Following the reported success of last year’s event, UK Construction Week says it will once again offer much more than just access to hundreds of industry leading exhibitors and associated products and services. With several new industry awards celebrating excellence in the sector the entertainment programme will also see the return of its popular beer festival and much more.
Free to enter for all UK Construction Week visitors and exhibitors, the beer and ale festival will provide a vibrant and social way to unwind at the show with more than 30 craft ales to try and live music. Entry is completely free as part of visitors’ trade registration to UK Construction Week and there will be a selection of gourmet food options from various stalls surrounding the venue. VIP packages will also be made available to exhibitors prior to the show.
The world-renowned Genting International Casino at Resorts World Birmingham will be hosting a dedicated UK Construction Week casino night on the second evening of the show (19 October). Just a five-minute walk from the doors of UK Construction Week and conveniently located to nearby hotels, the night offers a chance for visitors and exhibitors alike to relax, network and perhaps chance their luck in one of the many games on offer.
On the first evening of UK Construction Week there will be a black-tie gala at the prestigious new Vox, NEC Birmingham venue to host the first Construction Enquirer Awards. With an expected audience of 500 people, the awards are open to contractors, clients and suppliers, with the winners decided by an industry vote. A Top Ten will be published for the twelve different categories and the ultimate winners revealed on the night. Tickets and tables are available to book now and visitors are encouraged to act quickly to avoid disappointment – details available on the website.
In addition, UK Construction Week will host several other new industry awards including the Concrete Awards as part of the Surface & Materials Show in partnership with World Architecture News (WAN), the Infrastructure Awards as part of Civils Expo in partnership with WAN also, the Structural Timber Awards in partnership with the Structural Timber Association (STA) and the BIM Awards in partnership with the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
Nathan Garnett, Event Director for UK Construction Week, commented: “Anyone who makes the decision to attend a trade event does so because they know they will get enormous value from their time spent there. UK Construction Week can demonstrate its value to trade professionals in spades due to its size and content. We have been adding new networking opportunities, awards to celebrate excellence in the sector and fun events to bring people together from the length and breadth of the country.
“We are excited about the growth of this event in year two and all it has to offer people. We are confident that those staying over to experience the evening schedule won’t be disappointed.”
A number of other useful events will be taking place during UK Construction Week including breakfast briefings with Glenigan and the Construction Products Association (CPA). The National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) will also be announcing the winner of £5,000 and its Self Build on a Shoestring competition at Grand Designs Live. In addition, ITN Productions in partnership with the Home Builders Federation (HBF) will be launching its ‘Foundations for the Future’ news-style programme at the Build Show. The programme will explore the state of the home building industry today. Furthermore, the coveted Irwin Tools Tradesperson of the Year award will also be announced during the show.
Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 18 – 20 October, UK Construction Week combines nine shows in one location. With over 24,000 trade visitors last year – a figure expected to double at this year’s event – the show boasts over 1,000 exhibitors. Visitors are able to attend Timber Expo, the Build Show, Civils Expo, the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2016, Plant & Machinery Live, HVAC 2016, Smart Buildings 2016 and Grand Designs Live.
For more information about UK Construction Week or to register to attend for free, please visit www.ukconstructionweek.com or follow @UK_CW on Twitter.
