GPD Gears up for 2019

The GPD has a contributed enormously to the cooperation and advance of the international glass industry for over a quarter century. In preparing for the nomination of the next Jorma Vitkala Award, established at GPD 2017, the importance of continuity rises strongly to the fore.  For my role in the nomination committee, of which Jorma is a member, his message of reaching retirement age next year and gradual hand over of his duties as Chairman of the Organizing Committee carries special weight. The GPD has been marked by many special properties over the years and two of the strongest ones have been continuity and continuous development with the times.

The description of the Prize as “a recognition of outstanding individual contributions to the glass industry” paints a proper profile of Jorma′s work as we now seek nominations for the next recipient announcement to be published at the GPD 2019 Opening Ceremony. While this work is in progress a look at the defined success factors of the GPD is in order.

Credibility

brought by professional presentations and outstanding individuals of the industry

Personal involvement

personified by top-level management participation that separates the GPD from any other similar occasion

Current Agenda

staying with the industry priorities of the day at all times, past, current and constantly changing

Information sharing

recognizing that information is the only commodity which grows when shared

New Generations

through novel concepts such as the Step Change program to involve new generations in the transfer of know-how from seasoned professionals to newcomers to the industry

The team to carry on this tradition is already in place and Jorma Vitkala has announced that he will share and support in the work before, during and after retirement especially in linking people. Glaston Corporation continues in its role as leading administrative sponsor of the Conference and the experienced team under the leadership of Miika Appelqvist carries on.

A memorable Farewell Party at GPD 2019

The GPD supporters, participants and administrators have a special program in mind for the traditional Farewell Party, that concludes all GPDs. This time the Farewell to 2019 and Welcome to the following Conference puts special focus on Jorma Vitkala′s 27 years as GPD Dynamo. A memorable Farewell Party is to be expected and we will make the format such that all friends of the GPD can be accommodated and contribute ideas for the program. The date is Saturday June 29th 2019. Details will follow.

 In Jorma′s own words:

We have the perfect opportunity to make next year′s Farewell Party the most memorable in the history of the GPD. But that does not mean that the GPD audience will not be seeing its long-time Chairman in the future. I commit to maintain GPD contacts and seeing friends throughout the glass industry, to help and assist the organizing team to develop the GPD in the future. That is my contribution towards the continuity I know that means so much to the industry. Together we have grown into the World′s leading glass conference and like any good parent to a special baby I will help the excellent GPD team lead by Mii