Susan Hamilton

Glass Craft & Bead Expo, managed by Las Vegas Management, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you interact with our website.

1. Information We Collect:
We may collect personal information such as your name, email address, and payment details when you register or make a purchase. We also collect non-personal data through cookies and analytics tools to improve your experience.

2. Use of Information:
Your information is used to process transactions, send event updates, and provide customer support. We may also send promotional content related to the expo or our partners, which you can opt out of at any time.

3. Google Analytics and Tracking Technologies:
We use Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors interact with our website. This includes features such as Demographics and Interest Reporting, which provide insights into user behavior and preferences. Google Analytics uses cookies and other identifiers to collect data such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited.

You can control the information collected by Google Analytics by adjusting your browser settings or by installing the https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout/.

For more information on how Google collects and processes data, please visit https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites.

4. Information Sharing:
We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties. We may share data with trusted partners who assist in operating our website or servicing you, under strict confidentiality agreements.

5. Data Security:
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.

6. Your Choices:
You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data by contacting us at [email protected].

7. Policy Updates:
This policy may be updated periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Effective Date: January 1, 2027

HOTEL GROUP CODE RESERVATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 5, OR EARLIER IF HOTEL ROOMS SELL OUT

Book Hotel Online 866-791-7626 GROUP CODE: GLA2027

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is a new “rate transparency” law that has been enacted, requiring hotels to include resort fees in all advertised room rates. This law is designed to ensure full transparency in pricing, allowing guests to see the total cost of their stay upfront, including any additional fees. When using the link to book your room, the displayed daily rates include group rates and daily resort fee of $20. Applicable taxes are not included. A detailed breakdown of your total stay will be displayed in the rate summary.

GCBE 2027 Exclusive Group Rates for South Point Hotel:
$95 Sunday – Thursday per room per night + resort fee + 13% tax (subject to change)
$168 Friday & Saturday per room per night + resort fee + 13% tax (subject to change)
Discounted Resort Fee of $20 per night (Standard is $33 per night)
Group Code – GLA2027

For GCBE 2027, you will be making the hotel reservation directly with the South Point Hotel! To get the discounted Glass Craft & Bead Expo rate of $95 per room per night + resort fee + 13% tax (subject to change) Sunday - Thursday and $168 per room per night + resort fee + 13% tax (subject to change) Friday - Saturday, and to receive the discounted Resort Fee (normally $33 per night, our rate is $20 per night), you must book online or by phone with Group Code – GLA2027.

Online, click this link bookhotel.glasscraftexpo.com for the hotel registration site. After you enter your arrival and departure dates, you will go to the next page that shows the Glass Craft & Bead Event logo and confirms both the group rate and that the resort fee is discounted. You will see the “average” rate for your stay (averaged out over all nights) in the right corner, below that you can also view a price breakdown per night before you select and move on in the registration. Once completed, you will be charged one night room and tax and receive your hotel confirmation number. Booking through our website link or using the group code calling in to the hotel gives you the resort fee discount. If you book with the hotel through a special offer or with an on line service, you will have to pay the full $33 plus tax per night resort fee! However, please note that your computer confirmation will show the full resort fee details, although you will be charged the discount resort fee rate upon checkout.

By phone, call 866-791-7626 and use the group code GLA2027 to get the same rates and discounted resort fee. The South Point will charge your credit card for one night room and hotel tax (currently 13% but subject to change) and you will receive your hotel confirmation number.

You must make all changes and cancels over the phone at 866-791-7626.

Book Hotel Online 866-791-7626 GROUP CODE: GLA2027

Things to do in Las Vegas

Activities Near the South Point Hotel

The South Point Hotel & Conference Center offers numerous dining and entertainment options and attendees may find many other restaurants, shops and recreational opportunities all within a short taxi ride of the property. Of course, the sights and sounds of the famed Las Vegas Strip are just a few miles north on Las Vegas Boulevard. But if you prefer to venture out from "home," then consider some of these alternatives:

ENTERTAINMENT:
There's a good reason why Las Vegas is called the "Entertainment Capital of the World." Since its Rat Pack days, Las Vegas has been inextricably associated with legendary shows and entertainers.

