The theme of the 2026 Conference (opens new window), Celebrating Community | Expanding Futures, will focus on the diversity of the global glass community and the way our collective futures are improved when we work together.
It celebrates everything this collaboration represents: the fusion of hot and cold glass, studio and architectural work, contemporary practice, and historic tradition. By coming together, our communities highlight the richness and range of the glass arts- and the extraordinary potential that emerges when we share space, ideas, and vision.
This multi-faceted conference experience will open doors to new perspectives, spark innovation, deepen material exploration, and create exciting opportunities for all members. Together, we’ll gather at the renowned Corning Museum of Glass (opens new window) and explore the cutting-edge spaces at The Studio (opens new window) - home to North America's largest glass casting center - for a vibrant celebration of the art and craft we all cherish.
Attendees can look forward to robust programming from all organizations, along with new crossover experiences designed to spark conversation, foster connections, and inspire creative growth. This is more than a conference - it’s a powerful step forward for our shared future in glass.
Early Member Registration Open September 22, 2025
Help us build the best conference possible by registering early! Whether you are looking for four full days of conference content or just one day to explore the vibrant Corning glass community, we have options for everyone.
All registration tiers include 1 Closing Night Party ticket and a digital copy of the 2026 GAS Journal. Add-on experiences will include additional Closing Night Party tickets, Firestarter fundraiser tickets, and day trips, which will go on sale November 10, 2025!
One-day passes will be available online starting February 2, 2026. GAS Members can purchase day passes for $174/day, GAS Student Members can purchase them for $111/day, and Non GAS Members can buy them at $213/day.
Online registration closes on May 1, 2026– you’ll also be able to register on site in Corning beginning on June 3!
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IMPORTANT DATES
November 10 – The following applications and registration opportunities open:
- Day trips + special events go on sale
- SGAA Scholarships
- GAS Market (opens new window) registration
- Call for entries for GAS Member, Student, and Green exhibitions (opens new window)
- Call for artists for Sparkle To Go! GAS Jewelry Trunk Show
- Call for submissions for the GAS Film Festival
December 5 – GAS and SGAA Scholarship applications close
December 31 – Early registration closes at 11:59 pm Eastern if we have not yet sold 200 early bird tickets–conference pricing across all tiers increases. Work Exchange registration closes.
January 31 – Call for entries for GAS exhibitions, Sparkle To Go! GAS Jewelry Trunk Show, and GAS Film Festival close
March 13 – Standard registration closes at 11:59 pm Eastern– conference pricing across all tiers increases.
April 17 – GAS Market (opens new window) booth registration closes
May 1– Online registration closes– don’t worry, you can still register on-site in Corning beginning on June 3!
TRAVEL & STAY
Explore Steuben (opens new window) has put together a comprehensive list of our hotel blocks in Corning, Painted Post, and Horseheads. With a variety of hotel rates and options, there’s something for everyone at the Corning 2026 conference. Attendees also have the option to book local vacation homes via Airbnb (opens new window) or VRBO (opens new window).
*The Radisson in Corning is officially sold out. Book your stay as soon as you can - reservations are filling quick!
If you need a visa to attend the conference, we can help by providing a letter! Please contact programs@glassart.org by March 14 for assistance.
“This has been a dream for us for years: to engage with the wider glass community, not only to share our own resources, but to share all of the joy that is all of the glass! Celebrating stained glass in collaboration with the rest of the glass art world highlights how we all continue to work together to transform and bring vibrancy into our daily spaces.”
– Megan McElfresh, Executive Director of SGAA
“Our community is stronger when we combine our forces. This new collaboration allows us to reach more members of the global glass community and use our combined resources and expertise to expand the possibilities available within the glass world. We are excited to welcome ISGB and SGAA members into the GAS community and for the opportunities that will arise as we work together.”
- Brandi P. Clark, Executive Director of GAS