The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) is set to debut at next year’s Fit Show exhibition, which is marketed as ‘the UK’s premiere glass and glazing trade event’. The Fit Show is due to take place at Birmingham’s NEC from 10 to 12 May 2022.
The GAI describes itself as ‘the only trade body in the UK that represents the interests of the whole architectural ironmongery industry: architectural ironmongers, wholesalers and manufacturers’. As well as having a physical presence at the Fit Show, with a dedicated meeting space for its 700+ members, the GAI has also agreed to contribute to the Fit Show’s continuing professional development (CPD) learning programme. As part of this commitment, experts from the GAI are set to deliver seminars and participate in panel debates covering legislation, regulations and standards governing the use of architectural ironmongery and related hardware.
Simon Forrester, the GAI’s chief executive, said: “The GAI’s reputation is centred around the three core areas: education, technical support and community. Fit Show is an ideal platform for us to support our members and the wider industry across these areas.
“For our corporate members, we see Fit Show as an invaluable platform for them to exhibit, showcase their products and engage with the wider market. There is a huge amount of synergy between Fit Show and the GAI.
“For our individual members, Fit Show presents an opportunity for them to see the latest products and innovations side-by-side, to network and to benefit from a comprehensive learning programme which will include CPD content delivered by GAI experts.”
Nickie West, the Fit Show’s event director, added: “We have been trying to secure the support of the GAI for a number of years, and are delighted to announce that they will finally be debuting at Fit Show 22. Over half of our visitor audience is made up of companies that have expressed an interest in sourcing doors, locks and hardware at Fit, so it’s an ideal platform for the GAI and its members to connect with the wider market.
“I’m especially excited that we will be able to tap into the expertise within the GAI. We know that legislative and regulatory content is always hugely important to our visitors. Our May event will come at a crucial time for the industry ahead of the next phase of the new building safety bill.”
Last month (on 27 and 28 September) the Fit Show team ran its inaugural online learning programme, which included a combination of live seminars and panel debates, delivered by experts from across the fenestration industry. This content can now be viewed online, here, via the Fit Show website.
