Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Glass Craft & Bead Expo is a premier event celebrating its 31st year, featuring a wide array of classes and an expo hall open to the public. Attendees can explore innovative techniques in glass art, participate in hands-on classes taught by experts, and discover a vast selection of tools and materials from leading vendors.
The event promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with creativity and community engagement. Glass Craft & Bead Expo takes place in Las Vegas, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Glass Craft & Bead Expo runs from March 31 to April 4, 2027, at South Point Hotel Casino, Las Vegas.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is America's largest glass and bead expo, featuring thousands of attendees and numerous exhibitors.
- 3Organiser: The expo is managed by Las Vegas Management, with more details available at glasscraftexpo.com.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include hobbyists, professionals, and educators in the glass art community.
- 5Entry: General admission is $15, with discounts for seniors, military, and Nevada residents.
Why visit
Attendees can network with industry professionals, gain insights into the latest glass art techniques, and explore a diverse range of products. The expo hall is open to the public, making it accessible for all enthusiasts. With numerous classes available, visitors can enhance their skills and knowledge in glass crafting.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain visibility among thousands of potential customers, access to a dedicated audience passionate about glass art, and opportunities to showcase their latest products and innovations. This event is America's largest glass and bead expo, featuring thousands of attendees and numerous exhibitors. Attendees include hobbyists, professionals, and educators in the glass art community.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Lampworkers and flameworkers buying torches, mandrels, bead release and COE-matched glass rods.
Kiln-forming artists and fusers sourcing kilns, molds, shelf primer and dichroic glass.
Bead stringers, jewelry designers and small-batch jewelry brands buying seed beads, Czech glass, findings and stringing materials.
Stained glass and mosaic studios looking for sheet glass, cutters, foil and came.
Gallery buyers, glass art retailers and e-commerce sellers scouting handmade pieces and wholesale supply lines.
Studio owners, makerspace leads and school art departments equipping teaching studios with kilns, ventilation and safety gear.
Intermediate hobbyists and crafters booking hands-on classes and demos to add a new technique.
Cast-glass sculptors and coldworking artists buying investment, molds, diamond tooling and finishing supplies.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Glass manufacturers and distributors of COE 90/96 soft glass, borosilicate, dichroic sheet and frit.
Kiln and equipment makers selling fusing kilns, annealers, controllers and coldworking machinery.
Torch and lampworking suppliers offering burners, hoses, regulators, mandrels and bead release.
Hand tool and consumable vendors for diamond bits, grinding pads, copper foil, shelf primer and kiln molds.
Bead and jewelry component wholesalers with seed beads, Czech pressed glass, findings and stringing wire.
Stained glass and mosaic material dealers with sheet glass, came, cutters and nippers.
Independent glass artists and studios selling finished sculpture, vessels, beads and wearables.
Schools, associations and publishers promoting classes, certifications, books and memberships.
Packaging, display and studio safety vendors serving small glass studios and retail craft sellers.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
COE 90 and COE 96 fusing glass, sheet glass, rods, frit, stringers and noodles.
Borosilicate (hard glass) rods and tubing for torchworking.
Dichroic glass, murrine, millefiori and patterned glass components.
Kilns, annealing ovens, kiln controllers, molds and kiln shelf primers.
Lampworking torches, hoses, regulators, mandrels, bead release and marvers.
Coldworking tools: diamond saw blades, grinding pads, lap wheels and polishing compounds.
Stained glass supplies: copper foil, lead came, cutters, soldering irons and patina.
Beads and findings: seed beads, Czech pressed glass, stone and metal beads, clasps and stringing materials.
Jewelry-making tools and display: pliers, wire, ear wires, trays and retail packaging.
Studio safety and infrastructure: ventilation, eyewear, heat-resistant gloves, aprons and fire safety.
Handmade glass art, sculpture, vessels, beads and wearable pieces sold by independent studios.