Say "Las Vegas" and it's likely that showgirls in elaborate headdresses and Elvis impersonators will come to mind. Today, the Las Vegas entertainment scene still has plenty of its classic glamour, but it has evolved to include so much more. In addition to the iconic Las Vegas entertainment staples, the destination offers a lineup of award-winning magicians, Broadway-caliber productions, world-renowned concert headliners and unique-to-Las Vegas production shows. For more information please visit visitlasvegas.com.

SHOPPING:
If you want it, Vegas has it. From designer splurges to bargain deals, Las Vegas has become a one-stop shopping Mecca. Everything from colorful souvenir shops to haute couture boutiques can be found in retail centers along the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding areas.

You won't be alone in your shopping endeavors. More than half of the nearly 39 million visitors who visit Las Vegas each year spent time shopping, according to the 2006 Las Vegas Visitor Profile Study. Las Vegas shoppers spent an average of $140.86 per trip, the study reports, more than twice as much as on sightseeing and show tickets combined. For more information please visit visitlasvegas.com.

NIGHTLIFE:
In 1930, Frank Detra took a chance and opened Pair O' Dice, Las Vegas' first nightclub. Located on what was then known as the new highway to Los Angeles (today, we call it the Las Vegas Strip), the club was open only at night.

In addition to bands and jazz performers, the Pair O' Dice served Italian food. Most notably, the establishment had a history of closing and re-opening because it sported gaming tables before the city had legalized gaming and served alcohol during Prohibition.

Nine years later, the Pair O' Dice was sold to police captain and commander of the vice squad Guy McAfee who renamed it the 91 Club. The nightlife scene changes frequently so please visit visitlasvegas.com for more information.

GOLF:
Las Vegas is no longer golf's best-kept secret. In fact, Las Vegas recently was named the top emerging golf destination in the world by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.

From exquisite championship courses designed by legends of the sport to lush fairways and breathtaking views - golf is just another reason the destination attracted 39.2 million visitors in 2007.

Today, more than 60 golf courses are available for play in Las Vegas throughout the year thanks to the area's inviting climate. Las Vegas offers challenging, yet beautifully sculpted courses developed by world-renowned designers including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Billy Casper, Arnold Palmer and Pete Dye. For more information about golfing in Las Vegas, please visit visitlasvegas.com.

EMAIL US IF INTERESTED

Glass Craft & Bead Expo is recognized as one of the most professional, family-oriented educational art glass and bead trade events in the United States. With thousands attending each year, there is plenty to celebrate! Over the last 31 years, the Glass Craft team has refined its screening and selection process to offer the latest techniques in glass, jewelry, and other specialty disciplines, taught by hand-picked experts from around the world. Taking a class is an experience of a lifetime.

Open to the public, the Expo hall offers a spectacular experience for hobbyists and the materials and supplies professionals need. It truly is the glass industry’s favorite Vegas vacation!

Sponsoring Glass Craft & Bead Expo is good business!

Diamond Partner : Limit 2

Crystal Sponsor : Limit 6, Value $7,500

Platinum Sponsor: Limit 5, Value $5,000

Gold Sponsor: Limit 10, Value $3,000

Sponsorship Options

1. Classroom Walls (4 walls)

A banner featuring your logo prominently displayed on four classroom hard walls. This sponsorship helps provide noise-reducing walls, making the classroom experience more enjoyable for students while showcasing your company.

2. Show Guide Inside Cover

Your logo or advertisement featured on the inside cover of the show guide provided to all attendees, offering visibility to thousands of people.

3. Official GCBE Kickoff Event Sponsor

Help us kick off an unforgettable week of creativity, education, and connection! As the Official Sponsor of the GCBE Kickoff Event, your company’s logo will be featured on all print and digital marketing promoting the event, including email blasts and social media posts. Your company will also receive prominent recognition and signage throughout the event as attendees enjoy glass bingo, giveaways, networking, special guests, and more.

4. Main Stage Sponsorship

Your banner displayed on the main stage for attendees to see during demonstrations, with your logo included on every post promoting main stage demos.

