Ready for Their Close-up
by Abby Bowman
By midnight on Aug. 29, I will have completed my third Auto Glass Week™ (AGW). Each AGW I’ve covered has taught me several lessons, both about the industry and about myself. For instance, I’m getting better at the “now you see me, now you don’t” magic act, perfected by my unreasonably talented coworkers, which allows me to travel from the center stage to an educational session and back to the floor to cover the competitions—all without anyone knowing when and how I left or arrived. (Emphasis on better.) That said, I still got lost a couple of times in 2025. This year, though, I’m determined to be so good at magical movement that I have time for a few pit stops.
One of my favorite parts of AGW has always been the people. I love stopping to chat with everyone I’ve called to pester throughout the year, plus making new connections. The exhibition show floor is one of my favorite places to do just that. The special events are another.
Speaking of, there are plenty of special events to look forward to at AGW 2026, but one that I’ve been eagerly anticipating since it was announced. The Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) is hosting a special movie premiere for its new documentary, “Anatomy of a Disrupter: The Auto Glass Safety Council at 25.” There are two main reasons I’m excited about this.
I love going to the movies, and this special showing will be held at a real movie theater (the AMC Rivercenter 11 Theater, next door to the Marriott Rivercenter hotel), replete with traditional movie theater snacks. Like any good premiere, there will be a red carpet for guests to walk and “paparazzi” to capture their outfits (which can include jeans and a t-shirt, if you’d like).
The documentary has been in the works for over a year and covers the entire history of the AGSC, from the development of the Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standard™ (AGRSS) to the present. I think it’s the ideal way to honor industry pioneers, while keeping the past in mind as the industry prepares for the future.
I’ve only been to San Antonio once, but I’m eagerly anticipating my trip back. Here’s a photo I took of the Alamo during my last visit. I posted it to my personal social media with the caption “I remembered it.” I think I was the only person who found that funny.
All badge-holding AGW attendees are welcome at the premiere. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and show time is at 8 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the AMC Rivercenter 11 theater. I’d say bring popcorn, but it will already be there for you.
I hope to see you at AGW in San Antonio from Aug. 27-29. If you see me on the show floor, at the special events or anywhere in between, please flag me down to talk. I’d love to hear about you and your role in the industry. If I’m in the middle of one of my magic acts, I might have to keep it short. But there will be plenty of opportunities to catch up at the event’s social gatherings.
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