A number of the industry’s associations shared ideas and experiences in the world’s first gathering of glass associations.

The first Convention of Glass Associations, organised by Italy’s GIMAV group, encouraged industry leaders to share ideas in bid to help move the sector forward.

A total of 18 associations from around the globe participated in the two-day event on the historic glassmaking island of Murano, in Venice, Italy.

Each gave a 10-minute presentation outlining the role of their organisation and the challenges and opportunities they face.

After listening to each presentation on day one, they then reported back on day two with suggested areas the glass industry should focus on, such as education, training, the environment and energy efficiency.

Their feedback and suggestions will be evaluated by GIMAV, which will decide on a number of sub categories that are of interest to all the associations.

The idea is to then organise a formal meeting of each sub-category at the Vitrum event in Milan, Italy in October.

Associations which participated included the Australian Glass and Glazing Association, Abividro of Brazil, Glass for Europe, Italy’s Assovetro, the National Glass Association from the United States, Germany’s VDMA the Slovakian Glass Association, the Glass and Glazing Federation from the UK and the International Commission of Glass (ICG).

Each agreed it had been a worthwhile event. Many said they had found common ground and wanted to participate in the project in future.

The event also included a tour of the Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro glass research centre and a visit to the Abate Zanetti ‘Glass High School’ on Murano. Delegates also enjoyed practical demonstrations of glassmaking from Murano’s glassmakers.

Organiser and Vitrum President, Dino Zandonella Necca, said he was thrilled by the number of associations that had participated.

He said: “It has been an incredible experience. The time together has been valuable and we have shared some interesting ideas.

“I think it is in the interest of everybody to spend time together because it makes us more stronger and more focused if we work together. The need is there and it is up to us now to go forward together.”

A review of the event will appear in the next issue of Glass International.

Pictured: Vitrum President, Dino Zandonella Necca (centre), alongside Stefano Manoli, of Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro (left) and Sonia Boggian of the Italian Trade Association