5. Torch Stage Sponsorship

Your banner displayed on the torch stage for attendees to see during demonstrations, with your logo included on every post promoting torch stage demos.

6. Co-Sponsor of Photo Booth

Your logo displayed on each photo attendees take, share online, and print to take home, extending your company’s visibility beyond the Expo.

7. Co-Sponsor GCBE Community Mosaic Project

Help GCBE create a community mosaic for display at a charity location, with your company name included on the installation plaque.

Sponsorship Benefits

Your logo prominently displayed on the sponsored item or area.
Print ads: Your logo displayed on all print ads.
GCBE website: Your logo featured in the rotating Partner section on the home page and in the sponsor section.
Social media: 2 or more posts about your company before the show.
Your logo and sponsorship level listed in all email blasts concerning the show.
5 complimentary Expo tickets.
3 complimentary entries to the GCBE Community Celebration.
Table merchandise: Display a minimum of 200 branded items, such as product samples, coupons, or stickers, on our tables outside the Expo and classrooms. Sponsors must bring their own merchandise to the show.
At the Event: Your logo on the sponsorship item (Stage, Classroom Walls, Show Guide, Photo Booth, Mosaic, Kickoff Event)

Silver Sponsor: No Limit, Value $2,000

Bronze Sponsor: No Limit, Value $1250

À la Carte Marketing Opportunities: Contact Show Management for pricing

How to Participate

We appreciate your contribution and support, and we welcome your suggestions for making the show and your sponsorship work better for you. If you have special events, videos, promotional media, or discounts you would like us to advertise on our website and/or social media, please send them to us. We want to help bring you more business—your success is our success.

Once you have selected your sponsorship level, please email your confirmation and details to [email protected]

Your logo in the highest resolution available.
Your website link.
Your social media links and/or usernames for Facebook and Instagram.

Please make checks payable to Glass Craft and Bead Expo and send them to:

Glass Craft and Bead Expo
2514 Furnace Creek Ave.
Henderson, NV 89074

People travel from around the world to attend the Glass Craft & Bead Expo, taking classes, exploring the show floor, and discovering the latest products, techniques, and innovations in glass art. Since 2006, the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa has proudly served as the home of the show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Each year, GCBE offers more than 250 specialty classes in hot glass, warm glass, cold working, jewelry making, metalsmithing, and other creative arts. Our instructors come from across the globe, bringing their expertise and passion to students of all skill levels. The Expo Hall features the latest glass products, innovative kilns, tools, equipment, and specialty supplies from leading manufacturers and retailers.

The Bead Bazaar showcases a beautiful collection of handmade beads, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind specialty items created by some of the most talented artists in the country.

The Glass Craft & Bead Expo History

In 1994, Tommy Licata, founder and owner of Las Vegas Management and Creative Endeavors, was approached about organizing an educational conference and trade show for the art glass industry. Working alongside Nancy Montgomery and consulting with industry leaders including Kay Bain-Weiner, Norm Dobbins, Vicki Payne, Joe Porcelli, and many others, the concept for the Glass Craft Expo was born. The inaugural event was held at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas in the spring of 1995.

In 1996, the Glass Craft Expo moved to the Cashman Convention Center, where it remained for the next ten years. The Expo was created to promote the art glass industry through educational classes, a trade show, and networking opportunities, all open to the public. From the beginning, the goal was to embrace all forms of glass art, including stained glass, fused glass, cold working, mosaics, and flameworking. During this period, Shirley Harvey served as Show Manager, a role she held for many years.

Following the conclusion of the 2003 Expo, Lee Anne Short, who had previously worked on the Creative Endeavors side of the company, assumed responsibility for producing the show. As the event evolved, the growing popularity of flameworking and bead artistry led to a significant milestone. On the show's 10th anniversary, it was renamed the Glass Craft & Bead Expo to better reflect the expanding interests of its attendees and artists. In 2004, Patty Cerajewski joined the organization as Show Manager.

