Glass Craft & Bead Expo is an event you won't want to miss! Below are some photo highlights from past shows if you wish to see more about the show or relive the memories. We hope you can make it and can't wait to see you all again soon GCBE Fam 😁!
All photographs, text and html coding appearing in the Glass Craft & Bead website are the exclusive intellectual property of either the Las Vegas Management family or the glass artists and are protected under United States and international copyright laws.
Please contact support@glasscraftexpo.com if you wish to obtain permission to use information posted
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
support@glasscraftexpo.com.
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
Effective Date: 01/01/2027
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using this website ("Glass Craft and Bead Expo"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this site.
2. Use of the Site
You may use the Site to view information about the expo and to purchase classes. You agree not to misuse the Site or its content.
3. Purchases and Payments
All purchases made through the Site are subject to our payment terms. You agree to provide accurate and complete payment information. We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order at our discretion.
4. Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellations must be made in accordance with our cancellation policy. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed according to the terms stated at the time of purchase.
5. Intellectual Property
All content on the Site, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of the Site owner or its content suppliers and is protected by intellectual property laws.
6. Disclaimers
The materials on the Site are provided "as is". We make no warranties, expressed or implied, and disclaim all other warranties including, without limitation, implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
7. Limitations of Liability
In no event shall the Site owner or its suppliers be liable for any damages arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on the Site.
8. Governing Law
These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Nevada/United States] and you irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that location.
Plan on spending the most time at the show as you can! Daily show hours for GCBE 2026 are below, see you soon!
Friday, April 17, 2026
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Check out the full schedule for Glass Craft & Bead Expo 2026. Make sure to keep checking back for updates and feel free to let us know of any ideas of things you would like to see at the show by emailing us at support@glasscraftexpo.com.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Friday, April 17, 2026
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Check out the demo schedule for Glass Craft & Bead Expo 2027. Make sure to keep checking back for updates and feel free to let us know of any ideas of things you would like to see at the show by emailing us at support@glasscraftexpo.com.(*demo schedule subject to change)
No demos scheduled at this time.
Exhibit Booth Fee: $1,410.00 per 10' x 10' booth (Add $100.00 per corner) Entire
show floor is carpeted!
Includes: carpet, pipe, drape, two (2) chairs, one (1) 6' table, one (1) trash can, temporary
licensing fee, one-time vacuum of booth space prior to show opening, one (1) ID sign, and WIFI/5G
Cellular. See contract, terms and rules and regulations for details.
Table Top Fee: $530.00
Includes: 1- 6ft draped table, 1 chair, ID sign, wastebasket, 3ft back wall dividers, all drayage,
one-time vacuum of accessible floor space prior to show opening, temporary licensing fee, and
WIFI/5G Cellular.
On your contract it will ask you to list the person who the room credit will be applied to. This process will reward those that support the show by staying at the hotel. As we have explained in the past, the hotel determines our exhibit hall rental prices based upon our sleeping room pickup.
We have negotiated excellent sleeping room rates. Please note, the reduced resort fee of $14 per night will be charged this year and includes all the amenities that the resort fee includes such as in room Wi-Fi, fitness center access, local and toll free in room phone calls, boarding pass printing, airport shuttle (based on availability) and a casino funbook. Not only is the hotel of top quality, it is also a convenience to stay where the show is at.
If you have any questions at all, please let us know. You can email support@glasscraftexpo.com, or call toll free 1-800-217-4527.
Booth Contract Bead Bazaar Contract Terms & Conditions, Rules and Regulations Printable Floor PlanThe 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.
From the South (California):
Head North on Interstate 15 to Exit 31 (Silverado Ranch
Boulevard). As you exit, stay right and make your first right into the parking area for South Point.
The South Point is located at 9777 Las Vegas Boulevard South.
From the North (Utah, the Las Vegas Strip and downtown):
Head South on Interstate 15 to Exit 31 (Silverado Ranch Boulevard). As you exit, stay in the middle
exit lane and turn left, make your first right into the parking area for South Point.
From the East (Arizona):
Exit Interstate 40 at US 93 and proceed North. Cross bridge
into Nevada and remain on US 93 North until exiting at Interstate 215 West. Take Exit 7 and turn
left onto Eastern Avenue South. Turn right onto Silverado Ranch Blvd. Proceed to Las Vegas Boulevard
South.
From the West (Northern Nevada/CA):
Head South on US 95 and exit onto Interstate 15
South. Exit 31 (Silverado Ranch Boulevard). As you exit, stay in the middle exit lane and turn left,
make your first right into the parking area for South Point
From the Rental Car Terminal at Harry Reid Airport:
Head South on Gilespie St. toward
E. Warm Springs Rd. Turn right on E. Warm Springs Rd. Then turn Left on Las Vegas Blvd. South Point
Hotel & Conference Center is on the right hand side of the road at 9777 Las Vegas Boulevard
South.
