Plans are now well underway for the next Offsite Expo taking place on 22-23 September at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. The event will once again feature informative speaker content but new for 2020 will be 'live' feature builds, machinery demonstrations and by considerable demand - technical guided tours hosted by Cogent Consulting.
Leading offsite expert from Cogent Consulting, Darren Richards, the main curator of the 2020 event said: "Our strategy for the next Offsite Expo will be simple but effective - we will focus our efforts on compiling the most compelling content. From technical tours and feature builds to pioneering speakers presenting ground-breaking project case studies underpinned by showcasing emerging technologies that are set to revolutionise the construction arena. Demand is ramping up for innovative offsite solutions and our industry intelligence demonstrates that construction professionals are looking for cutting edge content."
The inaugural Offsite Expo attracted 2,874 unique visitors, the exhibition was a total sell-out, with over 100 companies promoting offsite systems, technologies and services but this of course, was only part of the equation. Offsite Expo was developed as a platform to share knowledge and with over 40 hours of CPD accredited presentations, the event was hailed as having the most informative and inspirational content.
Steve Thompson, from leading sponsor EOS, specialists in the design and offsite manufacture of groundbreaking steel framing systems (SFS) said: "Our investment in building the Offsite Expo masterclass theatre in 2019 paid dividends, the event presented phenomenal business opportunities for EOS. The launch of our Thrubuild® loadbearing system attracted much attention from those looking for robust and reliable fasttrack construction solutions. EOS will once again be taking centre stage at Offsite Expo with a high-profile presence at the 2020 event."
It is not only the exhibition that has exciting development plans, for the first time Offsite Expo 2020 will host the dynamic and innovative Offsite Construction Awards. After the high demand for tickets last year, this move will give the team behind the Awards room to expand and build the event.
The Offsite Awards (now in its sixth year) will see the introduction of four new categories for 2020. Following the phenomenal interest into the Housing Category for 2019, the category has been split into Private Housing Project of the Year and Social Housing Project of the Year. The Offsite Awards is expanding its reach and reflecting the wider adoption of offsite technology, with an additional two new categories - 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 – opening the Awards to international entries.
The deadline for submissions is the 15 May 2020, with the finalists being announced ahead of the Awards ceremony which will take place at Offsite Expo on the 22 September 2020. The greatest success of the 2019 event for many, were the business development opportunities secured in the Offsite Connect Buyers and Specifiers Forum, which was a hive of activity and open exclusively to exhibitors. With over 100 buyers and specifiers participating in the initial Offsite Connect business forum from high profile construction companies such as Mace, Willmott Dixon, Kier, Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try – nearly 400 business 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 was equally impressed adding: "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."
Get involved.
With over 75% of the inaugural exhibitors and sponsors rebooking for the 2020 event, offsite manufacturers and component suppliers are advised not to leave it too late to book promotional packages to ensure they maximise this highly targeted business opportunity. Julie Williams, Event Director said: "The response to Offsite Expo has been truly astounding, as we enter a new year the exhibition is close to selling out. It is really inspiring to see the world of offsite gathering to showcase the latest technology options and innovations within the sector. The event's positioning, content and timing reflects the mood within the construction sector and the buzz around this show is exceptional."
For more information on getting involved in Offsite Expo 2020 as an Exhibitor or Sponsor contact the Event Director, Julie Williams: 01743 290 001 or email: julie.williams@radar-communications.co.uk