As attendance and exhibitor participation continued to grow, the show eventually outgrew the Cashman Convention Center. In 2006, the newly opened South Coast Hotel and Conference Center became the Expo's new home, offering an ideal combination of meeting rooms, event space, trade show halls, and on-site accommodations. When the property was renamed South Point in 2007, the Glass Craft & Bead Expo remained and continues to call it home today.

Tommy Licata passed away in 2008. In his honor, the International Hot Glass Invitational held during the 2009 Expo was dedicated to his memory. The Invitational became the largest flame-off ever held, featuring teams of four to five nationally and internationally recognized lampworkers competing over two nights while creating extraordinary sculptural works of art.

Today, Lee Anne and the GCBE team continue to build upon Tommy's vision by bringing together an exceptional faculty of instructors and the latest techniques for the approximately 1,000 students who attend classes each year. The Expo Hall continues to feature leading manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers offering the glass, equipment, tools, and materials needed to create every form of glass art. In addition, artists throughout the show floor and Bead Bazaar offer their finished artwork, sculptures, beads, jewelry, and other handcrafted creations for sale.

The annual Gallery of Excellence juried art competition continues to inspire attendees with extraordinary entries from both professional and amateur artists. For many years, local high schools have participated in the competition, and scholarships for students and teachers have been made possible through the Kay Bain-Weiner Foundation, show management, and other generous contributors.

Las Vegas Management would like to thank the artists, instructors, exhibitors, students, sponsors, and members of the glass art community who have supported the Glass Craft & Bead Expo throughout the years. Many have been with us since the very first show. Through their dedication and support, the Expo has continued to grow while fulfilling its mission of promoting glass art through education and providing a premier showcase for artists, educators, and industry suppliers alike.

Lee Anne Short, COO
Las Vegas Management

GCBE 2019 Highlights GCBE 25th Anniversary Slide Show

NEW* Sign Up As A Buyer Only

There is a new wholesale buyer only registration area for people who are not taking classes. You can find that area here. Please use that area to register for the event if you are not taking classes and not the normal class registration area like previous years.

If you select Wholesale Buyer as your attendee type during registration, "Wholesale Buyer" will automatically be printed on your badge. However, you must still present the required documentation listed below to participating vendors in order to qualify for wholesale purchases.

Important Notice

If you qualify for Wholesale Buyer status but do not select Wholesale Buyer as your attendee type during registration, a new badge will not be issued on-site. Instead, a Wholesale Buyer sticker will be added to your existing badge.

Wholesale Buyer Qualification Requirements

To qualify for a Wholesale Buyer badge, you must be either:

The owner of a retail business within the glass art industry, or
An authorized employee representing that business

You must present a valid Resale Tax Certificate or Business License, along with one of the following:

Business Card
Business Check
Business Credit Card

Some vendors may also accept a current-year supplier invoice showing a net purchase amount of $200 or more. Please bring all necessary documentation with you to the show.

Las Vegas Management will designate your badge as Wholesale Buyer however, each vendor will verify your qualifications. Management does not verify as its up to the discretion of each individual vendor.

Management does not need to verify your documents. Please do not send any business documentation to Las Vegas Management prior to the event.

Additional Information

Please note that exhibitors establish their own policies regarding wholesale purchases and qualifications. Some vendors may require you to complete a wholesale exemption form for their records and tax purposes.

Wholesale Buyer status does not guarantee wholesale pricing on individual purchases.

Registration Fee

The Wholesale Buyer badge fee is $13 USD and is payable during registration checkout.

This fee is waived with the purchase of any class.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-217-4527

The Gallery of Excellence is open to everyone; All skill levels from beginning crafters to studio artists are encouraged to enter. All entry forms must be submitted by Sunday, April, 4th, 2027, at 11:59pm, to be considered for the Gallery of Excellence. With the growing number of entries, no entries will be accepted after that date.

All artwork submitted into the Gallery of Excellence must be made by the artist making the submission

Category Criteria

*Each category will have both a Professional and Amateur division

Jewelry/Beads (Must be able to be hung/worn)
Blown & Flame Worked
Mixed Media (Must include components of glass and/or metal)
Fused/Cast/Kiln Worked
Mosaic
Stained Glass

If you have questions about which category best fits your piece of art, please reach out to GCBE management at [email protected].

