News

Interbuild nears capacity in countdown to Autumn show (19/10/2007)

With stand space 93% sold out and over 800 companies confirmed, Interbuild 2007 is living up to its 'record breaking' predictions.

"Encouraging sales led us to believe that this year's show would be a success from the start," says Interbuild Event Director, Gordon Thomas. "Now, with just weeks to go, I'm delighted to report that this is indeed the case and we're fast nearing capacity."

A welcome return from United Merchants' Unimer Showcase has spurred a massive response in Hall 5's Structural Building section; with B&Q back on board and Kingspan exhibiting with sister company, Potton. Alongside Structural, Timber Zone is already a sellout and set for expansion in the final weeks before the show.

Also sat within this area, the Offsite Solutions Zone hosted by Mtech Group, is complementing its impressive exhibitor line-up - including H&H Celcon, Elements and Framing Solutions - with a raft of new show initiatives. Its 'Meet the Client' sessions, for instance, offer visitors a unique opportunity to get face-to-face with high profile decision makers from heavyweight companies. In addition, Mtech's popular technical guided tours and Offsite 'Masterclass' sessions are back and bigger than ever, with a record 1500 free seminar places now available.

Other sections performing exceptionally well are Hall 3's Heating, Plumbing and Ventilation; Flooring and the CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) home automation area, with companies including Aventure, Adapt Control Solutions and SISD already signed-up.

"Social trends have a dramatic impact on the industry and the response we've had to the new CEDIA area is a prime example," says Gordon. "Home automation features are fast becoming highly sought after and property developers are tapping into this as a key point of differentiation.

"Another obvious key driver at the moment is sustainability. The Eco Interbuild initiatives have been well received with many exhibitors choosing to enter the new Eco Product Showcase. In addition, we're working with key trade bodies to put together a thought provoking seminar schedule and the BRE's talks on low carbon homes, in particular, have generated a lot of interest already - as well as similarly 'green' themed sessions proposed by RIBA CPD and TRADA."

Hall 3/3a also sees Lighting and electrical back at Interbuild in a big way with the new Voltimum Centre giving added spark to this year's show. Philips, Draka, OSRAM, Legrand, Draka, Dimplex, Applied Energy, Kew Technik, Eaton and Elkay are all exhibiting in the specially created area to feature a dedicated meeting lounge, information centre and seminar theatre.

Hall 4 - home to the Biz and the eagerly anticipated Test The Trades - is also proving ever popular with limited space left in Truck & Tool. Bosch, Dewalt, Hitachi, Makita, Metabo and Ford are just some of the big name brands set to enjoy a prime position in one of the show's busiest areas.

Organisers are also reporting an upsurge in 'Aluminium in Construction' with 15 companies - more than double last year - representing everything from fabricators through to finishing hardware in the zone jointly hosted by The Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) and The Aluminium Federation (Alfed).

"Thanks to the calibre of exhibitors, a jam-packed feature schedule and already high demand for seminar places, we anticipate a tremendous turn-out at this year's event," says Gordon.

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