Books, patterns, online courses and association memberships for glass techniques.
Location & Facilities
Venue
South Point Hotel Casino
Las Vegas, United States
Facilities
Parking
South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at South Point Hotel Casino for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Las Vegas Management
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Las Vegas, United States
Why it matters
On 2027-03-31 to 2027-04-04, Glass Craft & Bead Expo in Las Vegas covering Glass art supplies and tools for crafting., Kilns and equipment for glass fusing and shaping., Handmade glass jewelry an gives trade buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Harry Reid International
Harry Reid International is the main gateway; rideshare pickup zones are signed at each terminal.
~8 mi (13 km)
to venue
15–25 min off-peak
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa (on-site host hotel)
4-star resort
Attached to the convention area, 9777 S Las Vegas BlvdUSD 139–229 / night
Approximate band before resort fee and tax; staying on site removes the daily transfer and makes early classes easier. Confirm block rates for the expo dates.
sourceThe Grandview at Las Vegas
3-star suite resort
South Point area, near the venueUSD 129–169 / night
Suite-style units suit multi-night class schedules; confirm minimum-stay rules and any cleaning fee.
Silverton Casino Lodge
3-star
About 3.4 km from South Point Hotel Casino & SpaUSD 119–159 / night
Locals-casino option with an easy drive or rideshare to the venue; confirm resort fee at booking.
OYO Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
2-3 star
About 9.9 km from South Point Hotel Casino & SpaUSD 79–129 / night
Budget option roughly 10 km out; factor in daily rideshare or bus cost when comparing totals.
MGM Grand
4-star
Las Vegas StripUSD 189–234 / night
Strip stay with a 20-30 minute transfer each way to South Point; useful if you plan evening entertainment alongside the show.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forHarry Reid International (LAS) to South Point Hotel Casino
Taxi rank outside baggage claim; ask for the South Las Vegas Boulevard entrance used by the convention area.
rideshare
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forLAS terminal rideshare zones to South Point
Pickup zones are signed at each terminal; expect higher surge during convention move-in days and Friday evenings.
bus
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forRTC transit routes serving the South Point stop in Enterprise
Slower than a taxi but the cheapest scheduled option; check RTC and Moovit timetables for the stop closest to the convention entrance.
hotel shuttle
Estimated costNo published fare captured - historically offered to hotel guests at no charge, confirm with the resort
Best forSouth Point Strip shuttle between the resort and the Las Vegas Strip
Useful if you stay on the Strip; schedules are posted on the resort's transportation page and seats may be first-come.
parking
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forSelf-park and valet garages at South Point Hotel Casino & Spa
Allow 10-15 minutes to walk from the outer garage to the convention halls during peak show hours.
walking
Estimated costFree
Best forWithin the South Point resort between hotel tower, casino and convention area
The complex is large; wear comfortable shoes and use the resort map at check-in.
Weather
Late March and early April are spring in Las Vegas: bright, dry desert days with strong sun, low humidity and a sharp drop in temperature after sunset. Daytime highs are typically in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius (70s to low 80s Fahrenheit), with overnight lows near 10-14 C (50-57 F). Rain is uncommon but not impossible, and gusty wind can pick up in the afternoons. Air-quality captures for Las Vegas from the Open-Meteo public forecast API (not an on-site measurement) showed a US AQI around 29, PM2.5 about 2.7 micrograms per cubic metre and PM10 about 6.1 micrograms per cubic metre at the time of capture; sensitive travellers should check local advisories before departure. Air-conditioned halls are cool, so bring a layer for class rooms and the exhibit floor.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks use 4G/LTE and 5G on bands common to international phones - check your handset supports the US bands or buy a travel eSIM before departure. Public Wi-Fi is usually available in the South Point hotel tower and convention areas, but he heavy show-floor traffic makes a personal hotspot or data plan more reliable for badge scanning and supplier lookups. Power outlets are Type A/B, 120 V at 60 Hz, so most European, UK and Australian visitors need a plug adapter and a voltage converter for high-draw tools. Download the class schedule and any exhibitor lists before you enter the halls in case coverage drops.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Casual-smart is normal at a glass and bead fair: exhibitors and buyers often wear studio-friendly clothing, while evening Strip dining calls for something smarter. Closed-toe, comfortable shoes matter more than formality given the size of the South Point convention area.
