Offsite Expo Exceeds Expectations

Rarely does an event get such overwhelmingly positive feedback in its launch year but Offsite Expo certainly exceeded expectations. The positive feedback was universal - exhibitors, visitors and speakers all agreed this was the offsite event that the construction industry has been waiting for.

Mark Farmer cut the ribbon and opened the event, welcoming construction professionals from across the UK and beyond to the official launch of the inaugural Offsite Expo at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. This highly focused two-day exhibition featured 40 hours of CPD Accredited Masterclass Seminars, an International Offsite Summit and the Offsite Connect Buyers and Specifiers Forum.

Mark Farmer said: "It is really inspiring to see the world of offsite gathering to showcase the latest technology options and innovations within the sector. Offsite Expo's positioning, content and timing really reflects the mood within the construction sector and the buzz around the show was exceptional." 

The Offsite Expo exhibition was a total sell-out, with over 100 exhibitors promoting offsite systems, technologies and services but this of course, is only part of the equation. Offsite Expo was developed as a platform to network and create new business opportunities and at the heart of the event, the Offsite Connect Buyers and Specifiers Forum, which was open exclusively to exhibitors, was a hive of activity. 

With 100 buyers and specifiers registering to participate including representatives from Mace, Willmott Dixon, Kier, Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try, NHS and Apex Airspace. 320 business meetings were scheduled with buyers and exhibitors via the online diary system and of those over 300 actual meetings took place and feedback from both the buyers and exhibitors has been tremendous.

Participating buyer, Simon Stone, Supply Chain Manager for Galliford Try said: "The format worked really well and enabled me to get the most out of the event. I look forward to participating in further events"

Exhibitor, Tom Fairlie from Walker Timber Group, endorsed this view saying: "Offsite Connect provided a fantastic opportunity for exhibitors to hold focused business meetings and discussions regarding the benefits of specifying timber frame technology and sustainable modern methods of construction."

Exhibitor Richard Canfer Taylor from Catax was equally impressed: "I've had numerous discussions and identified partnership opportunities, together with future appointments and I know I will write up some business within the next few days."

But Offsite Expo was not only about securing business opportunities – the conference and exhibition was developed to inform and inspire through knowledge exchange and opinion sharing. Getting to grips with the latest international offsite methods and smart digital technologies was high on the agenda – the Offsite Construction Summit provided a dynamic and interactive experience focusing on international offsite best practice. Knowledge share and transfer was the prime objective for the Summit and the stellar speaker line-up presented some incredible developments across the global offsite supply-chain.

One of the curators of the event, leading offsite expert from Cogent Consulting, Darren Richards said: "The offsite arena is an exciting place to be. The levels of investment and confidence in the long-term viability of advanced offsite methods of construction, is greater than previously witnessed. The heightened interest in all things offsite was clearly demonstrated at the event. Facilitating knowledge transfer and promoting innovation in the sector, Offsite Expo has been extremely well received." 

Over 80 speakers offered delegates the opportunity to hear from experts offering in-depth analysis and technical know-how in an extensive range of CPD Accredited Offsite Masterclasses. Presented by a host of UK pioneers in two dedicated custom-built offsite technology theatres, the Masterclasses focused on the latest innovations.  

"Demand was ramping up and our industry intelligence demonstrated a need for a dedicated offsite exhibition curated by sector experts that focused on cutting-edge content, complementing our Offsite Hub and Offsite Magazine platforms," said Julie Williams, Event Director for Offsite Expo. "The response has been truly astounding and already, just days after the event, we have 68 exhibitor bookings for 2020 – 53 re-bookings and 15 new companies looking to promote offsite technologies and services at our next Offsite Expo."

• 2,874 Unique Visitors attended Offsite Expo
• 40 hours of CPD Accredited Presentations in the Explore Offsite Masterclass Sessions
• 80 UK and International Speaker in the Offsite Summit  
• 300 meeting in the Offsite Connect Buyers & Specifiers Forum
• 2 Launches  
• Offsite Construction Awards 2020 
• Construction Futures Research Centre (CFRC)
• 5 Feature Builds / Seminar Theatres
• B&K Structures Masterclass Theatre 1 constructed from sustainable cross laminated
• EOS Masterclass Theatre 2 constructed from light steel frame and featuring the new EOS Thrubuild® Load-Bearing System
• ESS Modular - whole house build
• Totally Modular - emergency housing solution
• Modularwise - modular adaptation pod

Photo Caption: Masterclass Theatre by B&K Structures 

Photo Caption:  Feature Build by ESS Modular  

And the final word goes to one of the many delegates, Dan Soulsby, National Construction Account Manager Building Products, EGGER (UK) Ltd: "I'm sure you've had many comments like this, but I just wanted to say how good Offsite Expo was! We were well impressed (but not surprised) at the quality of the organisation, the content of seminars, the exhibitors and the attendees. We had some great discussions and met with some really key people and have lots to take away with us, plus all the information we gained from the seminars - most of which were standing room only!"

Plans are already underway for the next event taking place on 22 - 23 September 2020 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry – Offsite Expo will again feature informative speaker content  but new for 2020 will include 'live' feature builds, machinery demonstrations and by considerable demand – Technical Guided Tours hosted by offsite experts from Cogent Consulting. 

But it is not only the exhibition that has exciting developments plans, for the first time Offsite Expo 2020 will host the dynamic and innovative Offsite Construction Awards. This move will give the team behind the Awards room to expand the event, after a high demand for tickets last year saw many people losing out on attending the big night.

The Awards will be keeping to the tradition of previous years; however, it is not only the venue that is changing with two new categories the Offsite Awards is expanding its reach and reflecting the wider adoption of offsite technology. These new categories include Building Performance Pioneer Award which focuses on the importance of energy efficiency post build; and International Offsite Project of the Year Award – opening the Awards to international entries. The deadline for submissions is the 15 May 2020 with the finalists being announced ahead of the Award ceremony at Offsite Expo on the 22 September 2020.  

For more information on getting involved in Offsite Expo 2020 as an Exhibitor or Sponsor contact the Event Director, Julie Williams on: 01743 290 001 or email on julie.williams@radar-communications.co.uk