Over 3.1 million people in the UK work in the construction and trade sector, making up one of the largest workforces in the country. With this in mind, there are several incredible industry events throughout the year. These are excellent for those in the trade hoping to learn, network and gather as much insight as possible into the changing trends of this huge industry. 

With exhibitions, workshops, live speakers and the best of the best bringing forward their latest innovations, a construction or building conference will provide you with unmatched insight into the trade. 

If you’re feeling inspired to check out some of these top events, keep reading to find out more about the different conferences and expos throughout the UK. 

Cement and Concrete Science Conference (12-13th September)

Where: University of Leeds, Leeds UK

The Cement and Concrete Science Conference brings together scientists and engineers from both industry and academia to help those in the building trade learn more about the latest research within the sector. 

With stimulating and engaging meetings across 2 days in September, you can learn and ask questions from some of the best in the industry to widen your knowledge further. Mixing science with research and factual based information provides a logical and data driven focus on the industry – helping you learn in a way that cannot be done on the job. 

This event is for anyone working with either cement or concrete as it will help you get one step ahead of others within your field. You can learn more about the advances within the industry, and take all you have learnt and apply this to your business or role within the trade, which ultimately gives you a competitive edge like no other.

Safety in Construction Show (14th September)

Where: Holywell Park Conference Center, Loughborough

So, we’re aware that when gaining an edge on the competition, you’re most likely seeking to find out more about the latest innovations, technologies, supplies and more. However, don’t be fooled into overlooking the importance of safety within this industry and the impact it can have on your trade. 

With the construction sector having the highest amount of fatal injuries in the UK (30 fatalities in 2021/2022), this makes it a pressing matter for anyone working in this industry. People aren’t likely to come to you for work, jobs or even enquiries if they don’t think you’re meeting appropriate standards to keep yourself and others safe. 

Luckily for you, the Safety in Construction Show is an incredible event that offers those in construction an insight into the solutions and suppliers in construction safety and well-being. With an impressive seminar programme, services and training, applications, safety products and more, you can learn from some of the best in the field. 

Cleaning Expo UK (17th September)

Where: NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire 

The Cleaning Expo UK is an impressive event and is known for being one of the best in the country. It is an established expo for the cleaning industry and the place to be for anyone in the window or glazing trade. 

With suppliers, manufacturers and multiple sectors all in the same place, this is an excellent conference to attend that will help make your business known. Check out the latest innovations, to see what you can invest in to help your business grow. 

Meet up with others in your trade and learn from some of the best in the industry. Scour through the stalls to see several bargains and enjoy the major discounts available, only for the Cleaning Expo UK event. 

Homebuilding and Renovating Show (30th September – 2nd October)

Where: ExCel, London

The Homebuilding and Renovating Show brings together both those in the building trade and anyone who is looking to renovate their home – the perfect opportunity to meet and attract customers looking for tradespeople. 

There are many inspiring speakers who are in the know on home renovation and are ready to offer their expertise and insight. Listen as they provide you with the essential tools and knowledge so that you can perform your job with confidence. 

With a huge number of exhibitors showcasing their latest products, you also get the chance to sample new and innovative designs to put you ahead of others in the trade. You can offer these to customers, something that is sure to give you that competitive edge. 

This is a large event that offers over 250 exhibitors, more than 50 guest speakers and one of the best ways to network and attract new business. The difficult thing with marketing is that you need to catch your clients when they are in the process of purchasing and are browsing with intent. The Homebuilding and Renovating Show brings all of these people together in one place, making it the perfect place to put yourself forward to hundreds of potential customers. 

UK Construction Week (4-6th October)

Where: NEC, Birmingham

UK Construction Week is the largest built environment event in the country – making it one to certainly attend! This impressive event attracts more than 300,000 visitors and offers something for all different types of tradesmen and women. 

There are architects, developers, distribution companies and merchants all ready to exhibit their newest products and supplies. Listen to a wide range of talks from some of the best in the business, as well as plenty of opportunities to learn and train from leading professionals. 

This event is so good that they actually host 2 a year. The first is held at NEC, Birmingham on 4-6th October and if you happen to miss that one, you can always attend the other on the 2-4th May in London.

 

The Glazing Summit (18th October)

Where: Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham 

With window, door and conservatory tradespeople all in one place, The Glazing Summit brings together like minded individuals for one day in October. Here you learn from over 400 leaders throughout the glass and glazing industry, all attending the world’s biggest conference in the trade. 

Discussion will be held around the supply-chain crisis, labour shortages and threats from regulatory changes. This is the place to be if you want to get up to speed with all things in the window and glazing business. 

Highways UK (2-3rd November)

Where: NEC, Birmingham 

It is no surprise that when we use the term ‘construction’ it covers a wide range of trades, businesses and jobs. That being said, if you happen to work in infrastructure, we also have you covered with an event for you. The Highways UK is a must-visit if you’re seeking to learn more about planning, building and maintaining roads across the UK. 

With a great selection of attendees, multiple talks from industry experts and the chance to network with others who work on UK roads, there is so much to learn, see and do here, you definitely don’t want to miss out. 

Highways UK also offers special packages for start-up’s, making it the perfect event for small businesses to attend. You can gain all the insight and knowledge you need from here, putting you in the best possible position if you’re just starting out. 