Uber and Lyft:
These companies operate in the Las Vegas Valley.
You can purchase tickets at the South Point Hotel Box Office in person or over the phone @ 702–797–8055 Noon - 6PM (PST) Mon-Thurs and Noon - 8PM Fri-Sun for no Ticketmaster Fees! Discounted tickets must be purchased in person to validate ID at the South Point Hotel Box Office.
Call For TicketsYou can purchase tickets at the ticket counter in front of the expo hall the days of the show April 17th-19th during show hours.
Glass Craft & Bead Expo is heralded as one of the most professional, family orientated, educational art glass and bead trade events in the US; this event has it all… and with thousands in attendance each year, there is good cause for celebrating. The team at LVM has spent the last 30 years refining a screening and selection method that brings with it the newest trending methods in glass, jewelry and more specialty classes instructed by the very best hand-picked experts from all over the world. Taking a class is an experience of a lifetime.
The ‘open to the public’ expo hall hardly falls short of spectacular to any hobbyist and comes with it all the right materials for the professional as well. It truly is the glass industry’s favorite Vegas vacation!
Considering sponsoring Glass Craft & Bead Expo is just good business!
We appreciate your contribution and support and are always open to your suggestions on how to make the show and your sponsorship work better for you. If you have special events, videos, promotional media, or discounts that you would like us to advertise on our website and/or social media, please send them so we can help bring you more business, your success is our success.
Once you have decided your level of sponsorship, please send us a confirmation email with the details to support@glasscraftexpo.com. Please also include the following: 1. Your logo in as high resolution as possible 2. Your website link 3. Your social media links and/or usernames (Facebook, Instagram). Please make checks payable to: Glass Craft and Bead Expo, 2514 Furnace Creek Avenue - Henderson, NV 89074
EMAIL US IF INTERESTEDPeople 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 HistoryIn 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
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.
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.
To qualify for a Wholesale Buyer badge, you must be either:
You must present a valid Resale Tax Certificate or Business License, along with one of the following:
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.
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.
The Wholesale Buyer badge fee is $13 USD and is payable during registration checkout.
This fee is waived with the purchase of any class.
If you have any questions, please contact us:
Email: support@glasscraftexpo.com
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
If you have questions about which category best fits your piece of art, please reach out to GCBE management at support@glasscraftexpo.com.
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.
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.
Becoming an instructor at the Glass Craft & Bead Expo is more than an opportunity to teach, it is an opportunity to inspire, mentor, and help shape the future of glass art.
Instructors have the unique ability to share their artistic knowledge and techniques with students of all skill levels while earning income, expanding their professional network, and connecting with fellow artists and industry leaders from around the world. Many students attend GCBE seeking not only new skills, but also inspiration, guidance, and a deeper connection to the craft.
For more than 30 years, GCBE has introduced thousands of students to new techniques, creative possibilities, and lifelong artistic pursuits. The knowledge shared in each classroom helps preserve, advance, and strengthen the glass art community while ensuring that the traditions, techniques, and innovations of today continue to inspire future generations.
By teaching at GCBE, you become part of a lasting legacy of education, inspiration, and artistic excellence. More than teaching a class, you are investing in the future of the art form and helping cultivate the next generation of artists, makers, collectors, and educators.
For more than 30 years, the Glass Craft & Bead Expo has been one of the premier educational and marketplace events for glass art, jewelry making, metalsmithing, and creative arts enthusiasts. Open to the public and drawing attendees from across the United States and around the world, GCBE offers exhibitors a unique opportunity to connect directly with a passionate and engaged audience.
Thousands of artists, hobbyists, collectors, instructors, and industry professionals attend GCBE each year to discover new products, learn new techniques, and connect with the creative community.
Whether you offer finished artwork, tools, equipment, supplies, or educational resources, you'll have the opportunity to engage with customers who are actively looking to purchase and invest in their craft.
Showcase your products, services, and artwork to a highly targeted audience with a genuine interest in creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. GCBE provides a powerful platform to increase visibility and grow your customer base.
Connect with artists, instructors, suppliers, and business owners from around the world. Many exhibitors build lasting relationships and valuable partnerships that extend well beyond the event itself.
With more than three decades of success, GCBE has earned a reputation for excellence, education, and community. Exhibiting at GCBE places your business alongside some of the most respected names in the industry.
Whether you're a supplier, manufacturer, distributor, or artist, exhibiting at GCBE connects you with the people who matter most, your customers, colleagues, and future supporters.