Please be aware that GCBE management maintains the right to edit the category that a piece of art has been submitted to the Gallery of Excellence without notice, to ensure that all submissions fit within the appropriate category.

Las Vegas Management is not liable for the safety of any art; 24-hour security is provided but fire, theft, and liability insurance are the sole responsibility of the artist. Liability waiver must be signed on the entry form.

GOE registration & Entry drop off

There is a two (2) entry limit for all participants
$25 Registration fee per piece (The GOE registration fee is to be paid for upon submission on site, no online payments will be accepted)
If you are a registered student, class instructor, or main exhibitor you may enter one piece free of charge, there is a $25 charge for the second entry piece if applicable.
All who enter must attend the 2026 Glass Craft and Bead Expo, if you are not in attendance, you will be ineligible from receiving any awards and prizes
Artwork must be physically submitted to the Glass Craft and Bead GOE desk located by the exhibit hall between:
- Wednesday, March 31st from 10am – 6pm
- Thursday, April 1st from 10am – 6pm
- No pieces will be accepted after these times – NO EXCEPTIONS
Artwork is required to be properly marked with artist name and title of the artwork upon drop off
Artwork should be hand-carried to the show or if shipping is necessary, please ship to the hotel in care of yourself
- All hotel handling costs will be at your own expense
- Please ensure that any shipped artwork does not arrive more than two (2) days prior to your arrival

Submission & Display requirements

A photo of the art piece will be required before the submission is displayed within the gallery; this photo will be used for voting purposes only (professional photo not required) so that attendees can vote for peoples choice through our online voting system
Artwork cannot exceed fifty (50) pounds
Hanging artwork cannot exceed thirty (30) pounds
Hanging artwork cannot exceed three (3) feet wide
Hanging artwork must have wires or hook hardware for display as artwork cannot be screwed or nailed to walls
- any other hanging hardware must be pre-approved by Las Vegas Management prior to show
Artwork requiring a stand or jewelry neck for display, must be provided by the artist
Artwork that requires power
- extension cord must be provided by artist and pre-approved prior to show
Artwork that requires special lighting
- must be provided by artist and pre-approved prior to show
No artwork will be allowed to be placed on easels
We will make every effort to display your art to your specifications but please note that physical placement of the art in the Gallery is at the discretion of the GCBE team

Judging, Winners, Photos & Pickup

Entries must stay in the GOE display area until the end of show April 4th, 2027 @ 3pm – No exceptions
- If you cannot leave your art on display through 3:00pm on April 4th, 2027 @ 3pm, please do not enter
- If your art is pulled before 3:00pm on Sunday for any reason, you will be ineligible from receiving any awards/prizes and the artist will be ineligible from entering into the Gallery of Excellence the following year
There are 4 potential winners per category (and per division)
- 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place – judged by industry professionals
- People’s Choice – Chosen by GCBE attendees through our online voting system
Prizes
- Placement ribbons for all winners
- Professional photos of all winning artwork
- Publication within
  - On GCBE website
  - On GCBE social media
- Other prizes may be awarded at discretion of the GCBE team
Winners will be announced on Sunday April 4th, 2027, at 10am within the Gallery of Excellence
Photos are not guaranteed for non-winning pieces, but we will do our best to take as many photos as possible
All entries are required to be picked-up between 3:00pm – 6:00pm on Sunday (April 4th, 2027), the Gallery will close at 2:30pm to prep for artwork pickup.

By attending, registering for, exhibiting at, or instructing at our Glass Craft & Bead Expo you agree to all terms, rules, and regulations set forth by Las Vegas Management. Management reserves the right to reject or prohibit anyone it judges is not suitable to and in keeping with the character of the exhibition.

school Instructor Profile

Get to know more about Susan Hamilton and all the classes that they offered at GCBE 2027

Susan Hamilton

2027 GCBE Classes by Susan Hamilton

WE-71

WE-E-95

TH-32

TH-E-91

FR-44

school Instructor Profile

Susan Hamilton

Get to know more about Susan Hamilton and all the classes that they offered at GCBE 2027

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