 

London Build Expo (16-17th November)

Where:  London Olympia, London

The London Build Expo is renowned for being one of the leading exhibitions in the world. This is one event we highly recommend you attend if you’re in the building trade. The award-winning show brings together over 27,000 attendees alongside over 500 industry experts to talk through all they know about the building sector. 

If you’re still not 100% sold, attending the London Build Expo will provide you with excellent opportunities to network with others in the trade, listen to leading experts, witness thought-provoking ideas and innovations, experience interactive workshops and promote your business in the most progresssive way. There is so much to see and do here, missing it wouldn’t be giving your business the edge it deserves. 

Futurebuild (7-9th March)

Where: ExCel, London 

You may have already attended this event, as it was formerly known as Ecobuild. But, rest assured, even if you have, there is much more to learn as Futurebuild returns to London to present all things building and construction. 

Futurebuild provides several exhibitions showcasing manufacturers, suppliers and the latest technologies in the industry – all of which will help make your day’s work more efficient and effective. 

With the purpose of Futurebuild being centered around sustainability in the construction sector, you can learn from some of the best in the trade to help you and your business move forward with the latest trends. 

The world as a whole is now moving towards a better environment, with electric vehicles, a focus on waste and reducing plastic usage, so it only makes sense that the construction industry takes charge also. 

The event is split into six interests consisting of: 

• Interiors
• Resourceful materials
• Offsite construction
• Energy and buildings
• Critical infrastructure 

This means you don’t have to spend your time learning about parts of the building trade that don’t apply to you. You can tailor your experience to only focus on your business and what best meets your needs. 

The UK Concrete Show (15th-16th March)

Where: NEC, Birmingham 

The UK Concrete Show is an incredible event that brings together some of the best in the business. Being the largest concrete event in the whole of Europe makes it one not to miss. With exhibitors travelling from more than 20 countries across the world, you don’t only get insight into the newest trends, products, tips and tricks, but you can learn from those in the trade operating in different countries – something you can’t get from just working in construction in the UK. 

With hundreds of exhibitors setting up to show off their latest innovations, there are options to check out the newest products before they even hit the market – instantly putting you ahead of the competition. Plus, if you have something to show, you could set up your own stand to target like-minded tradespeople all in one place. 

You will find seminars, the latest technologies, and products in the concrete trade, alongside conversations with others in your line of work. There is no better way to up your game than attending an event like this.  

FENEX (17-19th April)

Where: Telford International Center, UK 

For anyone working in the windows and glass trade, FENEX is one event you must attend. The glass and glazing industry once made Telford its base for trade shows, making this a prestigious and prominent show. With seminars packed with informative speakers and engaging content, a chance to network with others in your trade, many stalls to browse the latest products and much more, this is one not to miss if you want to remain up to date. 

If that wasn’t enough here are some stats for you to have a look at:

• 81% of those who attend have buying authority, putting you in the best place to exhibit or sponsor the event
• 30% of visitors use the digital booths to interact with those in the industry 
• 47% of visitors are more likely to engage and ask questions at these events

This makes it the perfect place to meet potential customers. With all this in mind, you’d be missing the best opportunity to grow your business if you didn’t attend FENEX in April 2023. 

Utility Week Live (16-17th May)

Where: NEC, Birmingham

 

For anyone working within the energy, gas, water and electric industries, Utility Week Live is the event for you. It focuses on discussing and solving the challenges that come with UK-based utility companies and will give you a wider insight and knowledge to offer to your customers. 

With over 200 exhibitors, and more than 150 expert speakers, Utility Week Live is the place to be if you work in any of these trades. Attending this event puts you in a position to answer any potential questions customers may have, making you more of an expert – and let’s be honest, we all want the best of the best when we’re spending our hard-earned cash. 

Digital Construction Week (17-18th May)

Where: ExCel, London

As the world of technology advances, make no mistake that it is coming to the construction industry also. With new digital tools now available for use and many of the leading experts implementing these, this is one way to truly see where this sector is going and how to make sure you’re on the same journey. 

Digital Construction Week is for anyone who wants to learn more about digital tools, with more than 150 exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations. Alongside the chance to see what’s coming to the market, there are also 120 hours of lectures to gain some wider insight into the importance of technology and digital advancements in the construction industry. 

If you’re wondering how to get ahead of the competition and give your business the competitive edge it deserves, this is the perfect way to do so. Hear about the latest products and how they will help make your trade more efficient and effective than ever before.  

 

FIT Show (23-25th May)

Where: The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham

One of the most respected events in the trade. The FIT Show focuses primarily on the home improvement industry, showcasing everything windows, doors, hardware, and glass.

The best in the business are showcasing the latest technology and innovations, covering UPVC, timber or aluminium across the full spectrum of home improvement products, such as windows, doors or hardware. The FIT Show is the place to be for trade businesses.

If you are looking to be in the same place as the biggest innovators in the home improvement industry, then the FIT Show should be in your calendar. You can find more information on the FIT Show website.

What Now?

After reading through all of the best construction events above, we hope that you can now attend the one for you. Working in the trade sector requires a lot of research and information to remain up to date. If you fall behind, you could be swallowed whole in an already saturated market. So, by attending at least some of the conferences and expo’s above, you’re instantly giving your business a great advantage. 

Are you in need of generating more leads for your trade business? Having a solid marketing strategy is the key to competing with other local trade businesses. Get in touch with our team of trade marketing experts for an honest, transparent and fruitful chat about how we can help you grow!