PRO INSTALLER MAY 2016
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FIT SHOW 2016
FIT DELIVERS PIZZAZZ FOR THE INDUSTRY
With attendance a massive 45 % up on the 2014 show with 8,502 unique visitors, and the majority of those in a bullish mood, the 2016 FIT Show came and went in three days.
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Exhibitors universally reported strong interest from visitors in sourcing new products and alternative suppliers. Buoyed by the strength of the two previous events exhibitors had planned their product development programmes around this year’ s FIT Show with strong pre-show publicity from many indicating a wealth of new product launches.
Bi-folding and residential composite doors were predominant as were a rash of electronic‘ intelligent’ smart locking systems, with the advance of such products finally seeming to gain traction in the broader market.
More than 180 exhibitors occupying four halls did more than deliver their products and services however; they did it with a style and pizzazz that has barely been witnessed for many years. Stands were exceptional in their creativity and innovation at all ends of the spectrum, with‘ fun’ being the prerequisite for many.
The Gala Dinner continued the upward spiral with almost 900 guests experiencing a Great Gatsby-themed extravaganza that included song and dance routines, trapeze and fire-eating and juggling acts that would please any West-End audience, with many guests embracing the 1920’ s theme with some stunning period costumes. The announcements of the winners of the Master Fitter Challenge and Exhibitor Awards punctuated the evening with guests then dancing well into Thursday morning.
What the 2016 FIT Show represented was the window, door and conservatory industry at its very best: innovative, confident, extravagant and intent on enjoying itself. All of which has led to The FIT Show outgrowing the Telford venue and necessitating a move to The NEC for May 23rd to 25th next year with a clamour for stand space that signals a great future for the industry.
STILT WALKERS, CHAMPAGNE AND DANCING GIRLS!
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Almost 900 guests – a record – attended the‘ Great Gatsby’ themed extravaganza that was the Gala Dinner on the Wednesday of The FIT Show, continuing the blockbuster performance of every aspect of this year’ s show.
The singing and dancing spectacular included fire eating
Arriving guests, many of whom were attired in Twenties fashion, were greeted by flapper dancers and crooners, stilt walkers and girls lounging in giant champagne glasses, at a noisy champagne reception. With the entertainment a closely guarded secret guests then made their way into a starcloth bedecked banqueting hall that continued the Gatsby theme, with champagne glass table centres, golden palms and a large stage area and chequered dance floor.
Continuing the dramatic departure from the themes of previous Gala Dinners a singing and dancing spectacular ensued that included a‘ safe’ juggler, extraordinary trapeze double act, feathered show girls and fire eating and juggling. Guests were transported from Telford to a set worthy of Las Vegas.
The sumptuous banquet was punctuated by the entertainment with dinner followed by the presentations of the Master Fitter Challenge finals and the FIT Show Awards, created for this event to reward exhibitors for their efforts building to and at the exhibition.
Following a rousing grand finale, diners danced and caroused until the early hours of Thursday morning.“ The Gala Dinner was a fabulous affair and maintained the theme this year – everything bigger and better!” said The FIT Show’ s Matthew Glover.“ We will certainly have to work hard to better this year’ s entertainment for 2017 but we have already begun planning.”