Business News
GLAZING SUMMIT 2026
More than a conference
People-first This year’ s Glazing Summit saw an industry united by conversation, collaboration and a clearer vision for the future.
More than 250 senior leaders from across the glass and glazing supply chain gathered at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 8 October for the Glazing Summit 2026, reaffirming the event’ s position as the sector’ s leading forum for debate, insight and networking. The conference brought together fabricators, installers, systems companies, suppliers, distributors and industry bodies for a day shaped around the challenges and opportunities facing the fenestration market.
While the agenda covered everything from economic forecasts and regulation to AI, skills, marketing and innovation, the lasting takeaway from the day was not any single presentation or panel session. Instead, it was the quality of the conversations taking place throughout the venue.
Across the conference hall, exhibition area, breakout rooms and networking sessions, delegates engaged in open and honest discussions about the future of the industry. In a market that continues to face economic uncertainty, regulatory change and increasing customer expectations, the willingness of businesses to share experiences, challenges and ideas created an atmosphere that was as collaborative as it was informative.
A programme built on expertise
The 2026 programme had been developed through extensive industry research and guidance from a Steering Committee representing different parts of the glazing supply chain, ensuring content reflected the priorities businesses are grappling with every day.
Proceedings began with an economic update from the Bank of England, providing delegates with a detailed overview of growth forecasts, labour market conditions, inflation expectations and wider economic pressures influencing UK businesses. The presentation offered important context for the discussions that followed, particularly around investment decisions, consumer confidence and future demand across the construction and home improvement sectors.
Attention then turned to the future of the glazing market itself. Market intelligence specialists from Barbour ABI explored emerging trends, examining the impact of regulation, sustainability requirements, energy efficiency targets and changing specification demands. Delegates were given a clearer understanding of where opportunities may emerge over the coming years and how businesses can position themselves to take advantage.
Regulation remained a major talking point throughout the day. Sessions examining the evolving landscape around product assurance, competency and building safety highlighted just how quickly expectations are changing for manufacturers, installers and the wider supply chain. Rather than focusing purely on compliance, speakers challenged delegates to think about how businesses can build trust through quality, transparency and competence.
Those themes continued into the technical discussions, where experts addressed practical issues affecting the sector. The technical clinics and panel sessions proved particularly valuable, offering delegates the opportunity to hear different viewpoints
and engage directly with industry specialists tackling some of the most complex challenges facing the market.
AI dominates conversation
However, if there was one subject that dominated discussions both on and off the stage, it was artificial intelligence.
AI featured prominently throughout the programme, reflecting its growing importance across every aspect of business. Rather than focusing on distant possibilities, presenters concentrated on practical applications that businesses can implement today. Conversations explored how AI can support sales, marketing, lead generation, customer service, operations and decision-making, while also considering the risks and responsibilities associated with its adoption.
What was particularly striking was the maturity of the discussion. The industry is clearly moving beyond asking whether AI matters and instead focusing on how to use it effectively. Delegates shared examples of tools already being deployed within their organisations, while others sought advice on where to begin. The result was a series of practical, grounded conversations that demonstrated how rapidly the technology is becoming part of everyday business strategy.
Skills, recruitment and leadership also featured heavily throughout the day. As many businesses continue to face recruitment challenges and skills shortages, delegates discussed how the sector can attract fresh talent and develop future leaders. These conversations extended well beyond the conference platform, with many attendees using networking opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences around workforce development.
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