Corning 2026 FAQs

GAS Corning 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when do I pick up my badge and wristband?

Registration takes place at a tent outside the main CMoG entrance. Your wristband is your access pass for the entire conference — please don’t remove it. Wristbands are non-transferable and will not be replaced if lost or damaged.

The Registration Tent will be closed on Saturday, so if you need help then, please visit the GAS Merch & Info Tent in the CMoG Courtyard.

I lost something. Where will I find it?

Lost and Found will be at the Registration Tent on Tuesday – Friday and the GAS Merch/Info Tent on Saturday.

How do the shuttles work?

There are 5 free conference shuttles running daily between CMoG, area hotels, and conference activity locations. Shuttles circulate continuously rather than running on a fixed per-stop schedule, so plan a little buffer time when heading somewhere. If you’re staying in the Gaffer District downtown, most conference activity is also within easy walking distance. Limited parking is also available at CMoG for those driving.

Shuttle Routes & Stops

• CMoG Shuttle — CMoG Welcome Center · CMoG Admissions Lobby · Rockwell Museum · Market Street
• CMoG Local Hotel Shuttle — CMoG Bus Lot · Hilton Garden Inn · Quality Inn Corning · Staybridge Suites · Radisson Hotel Corning
• GAS Bus 1 & 2 — CMoG Bus Lot · Fairfield Inn · America’s Best Value Inn · Hampton Inn · Red Roof Inn · Corning Inn · Econo Lodge · Holiday Inn Express
• GAS Bus 3 — CMoG Bus Lot · Radisson · CCC

What should I wear?

Dress is casual and comfortable throughout the conference. The one firm requirement: closed-toe shoes are mandatory in all hot shop and demo areas. Sandals and open-toe shoes are fine everywhere else.

For the evening parties and the Glass Fashion Show on Saturday, some people choose to dress up a bit, but it’s not required — come as you are. The Glass Fashion Show is a spectator event, so no special attire is needed.

What is Illuminate Corning, and do I need a badge to attend?

Illuminate Corning is a free, public celebration of glass art happening Friday evening, June 5, in Corning’s Gaffer District. No conference badge is required — it’s open to everyone.

The evening includes a light art exhibition, live music, and a fireworks display. Two GAS events also take place downtown that evening and are free and open to the public:

• Sparkle To Go — glass jewelry trunk show, 3–6 pm, Nasser Civic Center Ice Rink
• Goblet Grab — 5:30 pm, USW Local 1000 Union Hall

The one exception: the Gaffer’s Pour is a ticketed event. Everything else is free and walk-up.

Where can I eat? 

There are several options on-site at CMoG throughout the week:

For dinner and evenings out, Corning’s Gaffer District downtown has a variety of restaurants. With 1,600 attendees in town, we strongly recommend making dinner reservations in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.

Is there a conference app?

Yes — the GAS Corning 2026 app is your go-to for navigating the schedule, finding room locations, and getting real-time updates throughout the week. Full details on downloading and using the app can be found in the App section of this website.

Do I need to sign up for sessions in advance?

No advance signup is required for demos, lectures, or presentations. Most sessions are open to all registered attendees on a first-come, first-seated basis.

That said, popular demos in the CMoG Amphitheater Hot Shop tend to fill up quickly — we recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early for anything you really want to catch. Check the app for session times and locations.

Accessibility at GAS 2026

GAS is committed to making our conferences as accessible as possible. Each year, we expand our support and resources for artists and attendees.

• Several accessible parking spaces are available on the Corning Museum of Glass campus, and there is space to drop off and pick up passengers with accessibility concerns in the middle of the campus as well.
• Demonstration sites include seating for guests using mobility devices, and there are assistive listening devices in select locations.
• Two quiet spaces are designated for rest and sensory breaks (see map for location).
• Transportation can be challenging—please reach out to our staff for guidance. info@glassart.org

For accessibility-related inquiries, please visit the Information Desk located in the Courtyard Pavilion on the CMOG campus (see map for location). Courtyard Pavilion hours: Tuesday–Wednesday, 9am-4pm; Thursday, 9am-5pm, Friday, 9am-4pm; Saturday, 9am-1pm. For additional assistance, please call (206) 382-1305.