In a move that reinforces and reflects the growing confidence and sense of purpose behind Futurebuild, Futurebuild Events has announced it is increasing floorspace in 2019 by 20%. The event is expanding due to unprecedented demand and a record number of re-bookings following ecobuild 2018. The expansion will see the introduction of a host of new, innovative features and exhibits, further cementing Futurebuild's position as the leading event for built environment professionals.
The increased floorspace makes way for a number of major new pavilions, including Made in Britain, ADE and Mindful Materials. It also provides an exciting opportunity for many start-up companies to find a home at the event, alongside major brands, including Bauder, Hadley Group and Smart Systems.
For the first time, Futurebuild will host a dedicated Interiors Hub. The focus will be firmly placed on designing with purpose, with sessions to explore the impact good design and interiors can have on the way we work, designing for dementia and the WELL Building Standard. The new Hub will provide an opportunity for manufacturers to meet active buyers and high-level decision makers, as well as showcase innovative products and collaboratively explore the impact of design on end users.
Futurebuild 2019 will also see the Offsite Hub and Materials Hub increase in size, due to high levels of demand from previous visitors. The six sector-specific Hubs will be surrounded by the ecobuild conference - an inspiring ideas arena where sustainability will remain the key focus.
The Waste Zone - a further, separate exhibition and talks programme dedicated to exploring waste as a resource and the circular economy - is returning for a second year to the exhibition with a range of new features. The Waste Zone will host leading professionals and manufacturers, and companies of all sizes will exhibit their innovative solutions.
Duncan Baker-Brown, Curator of the Waste Zone, said: "We've seen that people are becoming increasingly aware of the world around them and are challenging the negative impact humankind is having on our Earth. The damage being done will be discussed at length in the Waste Zone - we'll be looking at how to transform a 'throwaway' culture into an intelligent, circular economy where waste is recycled and re-used."
The expansion also makes way for the Knowledge Forum - a new feature which has been designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of visitors and their desire to enhance their skill sets. Within the forum, industry-leading partners, academia and professional bodies will offer a comprehensive look at the biggest issues facing the built environment, and offer solutions and guidance to take back to the office. The Futurebuild Knowledge Forum will host workshops across four key themes: digital construction and quality in construction; built environment research and education, leadership and professional practice; skills and delivery and working with manufacturers.
Martin Hurn, Managing Director at Futurebuild Events Ltd, explained: "After ecobuild 2018, we had the chance to look back over the past 18 months and what we'd achieved under new ownership. From attracting key audiences to keeping sustainability at our core, we delivered everything we wanted to do and now we're off to a great start for 2019. We know that 72 per cent of our visitors want to find new technologies and innovations, so expanding the event by 20 per cent is a great reflection of the sheer scale of activity we have planned and the increased demand for exhibitor space. We're excited to welcome exhibitors and visitors to the future."
To become part of the discussions, visit: www.futurebuild.co.uk/exhibit.
