Glass News Interview: FIT Show

LOOKING AHEAD TO A DECADE OF INNOVATION AT FIT SHOW 2023

When FIT Show returns next May (Birmingham NEC, 23 - 25 May 2023) it will mark a full decade since the event launched. Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, interviews FIT Show event director Nickie West to find out why FIT Show 2023 will be unmissable for the whole industry.

There has been a lot of comment about FIT this year with many being very complimentary, especially from the exhibitors. This must be very satisfying after the on/off nature of the 2021 event. Discuss!

“I’m really pleased with how the show went this May. Yes, it was smaller, but I hadn’t anticipated we would return to pre-covid figures so close to restrictions being lifted. We battled through months of uncertainty, multiple date changes, all combined with the backdrop of supply chain issues. This, understandably, made for a very challenging trading period for all. “I think the support, enthusiasm and success of our 2022 event reinforces why FIT Show is such a crucial fixture in the calendar. There really is no other tried and tested platform like FIT Show when it comes to delivering the best possible ROI for exhibitors, and a compelling and rewarding experience for visitors. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the brands that supported us, and to our loyal visitors who all made FIT Show’s return the success it was. It’s time to start looking forward to our ten year anniversary show and beyond.”

Indications are that many exhibitors have committed to 2023 very early….is this unusual?

“We always have a really strong rebook rate when exhibitors are onsite at the show. Coupled with this, we’ve seen a good number of the brand leaders and new brands who weren’t quite ready to exhibit at 2022 commit to 2023. It’s been very encouraging and we’re excited to see how the show floor plan develops in the coming weeks.

“The whole team was blown away by the reaction to FIT Show 2022 (our delayed 2021 event). The atmosphere across the halls was electric and the genuine enthusiasm to be back to doing face-to-face business, back to a live event, back to FIT Show was palpable. “The fact that we managed to hold the visitor numbers that we did in a very early stage of the post-pandemic period really is testament to the power of exhibitions but, more importantly, the power of FIT.”

What will be different? Will the exhibition be larger? What innovations do you have up your sleeve?

“There is always something new to see at FIT Show, another reason to exhibit, something different to enhance a visit. We are working really hard with our stakeholders to enhance key show features and material presence. For example, Timber is a big area we want to grow and we are working directly with the likes of West-Port Timber, the BWA and timber specific media to ensure that we meet this target. “We are developing brand new features, demos and interactive elements that are designed to increase visitor dwell time. No matter which brands are on the floorplan, whether they are bringing new products or not, FIT Show has to serve as a true destination for our visitors.

“It’s our job as organisers to deliver the right audience for exhibitors and the best possible experience for visitors when they walk through the halls. From an exhibitor perspective, we are working up a new customer charter which is designed to help them have a first-class experience from the minute they join the show. “For our visitors, we’ll also be improving our customer service, but more importantly we will be broadening the breadth of content they can access at the show, developing the right features and demos to maximise their time at the show, and creating new opportunities for them to network and do business.

“Outdoor living was a key theme and new feature for 2022, a reflection of the growth in demand for these products throughout the pandemic. For 2023, I believe we’ll see an uplift in green and sustainability as key features. We know that the pressures on homeowners to reduce running costs and improve thermal efficiencies has never been greater and we will be supporting this where we can as part of the show content and features.

“We keep our ears close to the ground and work closely in consultation with our stakeholders to ensure that FIT Show meets the changing needs of the market. It’s how we’ve always worked and is a key component to our success and longevity.”

The late night opening was more successful than ever, even to the point of having to be thrown out to lock the halls up! Can you repeat that?

“Plans are already in the works for our late night proposition in 2023. We’re in the process of consulting with our stakeholders to find out what formula best meets their needs. We’re also looking at how 2023 will be the true ten year celebration of FIT Show that it ought to be. I can’t divulge any more at this stage but am excited to share our plans over the next couple of months.”

Budgets will be an issue for everyone with the cost of everything rocketing – can the industry afford FIT 2023 or, indeed, can the industry not afford to miss the exhibition whether exhibitor or visitor?

“My question to the industry would be; can they not afford not to be part of FIT? The best businesses know that they must market through the toughest economical climates. You have to trade through tough times and keep your focus on your future pipeline. FIT Show is a perfect platform to do just that! “If I could give three main reasons why FIT Show 2023 is unmissable, they would be: “1- Nowhere else can you see every link in the fenestration supply chain, all under one roof across. 3 days. Hundreds of brands. Thousands of products. All in one place. “2 - It’s the only show FIT for purpose in every sense of the word - backed by the most experienced team in the industry and with a brand loyalty amassed over a decade in business.

“3 - It’s the place to see the best in the industry, in order to be the best in the business. If you miss FIT, you miss out.”

Nickie West

Can you make FIT a ‘must have’ for everyone? Let us in your secret to success!

“There’s no secret or magic formula. It’s a combination of having the right people, a strong brand and the support of an industry that truly values its number one trade show and everything FIT stands for. FIT Show would not be the success it is without the support of every single one of our stakeholders and it’s our duty to ensure that we protect the brand, continue to serve the needs of our audience and keep delivering the right show formula to deliver the best ROI for our exhibitors and a first-class experience for our visitors.”

Thanks Nickie and we shall look forward to further updates from you as we move towards FIT 2023.