Tipping and payments
The local currency is the US dollar. Tipping is expected for table service, bartenders, hotel housekeeping and rideshare drivers, and card payment works almost everywhere on the resort floor. Carry small notes for tips and for exhibitors who take cash for small purchases.
Resort fees and taxes
Las Vegas casino resorts typically add a mandatory nightly resort fee plus room tax on top of the quoted rate. Compare the all-in total rather than the headline price when choosing between South Point, Silverton and Strip hotels.
Casino and resort etiquette
The venue is a casino resort: gaming floors are 21 and over, smoking rules and photography limits inside gaming areas are posted and enforced, and the casino can be a long walk from the convention halls if you cut through it.
Arrival and badge flow
Collect your badge early on day one and confirm class room numbers at the same time; the South Point complex is large, so allow extra minutes to walk from parking or the hotel tower to the exhibit halls.
Heat and hydration
Desert spring sun is stronger than the temperature suggests, and the walk across the parking lot at midday can be draining. Carry water, use sunscreen for outdoor queues and expect cold air-conditioning inside the halls.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LAS
Book into Harry Reid International (LAS) for the shortest transfer, roughly 8 mi (13 km) and 15-25 minutes from South Point off-peak. Late March overlaps spring-break travel and Las Vegas convention season, so compare fares 6-10 weeks out and favour arrivals the afternoon before your first class. Check whether a Strip hotel stay justifies a longer daily transfer, allow time for immigration if connecting through a US hub, and confirm baggage rules for tools or glass rods you plan to bring home.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Harry Reid International (LAS): 15–25 min off-peak. Allow road or rail time to South Point Hotel Casino; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near South Point Hotel Casino: Attached to the convention area, 9777 S Las Vegas Blvd: South Point Hotel Casino & Spa (on-site host hotel); South Point area, near the venue: The Grandview at Las Vegas; About 3.4 km from South Point Hotel Casino & Spa: Silverton Casino Lodge.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing is widely used in Las Vegas and is usually the easiest way between LAS, Strip hotels and South Point. Pickup zones are signed at each airport terminal, and the approximate fare to the venue is USD 25-45 depending on surge, terminal and time of day - confirm the in-app quote before ordering. Expect higher surge pricing during convention move-in days, Friday evenings and major Strip events, and allow a few extra minutes for the driver to reach the South Point rideshare area.
Public transit: RTC regional buses connect the South Point area in Enterprise with the rest of the Las Vegas valley; Moovit lists the stop serving South Point Hotel Casino & Spa and the routes that call there. Fares are modest (approximate USD 4 for a 2-hour pass and about USD 8 for a 24-hour pass - confirm live RTC fares) but journey times are long compared with a taxi. Shared-ride shuttles sell seats at Harry Reid International (LAS), and the resort's own Strip shuttle links South Point with the Las Vegas Strip; check the hotel's transportation page for current timings and any fee.
Parking: South Point Hotel Casino & Spa has extensive on-site self-parking and valet at the resort and convention complex. Rates vary by lot, valet versus self-park and event demand - budget approximately USD 0-20 per day and confirm current charges at the venue or hotel booking page. Arrive 20-30 minutes early during peak show hours to park and walk to the halls, and note the garage or entrance closest to the convention area before you set out.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027 (late March into early April)
Temperature: Approx. daytime highs of 22-28 C (72-82 F) and overnight lows of 10-14 C (50-57 F) in late March, with the desert sun feeling stronger than the number suggests and air-conditioned halls feeling cool. Confirm the forecast in the week before travel.
