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In the dynamic landscape of the UK construction industry, participating in events and exhibitions can serve as powerful platforms for networking, brand exposure, and knowledge sharing.
These opportunities, however, come with a financial investment that demands strategic planning and resource allocation. Whether you're a seasoned participant or a newcomer to the realm of construction events and exhibiting, making the most of your budget is crucial to achieving a substantial impact and reflecting this in the ROI you are struggling to calculate.
Here are four ways to maximise your budget and impact at construction events, plus a long list of the many construction industry events that are currently running (dated August 2023).
4 ways to maximise your budget and impact at construction events
Impact 1: Speaking and Seminars: Elevate Your Expertise
One of the most effective ways to stand out at a construction event is by taking the stage as a speaker or seminar host. Offering valuable insights and expertise not only positions your brand as an industry authority but also attracts a larger and more engaged audience to your stand or online presence (basically wherever you tell people to engage with you)!
Prioritise topics that resonate with your target audience, addressing pressing challenges, emerging trends, or innovative solutions. Promote your speaking engagement well in advance, leveraging event marketing materials and social media platforms to generate buzz and anticipation.
Impact 2: Give People a Reason to Attend: Planning Ahead for Engagement
Waiting until the last minute to brainstorm engagement ideas for your exhibition space can
lead to masses of missed opportunities. Instead, approach event planning with a strategic mindset and tactical execution.
Create a comprehensive plan that outlines the experiences and interactions (yes, you can make this an unforgettable experience) you intend to offer attendees. This could include:
Interactive demonstrations
Product launches
Giveaways such as food and beverages
Hands-on activities (ya know, the touchy-feely stuff)
Meet and greets
On-stand discussions/debates
Music
By enticing visitors with a compelling reason to stop by, you increase foot traffic and enhance the likelihood of meaningful connections.
Remember, your stand is there to do ONE thing and that is to attract the right people to it and make them stop and engage with you. A fishbowl for business cards and a tray of Haribo doesn’t cut it I’m afraid. And when your stand isn’t there to do this heavy lifting (pre and post-exhibition) you need to pick up the mantel.
Impact 3: Think Outside of Your Stand: Extending Your Reach
While a well-designed exhibition stand is undoubtedly important, maximising impact goes beyond the physical confines of your stand. Consider hosting off-site events, satellite gatherings, or exclusive dinners to foster deeper connections with key stakeholders. Collaborate with local businesses or industry partners to co-host events that draw a wider audience and provide additional exposure.
Don’t forget to walk the floor as well. Exhibitions invariably have lulls when your stand won’t be as busy as you hoped, providing the best excuse to go and chat to other exhibitors. Not to sell to them, obviously, but start to make more connections within the industry that could turn into potential collaborations (check out point four and our 2-wenty ways to collaborate that benefit you and the rest of the construction industry for more on this).
These unconventional approaches can set you apart and create lasting memories for attendees.
Impact 4: Collaborate with Others: Strength in Numbers
In the spirit of collaboration, consider partnering with complementary businesses or organisations to pool resources and expand your reach. Jointly presenting at an event can lead to shared costs, enhanced visibility, and a broader network. Look for opportunities to co-create content, share stand space, or collaborate on themed pavilions that resonate with a specific audience.
By working together, you amplify your impact and showcase a united front within the construction industry.
Post-Event Strategy: The End of the Event Isn't the End of the Event
See this as a bonus tip but we couldn’t leave out one of, if not the most important part of any event or exhibition you attend which is the post-event period and what you do during this time as it’s easy to drop the baton and think the hard work is done as the curtains close on another construction event.
A well-executed post-event strategy is essential for capitalising on the momentum generated during the event - the event is just the beginning. Follow up with leads promptly, nurturing relationships and delivering promised resources. Leverage social media and email marketing to share event highlights, exclusive content, and follow-up surveys.
This continued engagement reinforces your brand's presence and keeps your connections warm, setting the stage for future clients, collaborations and opportunities.
Maximising your budget and impact at construction events requires a strategic approach that goes beyond a traditional stand setup. By embracing speaking opportunities, planning engaging experiences, exploring unconventional avenues, and fostering collaboration, you can create a memorable and influential presence within the industry.
Remember, the end of the event marks the beginning of an ongoing relationship-building process that holds the potential to shape the future of your brand within the UK construction landscape.
Construction Industry Event List
Modular Matters Conference Birmingham NCC
Workspace Design Show London, Business Design Centre
Futurebuild London ExCel
Concrete Show Birmingham NEC
NMBS Exhibition Coventry Arena
The Construction Summit London Tower Hotel
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference Arena MK, Milton Keynes
Welsh Construction Show Cardiff/Swansea
UK Construction Week London ExCeL
Offsite Show London ExCeL
Facilities Show London ExCeL
Digital Construction Week London ExCeL
FIT Show Birmingham NEC
Innovation Zero London Olympia
Scotland Development Conference Edinburgh ICC
Smart Factory Expo Birmingham NEC
Plantworx Peterborough Arena
NXT BLD QE II Centre, London
InstallerSHOW Birmingham NEC
UK Construction Week Birmingham NEC
Rail Live Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre
Offsite Expo Coventry Arena
Highways UK Birmingham NEC
RCI Show Arena MK, Milton Keynes
Smart Buildings Show London ExCeL
PHEX Manchester Manchester Old Trafford
London Build Expo London Olympia
PHEX London London Stamford Bridge
Regen Conference and Exhibition Rum Warehouse Liverpool
N. Ireland Offsite Construction Conference Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast