SECTOR INSIGHT

We put FIT Show event director Nickie West in the hot seat as the one-year countdown to FIT Show 2027 begins. Nickie discusses show momentum, industry regulations, installer insight, international growth and why face to-face matters now more than ever.

Q: FIT Show is now a year out from the 2027 edition. How would you describe the show’ s momentum right now?

We’ re in a really strong place. There’ s a huge amount of positivity around the show, with exhibitor interest building, new conversations happening all the time and a real sense that the industry sees FIT Show as the place to come together, do business and keep moving forward.

Q: The world, and indeed industry is facing a lot of change, particularly around regulations. How will FIT Show help the market navigate that?

That’ s absolutely one of the most important things we can do. There are some big regulatory updates coming through, and FIT Show is the perfect platform to bring those conversations in person and into one place. It’ s timely, practical and relevant, and we want the show to help visitors and exhibitors understand what those changes mean in real terms, and how they can be transformed into opportunities.

Exhibiting at FIT Show sends a clear signal to customers and the wider market that your business is stable, strong and ready to do business. In periods of global and economic uncertainty, that message is more valuable than ever.

Q: You’ ve also spoken about getting under the skin of the installer. Why is that so important?

Because installers are such a vital part of the supply chain, we need a clear understanding of their business needs, and challenges in order to translate that into solutions on the show floor. FIT Show also needs to speak to housebuilders, developers, specifiers and architects, as well as the wider trade. If we really understand the different needs across the entire audience mix, then we can make the show much more valuable for everyone involved.

Q: How is FIT Show using research to do that?

We’ re investing in targeted research to make sure we understand what each part of the audience needs, how they work and what brands need to do to connect with them successfully. It’ s about making the show smarter, more relevant and more useful, so every part of the event

reflects the real needs of the market and speaks to the people who influence specification and buying decisions.

Q: Why is it so important for brands to keep investing in marketing right now?

Because in a challenging political and economic backdrop, visibility matters more than ever. Brands need to stay connected with customers and with the wider market, and they need to show resilience and stability. There is nothing like face-to-face interaction for building trust, and exhibiting at FIT Show is a powerful way to do that.

Q: What makes FIT Show the right platform for that?

Nothing beats face-to-face. It gives brands the chance to have real conversations, build relationships and demonstrate exactly what they offer. FIT Show is the best platform to do that because it brings the right people together