Seasonality: Late March sits in one of the driest stretches of the Mojave Desert year, so rain is unlikely but not impossible and occasional gusty wind picks up in the afternoon. Expect bright sun, low humidity and very dry air - lip balm and lotion are worth packing.
Packing: Light layers and breathable clothing for warm days, a jacket or wrap for cold class rooms and cool desert evenings, sunglasses, a hat and high-factor sunscreen for outdoor walks and parking lots. Comfortable walking shoes for the long South Point convention aisles, plus safety glasses or closed-toe shoes if you have booked a torchworking or coldworking class.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Glass Craft & Bead Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 1
If travelling from outside the United States, check ESTA eligibility or apply for a B-1 visitor visa and allow processing time. — ESTA applications can take up to 72 hours to approve.
Day 2
Book flights into Harry Reid International (LAS) and compare arrival times with badge pickup and any class start times. — LAS is roughly 15-25 minutes from South Point off-peak.
Day 3
Reserve a room: the on-site South Point tower, The Grandview at Las Vegas or Silverton Casino Lodge, and confirm the resort fee and parking terms. — Ask whether the room block code applies to the expo dates.
Day 4
Build a buying list by technique: fusing (kiln, molds, shelf primer, COE 90/96 glass), lampworking (torch, mandrels, bead release) and bead stringing (seed beads, findings). — Group the list by hall so you walk each aisle once.
Day 5
Check class supply lists - many technique classes ask you to bring or buy glass rods, tools or safety glasses.; Plan how to get larger purchases home: ask exhibitors about shipping for kilns and sheet glass, and check airline rules for tools in checked baggage. — Freight is often cheaper than excess baggage for kilns.
Day 6
Set a budget line for show purchases, class fees, resort fees, airport transfer and tips.; Decide on the airport transfer: taxi or rideshare from LAS (15-25 minutes), the hotel Strip shuttle, or RTC bus routes serving the South Point stop. — Fares are approximate; confirm live prices.
Day 7
Download or print the class grid and demo schedule and shortlist the torchworking and fusing demonstrations you want to watch. — Check the schedule page for last-minute changes.
Day 8
Pack light layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes and safety glasses if you are taking a flame or coldworking class. — Desert days are bright and halls are heavily air-conditioned.
Day 9
Travel day: collect your badge early, walk the floor to map booth numbers, and confirm any class room locations inside the convention area. — The South Point complex is large; allow walking time.
Day 10
Confirm the edition dates, South Point Hotel Casino & Spa as the venue, and whether class days run separately from exhibit hall hours on glasscraftexpo.com.; Follow up with suppliers, photograph business cards and note the COE and firing schedule of every glass you bought before it goes into the kiln. — Mixing incompatible COE is the most common first-project failure.
Day 11
Register for the expo and book any hands-on classes or workshops, which are typically ticketed separately from general admission. — Small technique classes fill earliest.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at South Point Hotel Casino
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Glass Craft & Bead Expo registration concourse
South Point Hotel Casino
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
South Point Hotel Casino
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$258.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$408.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Glass Craft & Bead Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Glass Craft & Bead Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Glass art supplies and tools for crafting. and Kilns and equipment for glass fus solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Glass Craft & Bead Expo in Las Vegas.
Min. budget
$618.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Glass art supplies and tools for crafting. and Kilns and equipment for glass fus products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,781.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Las Vegas show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where and when does Glass Craft & Bead Expo 2027 take place?
The show runs 31 March to 4 April 2027 at South Point Hotel Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.
How do I get to South Point Hotel Casino & Spa from Harry Reid International Airport?
Harry Reid International (LAS) is the main gateway. Taxis and rideshares take roughly 15-25 minutes off-peak, costs around USD 25-45 (estimate, confirm live fares). Shared airport shuttles also serve Las Vegas hotels, and the resort runs a Strip shuttle listed on its city transportation page.
