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 ROCKWOOL.
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.”
