The relocation has been under discussion and in planning for a while, but it has been kept strictly under-wraps until all stakeholders, including companies which had already booked space had been informed. A press embargo was in place until this week.
“After holding Timber Expo for two years at the Ricoh Arena, we’ve built up a strong following for the event in the industry and there’s now a belief, including among companies that don’t actually exhibit, that the sector needs its own show,” said event director Loretta Sales.
“But we wondered if we stayed at Coventry whether the perception wouldn’t grow that it is a regional exhibition. Moving to the NEC really puts us on the national trade show circuit. It’s similar to the move the cement sector made and we thought it was right for timber.”
Access to the exhibition was also a consideration. “Ricoh is a great venue, but at the NEC we have direct rail connection and the link with Birmingham Airport, which is useful for both UK and overseas visitors and exhibitors,” said Ms Sales. “The aim is to make it easier for existing supporters to reach the show and to attract more.”
The dates of Timber Expo remain the same, September 24 and 25, and it will occupy approximately the same-sized space, in the NEC’s Hall 8.
(For trade reaction to the switch see this week’s TTJ)
