026, at the iconic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, bringing together more than 200 attendees, including 150 industry leaders and over 40 vendors from across the architectural glass and metal sector.

“Our mission at the Glass & Metal Alliance is to create opportunities that drive meaningful growth and connection across the glazing industry,” said Lisa Godlewski, GMA Trustee and Executive Director of the Architectural Glass & Metal Association (AGMA). “This year’s symposium demonstrates the power of bringing people together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and move our critical industry forward.”

This year's Glass Symposium delivered a full day of engaging industry discussions, high-impact networking, and insights into emerging technologies and construction trends shaping 2026 and beyond.

Max Perilstein of Sole Source Consultants served as the Keynote Speaker, providing attendees with a market forecast for the industry. “This was a truly incredible gathering of the who's who across the industry. Last year set a strong foundation, and this year exceeded expectations. What stands out is the emphasis on networking—giving attendees the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, share best practices, and expand their reach across the industry,” Perilstein said.

Perilstein joined the team at United General Contractors to walk through the nuances of the rehabilitation of the rooftop for the National Association of Realtors in Washington D.C., examining how innovative glazing systems and solar integration are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Shaun Patchell, AIA, of LF Driscoll Company, led a session, “Enhancing Quality via Design Assist,” exploring how early collaboration between design and construction teams can improve project outcomes.

Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on AIA-NJ, the New Jersey Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Continuing Education class – “Curtain Wall Installation Processes and Controls to Prevent Construction Defects” – presented by the Architectural Glass and Metal Certification Council. Led by Scott Kennett, NACC & AGMT Certification Program Manager, the course featured a curtain wall glazing assembly, providing participants with a step-by-step look at the full installation process.

Between sessions, attendees connected with top professionals across the architectural, construction, and labor sectors, gaining strategic industry insights and visibility into cutting-edge GMA member projects developed over the last year.

Over the past several years, GMA members have delivered standout glass installations across the region, including:

• L.A. Glass and Door’s LOFT retail store fabrication at King of Prussia Mall
• National Glass & Metal Co., Inc.’s curtainwall installation on Chubb’s new office building in Center City Philadelphia
• Guthrie Glass & Metal and Baumgardner Finishings Company’s refresh of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa's B Bar
• Eureka Metal & Glass Services’ transformation of Woodmere Museum’s Frances M. Maguire Hall in Philadelphia
• Advanced Glass & Metal, LLC’s installation of a unitized curtain wall for University of Pennsylvania Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST) in Philadelphia
• Center Metal Fabricators Inc’s glazing installation for the new Salem County Courthouse
• MEG Glass Inc’s three-story work on Thomas Holme Elementary School in Philadelphia
• Paul Rabinowitz Glass Company’s AmLaw 100 Firm office renovation in Philadelphia

At this year’s symposium, these groundbreaking contractors shared their insights and expertise, exchanging ideas and inspiring continued innovation across the industry.

GMA members collectively contributed over 3.2 million labor hours across 2024 and 2025. Their work continues to shape the design and construction landscape, positioning GMA members as a preferred partner for exterior and interior glass installations throughout Greater Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware.

“In an ever-changing landscape, creating space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration is more important than ever. We are proud to serve as a convener where professionals can come together to exchange ideas and help shape what’s coming next in the glass and metal industry,” added Godlewski.

About the Glass & Metal Alliance (GMA)

The Glass & Metal Alliance represents the region’s leading architectural glass and metal contractors and craftspeople. Our members are the design and construction community’s preferred choice for installations of exterior and interior glass throughout Greater Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. Offering consultative insight and flawless installation, Glass & Metal Alliance’s specialized architectural glass and metal teams ensure projects meet the highest standards. When you specify or hire a Glass & Metal Alliance member, you get a teammate committed to continuing education and design partnership, ready to provide high-quality work, constructability resources, and creative collaboration. For more information, please visit: glassandmetalalliance.com