Organisers of the Fit Show have reported record levels of industry support for its delayed 2021 event, which is due to return to the NEC Birmingham from 10 to 12 May 2022. The Fit Show exhibition attracts hundreds of businesses within the glazing and home improvement markets.
Visitor registrations are currently 50% above the same point in the campaign for Fit Show’s 2019 show, organisers say. In January alone, 13 brands signed up to exhibit, or have increased the size of their stand at the 2022 show.
When the Fit Show returns in May, it will be the first live European trade show for the glass, glazing, window, door, conservatory, hardware and component sectors in three years. Organisers report an exciting lineup that includes a combination of brand leaders, new startups, Fit Show first timers and some well-known returning brands.
In January, the machinery business Haffner Murat increased its exhibition space to 610m², making it the largest stand in Fit Show’s history. Haffner’s decision enables it to showcase more machinery, including its the Graf Synergy range. Chase Taylor, specialists in recruitment for the fenestration industry, has also taken more space at this year’s Fit Show, as has the composite decking supplier, Ronjack.
Debut Fit Show exhibitors that have signed up in recent weeks include the bespoke metal door manufacturer, Strongdor, and modular steel outbuildings manufacturer, Telluria. They’ll be joined by the following first-time exhibitors: ICB Fabrications, which supplies aluminium profiles; Media Hut, a sustainable merchandise supplier; Checkatrade, an online portal for finding tradespeople; and Solar Calibre Doors.
Returning brands include the machinery experts, Emmegi. Other returning brands include West-Port Timber, a bespoke timber window, door and fire doorset manufacturer; Force 8, a window and door manufacturer; hardware manufacturer, J Banks and Co.
Nickie West, Fit Show’s director, said: “We really have hit the ground running this year. I am delighted to see so many exciting brands, both new and returning, added to the floorplan in recent weeks.
“The lifting of UK restrictions and the delay of Fensterbau have boosted both exhibitor and visitor enquiries, making the UK a safe haven for those looking to connect their brand with the market, en masse, via a trade show. We’re proud that Fit Show will be the first major European trade show for the entire industry, post-pandemic.
“In the coming weeks, we’ll be running an online exhibitor enhancement day, to ensure that all of the brands that have shown their support by choosing to exhibit will be armed with all of the information they need to drive the best possible return on investment.
“We’re working hard behind the scenes on our learning programme, which is taking shape at pace. We’ll be delivering the very latest information about key industry issues, including presentations about the approved documents F, L and O, covering the upcoming changes to building regulations, which are to come into force from 15 June.
“We’ll also have content that helps installers and fitters to do better business, from managing their supply chain and improving efficiencies through to growing their portfolios to increase profitability. Our focus from March onwards will include building on the fantastic visitor pre-registrations that we have already amassed over the last few months. We’re excited to start the visitor campaign in earnest ahead of welcoming our entire community back to the NEC in May.”
