Let’s Get Ready to Market
by Patricia Smiley
Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) has always been about more than products and demonstrations. One of the greatest benefits is the ability to share ideas, network, strengthen vendor relationships and discover new ways to grow our businesses. Whether you are an independent shop owner, technician, manufacturer, supplier or industry partner, there is something for everyone.
I’m particularly excited for this year’s brand-new Marketing Tank session. This session is an exciting mini-competition to showcase creative marketing ideas designed specifically for the auto glass industry. Participants will have the opportunity to present innovative campaigns, community outreach initiatives, digital marketing strategies, customer engagement concepts and branding ideas before a panel of industry sharks… er, peers (including yours truly).
The contest isn’t just about winning. It’s about having the bragging rights to inspire others to market in a different way. Marketing has become one of the most important investments for auto glass shops. The Marketing Tank provides a stage for professionals to demonstrate that great ideas don’t always have to come with a massive budget.
My hope every year as the chair of the AGSC Marketing Committee is that attendees leave my seminars with practical strategies, fresh inspiration and actionable ideas they can take home and immediately implement in their own businesses.
The Marketing Tank is just one of the outstanding educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, networking opportunities and the latest calibration tools at AGW 2026. Think of the show as the perfect place to reconnect with familiar faces, meet industry professionals and strengthen partnerships that will help your business thrive.
So… the stage is set. The ideas are ready. The vendors are ready. The Auto Glass Safety Council is ready. Are you?
I look forward to seeing you at Auto Glass Week™ 2026, held Aug. 27-29 in San Antonio. For more information on the show, visit autoglassweek.com
Patricia Smiley is the president of Quackt Glass in Columbia, South Carolina. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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