As you start to plan your marketing calendar for 2020 for your construction business, make sure you leave room in your schedule to squeeze in a few events and shows.
There are plenty of events, seminars, exhibitions and conferences in the UK tailored to the construction industry. Some are designed as trade events, which are good for talking to suppliers or gathering insight and advice on the latest industry trends. There are also plenty of consumer shows, which are a great way to explore your customer base and promote your services.
In light of huge changes facing modern Britain and the construction industry, it’s really important to stay on top of those technologies and solutions that could propel your business forward. This year’s shows look at how to implement Industry 4.0 and AI technologies to help you future-proof your business, while also ensuring you are mindful of energy concerns and wastage.
There is also an in-depth focus on diversity in construction and building a dynamic workforce of the future to create, innovate and inspire. Here is our list of key UK construction industry events and exhibitions for 2020. More will be added as further dates are released, but do let us know if we have missed any key dates.
Toolfair London
29-30 January 2020
London
https://toolfair.info/
Toolfair is a series of popular events run throughout the year at various venues in the UK. It focuses on power tools, hand tools and building equipment, with key exhibitors from the industry. It’s free for trade, and you even get a bacon roll and t-shirt thrown in! See the website for other venues and dates in 2020, including Manchester, Exeter, Harrogate, Coventry and Surrey.
Marketing in Construction Summit
12 February 2020
London
https://summits.ukconstructionweek.com/mic/marketing-in-construction-summit-2020
This summit from UK Construction Week brings together marketing professionals working in the construction industry. The programme will look at brand creation, marketing strategy and digital communications through talks with industry experts.
Belonging in Construction Summit
13 February 2020
London
https://summits.ukconstructionweek.com/bic/belonging-in-construction-summit-2020
This summit looks at the benefits of diversity in the construction workforce, a new one-day event for 2020. Its aim is to explore how the construction industry has so far explored different diversity streams around gender, race and LGBT.
Smart Cities UK
13 February 2020
London
http://www.smartcityuk.com/
This conference and expo event is now in its fifth year, and it hosts the third annual Smart Cities UK Awards. The 2020 event will focus on the progress made in the UK to date, as well as the barriers that still remain in place.
BIM Show Live
26-27 February 2020
Newcastle
http://www.bimshowlive.co.uk/
This annual gathering of construction professionals will inspire, educate and inform on all aspects of digital construction, with a leading line-up of industry professionals. The event takes place in the heart of Newcastle at Boiler Shop.
Futurebuild
03-05 March 2020
London
https://www.futurebuild.co.uk
Futurebuild 2020 builds on the success of previous years, focusing on the built environment and acting as a catalyst for change. Attendees will be able to gain invaluable insight, as well as hand-on experiences, into the latest innovations, products and materials.
The Society of Construction Law Annual Conference
06 March 2020
Leeds
https://www.scl.org.uk/participate/events/spring-conference-2020
This key event is essential for those who want to stay up to date with construction law updates and any changes in contractual obligations. It is a good opportunity to network with others within the industry and get any pressing questions answered.
The UK Concrete Show (UKCS)
25-26 March 2020
Birmingham
https://concreteshow.co.uk/
Celebrating its 10th year, this show continues to grow in size and visitor numbers. With interactive hands-on experiences, a live outdoor demo arena, technical advice clinics and more, 2020 promises to be even bigger and better than ever before.
National Homebuilding & Renovating Show
26-29 March 2020
Birmingham
http://national.homebuildingshow.co.uk/
While this show is primarily a consumer show, aimed at self-builders and home renovators, it may be worth signing up as an exhibitor if these are the customers that you are trying to reach with your business. There are other events throughout the year around the UK; see http://www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/ more information.
The Security Event
18-30 April 2020
Birmingham
http://www.thesecurityevent.co.uk
This is a major exhibition for both the commercial and residential security markets. It’s aimed at security professionals, so it’s perfect for those in the construction industry who deal with the security aspect of the built environment. It offers direct engagement across the supply chain, and a programme of interesting talks.
