Glass industry professionals began gathering in Milwaukee today to take advantage of the educational and networking opportunities afforded to them at Glass Expo Midwest (GEMS) 2004, which begins tomorrow morning with a seminar on proper auto glass installation led by Jeff Ritchie, supervisor for the Performance Achievement Group.

Other seminars on the line-up include USGlass columnist (and former AGRR columnist) Lyle Hill of MTH Industries and Barry Maher, an expert on Yellow Page advertising who will lecture on getting the most out of directory listings.

GEMS 2004 will be held in Milwaukee, Wis., at the Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee Airport, October 14-15, 2004. Show attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the informative Glass Expo Midwest glass show and seminars, while experiencing the vitality of Milwaukee.

Information sheets about F. Barkow's plant tour on Friday, October 15, 2004 are available from the show registrar by calling 540/720-5584 ext. 0. The tour celebrating the company's 125th anniversary departs from the hotel at 8:00 a.m. Be sure to sign up in advance.

The glass show for the Midwest region will be held at Baton Rouge Hall, ground level Thursday, October 14 and Friday, October 15. The show runs 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Friday.

The conference registration desk will be located at the entrance to the hall, and desk hours are Thursday, October 14th 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, October 15th 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by the registration desk to pick up show information or if you have any questions.