Are there hotels within walking distance of the venue?
South Point Hotel Casino & Spa is itself a resort with on-site rooms. Nearby alternatives captured for the fair dates include The Grandview at Las Vegas (about 310 m away), Silverton Casino Lodge (about 3.4 km) and OYO Hotel and Casino Las Vegas (about 9.9 km).
What can I do and buy at the glass craft and bead expo?
The fair brings together lampworking and flameworking suppliers, bead and jewellery makers, fusing and kiln equipment sellers, glass art material vendors and working artists; the current listing summary lists tools, kilns, handmade glass jewellery, decorative pieces and educational resources among the product categories.
Can I reach the venue by public transport?
Yes, Las Vegas RTC bus routes serve the South Point area and Moovit lists the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa stop; allow extra time as services are less frequent than on the Strip.
What is the weather like during the expo?
Late March and early April in Las Vegas are warm, dry and sunny by day with cooler evenings; rain is uncommon. Pack layers, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes for the exhibit halls.
Glossary
- COE (coefficient of expansion)
- A number that describes how much a glass expands when heated. Fusing projects need glasses with matching COE - 90 and 96 are the two common craft ranges - or the piece will crack as it cools.
- Fusing
- Joining two or more pieces of compatible glass by heating them in a kiln until they soften and bond, then cooling them in a controlled anneal.
- Slumping
- Heating a flat glass blank over or into a mold so it sags into a bowl, plate or other three-dimensional shape.
- Kiln casting
- Melting glass into a refractory mold, often using frit or billet, to produce a solid sculptural form rather than a flat or slumped piece.
- Annealing
- The controlled cooling cycle that releases stress in glass. Skipping or rushing an anneal is the usual reason a finished project cracks days later.
- Lampworking / flameworking
- Shaping glass rods or tubes in a torch flame to make beads, small sculptures and components, usually at a workstation with a mandrel and bead release.
- Mandrel
- The stainless steel rod a bead is wound onto in the flame; bead release coating lets the finished bead slide off after annealing.
- Borosilicate (boro)
- A hard glass with a low expansion rate that tolerates direct flame and rapid temperature change; common in pipe, marble and sculptural torchwork.
- Soft glass
- Lower-temperature glass, typically soda-lime or the COE 90/96 fusing ranges, used for beads, fusing and slumping and requiring more gradual heating.
- Frit
- Crushed glass sold in graded sizes, used to fill molds, create color blends and add texture in kiln-formed work.
- Stringer
- A thin pulled thread of glass used to draw lines, dots and fine detail on beads or fused panels.
- Murrine / millefiori
- Patterned glass cane sliced crosswise so each slice shows a design, then embedded in beads or fused work.
- Dichroic glass
- Glass with a micro-thin metallic coating that reflects one color and transmits another; a staple of jewelry and small fused pieces.
- Pate de verre
- A kiln-casting technique using glass paste or frit packed into a mold to produce translucent, softly colored sculptural forms.
- Coldworking
- All the grinding, sawing, drilling and polishing steps done at room temperature to shape and finish a piece after firing.
- Shelf primer
- A refractory coating applied to the kiln shelf so fired glass does not stick to it; a routine consumable purchase at the show.
- Seed bead
- Small uniform beads used in bead weaving and stringing, sold by size and finish; a core category in the bead hall.
- Resort fee
- A mandatory per-night charge added by Las Vegas casino resorts on top of the room rate; budget for it when comparing South Point area hotels.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Glass Craft & Bead Expo 2027
- Glass Craft & Bead Expo Las Vegas 2027
- Glass Craft 2027
- Glass Craft Las Vegas 2027
- Las Vegas United States
- Glass art supplies and tools for crafting
- Kilns and equipment for glass fusing and shaping
- Handmade glass jewelry and decorative items
- Educational resources for glass art techniques
- Glass art supplies and tools for crafting.
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.