National Construction Expo
6 May 2020
Milton Keynes
http://www.nationalconstructionexpo.co.uk
The National Construction Expo is aiming to show how the construction industry can meet the challenges facing modern Britain through innovative technologies and techniques. It will be looking at Industry 4.0, AI, digital technologies, offsite manufacturing technologies and energy generation technologies, plus much more.
Offsite Manufacture Conference and Exhibition
11 June 2020
Yorkshire
https://www.built-environment-networking.com/event/offsite-manufacture-conference-exhibition/
This small conference and exhibition is moving to Yorkshire and will bring together over 400 attendees from the property, development, infrastructure and construction industries. As last year, it will have an incredible panel of well-known brands talking about the value of an offsite supply chain.
Wellbeing in Construction Summit
30 June 2020
London
https://summits.ukconstructionweek.com/wic/wellbeing-in-construction-2020
Aimed at business leaders, health and safety professionals and those working in HR within the construction industry, this summit tackles the topic of employee wellbeing. The programme will cover both physical and mental health, and share successful techniques and strategies.
Quality in Construction Summit
1 July 2020
London
https://summits.ukconstructionweek.com/qic/quality-in-construction-summit-june-2020
This popular summit returns for 2020 looking at ways to improve the quality levels within the construction industry. It will explore both strategic and operational issues in this one-day event, and is a place to learn, share and develop ideas.
Chartered Institute of Housing 2020
23-25 June 2019
Manchester
https://cihhousing.com/
Europe’s largest housing event is expecting over 8,500 attendees during the three days of the show. It will have 10 theatres presenting over 500 speakers, making it the biggest meeting place for the housing sector.
ARCOM 2020
07-09 September 2020
Glasgow
http://www.arcom.ac.uk/conf-next.php
This inclusive conference will be taking place at Glasgow Caledonian University. The theme for 2020 is ‘Building A Common Good In Construction’ and will discuss topics such as sustainable development, community engagement and Industry 4.0.
Land Remediation Expo 2020
Birmingham
http://www.landremediationexpo.com/
A niche event, aimed at those contractors involved in the remediation of contaminated land. It looks at the latest innovations that can help with the diagnosis and management of this tricky area, with key speakers.
London Homebuilding Renovating Show
25-27 September 2020
London
http://london.homebuildingshow.co.uk/"
This homebuilding and renovating show is held in London, and similar to the event in Birmingham in March (listed above). It is primarily aimed at consumers who are looking at undertaking self-build or renovating projects.
Kent Construction Expo
01 October 2020
Maidstone
http://www.kentconstructionexpo.co.uk/
This event is an important construction event for the South East, attracting over 150 exhibitors. It’s perfect for construction professionals operating in this region, but it also has plenty of national interest too. It promises to cover “every aspect of the construction industry from smart technology through to building materials, from heating solutions to biomass, from concrete, the hire market right through to the latest building software, architecture, CAD systems, BIM and digitisation.”
UK Construction Week
06-08 October 2020
Birmingham
http://www.ukconstructionweek.com/
The UK's largest annual gathering of over 35,000 contractors, consultants, architects, manufacturers, project managers, SMEs and developers returns to the NEC in Birmingham. There are set to be more than 500 exhibitors, showcasing the innovation and excellence of the industry. UK Construction Week is made up of multiple section including Build, Building Tech, Civils, Energy & HVAC, Surface & Materials, Timber, Concrete Expo (6-7 October only) and Grand Designs Live (7-8 October only).
London Build 2020
18-19 November 2020
London
http://www.londonbuildexpo.com/
If you go to just one event in 2020, this is the one to choose. It is the leading and largest construction show for London and the rest of the UK. The show welcomes 400 exhibitors and over 28,000 pre-registered attendees. As well as the busy exhibition floor, there are a series of presentations and interactive content, networking events, Meet the Buyer sessions, entertainment, a Festival of Construction and more.
With more conference and tradeshow dates still to be announced for 2020, there is plenty of scope for marketing opportunities for your business throughout the year.
