Ten years in the making
UK Construction Week has announced a raft of new features at its London edition, which will return to the ExCeL on 7-9 May this year. Echoing many of the successful launches at its sister event at the NEC last autumn, the London edition will target professionals at all stages of the construction supply chain, including contractors, architects and housebuilders.
New focus areas for the event include heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, Onsite On Hire and Meet the Buyers, both of which made a successful debut at the NEC event last year. Onsite On Hire will present the latest solar-powered, hybrid and electric equipment available to hire, while Meet the Buyers will provide a platform for exhibitors and visitors to connect with a curated line-up of the industry’s leading contractors.
Exclusively launching at London meanwhile is new area Workwear &PPE Live, exploring topics such as female-specific fit and the use of sustainable materials with no compromise to function. The sector will be brought to life with an exclusive catwalk show, highlighting the essential role played by performance workwear attire and marking a first in the history of UK Construction Week events.
The diversification of UK Construction Week to better reflect the contemporary trade coincides with its ten year anniversary this autumn. Established at the NEC in 2015, the show has evolved to become the largest event in the UK of its kind. The exhibition made its London debut in 2022, reflecting the ongoing growth of construction activity in the south-east and attracting a contrasting demographic of visitors in comparison to its Midlands-based counterpart. Both events have flourished ever since, each carving out a niche of their own for the bustling construction trade across the length and breadth of the country.
As a regular installer at both events, Smart Display is committed to designing and creating exhibition stands that combine aesthetics and ethics in line with its approach to sustainable stand build. This time around will see Smart Display work with new clients as well as its regulars, having brought on board new exhibitors looking to align their business strategy with an innovative exhibition presence.
“A superior stand design and build is in-keeping with our brand image,” says Alwyn Evershed, head of marketing at steel door manufacturer Metador. “We have increased our manufacturing capability and our product certification this year, and we have a full range of products to showcase as we work to increase brand recognition and presence within our industry.”
Metador has come on board with Smart Display with a view to re-using its stand elements across its roster of exhibitions, which include The Fit Show and the Security Event as well as UK Construction Week.
Following unprecedented attendance at both shows last year, the organisers behind UK Construction Week have tipped its anniversary year as being its best to date, with an anticipated 18000 visitors expected to attend the ExCeL in May, followed by a further 25,000 visitors at its NEC-based counterpart.
“After a record-breaking 2024, it’s exciting to take UKCW into its 10th year,” says divisional director Sam Patel. “A range of new co-located areas and dedicated features will reinforce the show’s standing as the place where the industry meets to learn, network and do business.”
If you have booked your space at the ExCeL or the NEC for UK Construction Week, get in touch today to find out how we can create your perfect brand presence with a bespoke exhibition stand build #wemakeevents
