THE FIT SHOW DELIVERS AGAIN – 80% OF STANDS REBOOKED FOR 2016
24th June 2014

Delivering another successful show for the UK window, door and conservatory industry, over three days in June more than 5000 people passed through the doors of The International Centre in Telford for the Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show, say the organisers.

With over 170 exhibitors at this year’s show boasting some visually stunning stands, the general consensus from visitors is that it was a colourful affair with some great attractions including the debut of many new innovations and products. .

Inside the venue footfall remained consistent in all four halls with several exhibitors reporting record levels of high quality leads. For example, Glass Systems, the UK’s largest independent sealed unit manufacturer and first time exhibitor, recorded a huge success with over 150 new leads collected throughout the three days of the exhibition.

The week also saw a grand total of £10,000 handed out at The FIT Show Gala Dinner to the winners of the Master Fitter Challenge. Paul Casbolt and Karl Kinsey of Yes Glazing came in first place taking home the top cash prize of £5,000. Entertainment was provided by the amazing and unorthodox ventriloquist comedian Nina Conti.

FIT Show TV was a new feature of the event and exhibitors made the most of having their stories broadcast live through the FIT Show web site and around the venue.

According to the Independent Ratings feedback collected throughout the show, out of 500 people asked 81% of returning visitors said the show was as good or better than last year, 97% of new visitors said the show was really ‘important’ or ‘really important’ and 98% of all visitors said their day had been worthwhile.

There were plenty of positive statements from visitors: "My first visit to FIT Show was really good and I have enjoyed seeing new products and innovations" said Dale Costello from Aluman Ltd, whilst first time visitor Salem Ahmed of Heathrow Glazing stated, “This was my first visit and I give it full marks – keep up the good work!”

Returning for a second year, Geoffrey Beck of Merlin Network was equally as positive: “It has been an even better show this year, there’s a real buzzing atmosphere.”

The greatest measure of how this year’s FIT Show performed however must be the number of exhibitors rebooking their stands or larger spaces for the next event, which takes place on 12th, 13th and 14th April 2016. Signed contracts for more than 73% of stand space were received by the end of the event, with the figure topping 80% just a week later as new exhibitors also clamoured to book the limited space remaining.

“This year was more important for us as organisers, even than the first,” said Paul Godwin, Managing Director of FIT Events Ltd, organisers of The FIT Show. “This year established The FIT Show in the industry’s calendar as a regular feature and not a one off. The response by visitors and exhibitors alike has been very positive, in the most meaningful of ways. Visitors came to talk business and even buy; it became a very real marketing and sales tool for exhibitors and, with the next show almost two years away, it can play a significant part in product development cycles.”

Photo caption: 5000 people passed through the doors of The International Centre in Telford for the FIT Show 2014.