Eugene Chausovsky
The Gasketing/Converting Expo 2026, presented by the Gasket Fabricators Association (GFA) and held at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida, welcomed over 450 attendees and 97 exhibitors, marking another highly successful gathering for the converting and fabricating industry. As the premier event for the industry, the G/C Expo delivered a dynamic platform for fabricators and suppliers to connect, explore innovations, and gain valuable business insights.
The program featured a full-day exhibit hall showcasing the latest materials, equipment, and services driving the industry forward. The tabletop format once again proved highly effective, allowing exhibitors direct access to key decision-makers in an environment designed to foster meaningful conversations and business development.
Attendees also benefited from a strong lineup of educational sessions led by industry experts. Highlights included “Economic Outlook and Analysis” by Taylor St. Germain of ITR Economics, offering forward-looking insights into market trends and strategic planning, and “The Impact of Geopolitics on Your Business” presented by Alex and Eugene Chausovsky, which explored how global events are shaping supply chains and business decisions.
The program concluded with “Artificial Intelligence – Opportunities & Challenges” by Professor W. Keith Robinson, providing a timely look at the legal and operational implications of AI in the converting and fabricating industry.
Another highlight of the event was the continued growth of the Women of the GFA Meeting, which provides a dedicated space for connection, collaboration, and meaningful discussion among women in the industry. Additional programming included committee meetings, a new member orientation, and the GFA Business Meeting, all designed to strengthen engagement and advance the association’s initiatives.
Beyond the educational programming, the G/C Expo 2026 created a highly engaging environment for meaningful networking across the exhibit hall, receptions, and recreational activities, including the golf tournament and Kennedy Space Center tour. Notably, there was a strong presence of new attendees and first-time exhibitors, which added fresh energy to the event. Longtime attendees connected with new faces, learned from first-time exhibitors, and bonded over a shared sense of community, strengthening relationships and expanding networks across the industry.
Feedback from both attendees and exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants consistently noted that the size, format, and focused nature of the event created an ideal environment for productive conversations, new partnerships, and valuable knowledge sharing.
Special thanks go out to our co-sponsors: the International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD), the International Sealing Distribution Association (ISD), and the Fluid Sealing Association (FSA), whose continued partnership helps make this event a cornerstone gathering for the industry.
Stay up to date on all the latest GFA events at www.gasketfab.com/gfa-events/. If you would like to be added to the distribution list to receive information on future events, please send your contact information to info@gasketfab.com.
