2024 will see a decade of dedication from PiGs organiser Sarah Ball at Balls2 Marketing. “It’s been a blast since the first time I took over,” says Sarah. “The events have been supported by some amazing companies in the industry and across the entire supply chain. We couldn’t be more proud of the success we’ve had.”
It was Sarah’s vision that grew PiGs to the level it’s at today, renowned for its mass appeal throughout the glazing industry.
She continues: “When Balls2 Marketing took over the organisation of PiGs, it was always the ‘open to everyone’ events we wanted to emulate. In fact, the first one we organised was after the Triple Glazing Question event back in 2014, which was a massive success. We have established an annual programme of UK events over the last 10 years, and there’s even been a few escapades to the US alongside Glassbuild America. We were happy to be the last industry event before the lockdown for COVID and the first back, and as we outgrew our early venues, we have found bigger ones to accommodate our 200-plus regulars.
“What we have not changed is the ethos of building relationships. There are NO badges, NO speeches, NO sales pitches, and NO pop-up banners at any of the events. Just a room full of people in the industry chatting about glass and glazing. My great friend in America, Mr Glass Nerd himself, Andrew Haring, loves PiGs for exactly these principles.
“None of this could happen without the sponsors. PiGs is based on equality, and the sponsorship is no different. There are no headline sponsors, everyone pays the same. Some dip in and dip out, some just back their local events, and others sponsor the whole year, many of the companies have been with us for years, and we appreciate every one of them. Thank you always seems too small a phrase to use for the continued support we get.
“Next year, in a 10-year celebration, we are running a rather special programme of events. Kicking off with Birmingham on Wednesday 26 March to tie in with the Triple Glazing Question being held earlier in the day, 13 June in Bristol, 22 August for a PiGs Summer Party in Newcastle, and the final UK date is 7 November in Manchester. We are also planning in a US trip to Dallas to tie in to Glassbuild, but details aren’t finalised. There’s also a new logo designed by Emily at Balls2 Marketing, that we are all rather excited about!”
2024 will also see the second year of supporting Kelly’s Heroes, and both Sarah and Andy Ball are climbing Kilimanjaro to raise money and awareness for the charity. “Generosity from PiGs has been extraordinary over the years,” adds Sarah. “Which proves what I often say: the glazing industry is the best industry in the world!”
