InstallerSHOW, described by organisers as the UK’s biggest dedicated trade show for installers, is returning to Birmingham’s NEC for 2026 from 23-25 June. Across the three days, visitors will be able to meet with hundreds of exhibitors covering several different disciplines, from tiling and flooring to heating, plumbing and electrics.
As in previous years, this multi-trade focus is both the most impressive feature of InstallerSHOW 2026, however it’s also a potential cause of concern for prospective visitors. After all, if you only work in one trade (as most installers do), you may well worry finding anything that caters directly to your work throughout this gargantuan three-day show will be like finding a needle in a haystack.
That’s why, for this preview, we’ve taken the liberty of pulling together anything and everything InstallerSHOW 2026 has to offer tilers specifically. Fortunately, there’s more than enough to merit at least a flying visit!
Surface Area
For tilers, this year’s headline offering is Surface Area. Put together in collaboration with TTA and the Worktop Fabricators Federation, Surface Area is a dedicated feature zone “shining a spotlight on surface materials, fabrication technologies and installation excellence,” say organisers. “Here you’ll see firsthand how modern surfaces are made, processed and finished — and understand how that translates to better outcomes on-site.”
The zone is designed to showcase technique and technical depth, and therefore will include a number of live demonstrations, including:
Digital inkjet printing – how advanced digital processes create richer, more complex surface patterns with consistency
Reactive glazes – see how chemistry and craft combine to produce unique finishes that still meet performance standards
Continuous pressing – watch slab and tile production techniques that impact material strength and installation behaviour
Rectification – understand how precision finishing prepares tiles and slabs for accurate site installation
Polishing processes – see staged polishing techniques that create premium finishes without sacrificing integrity
InstallerK&B
A number of leading brands within the tiling industry will be exhibiting at the show as part of its InstallerK&B section. This broad segment of the show replaces last year’s InstallerTILING, focusing more on the practical side of these products in real-world installations.
According to organisers, “InstallerK&B is the go-to feature area for everything kitchens and bathrooms. From modern, functional kitchens to luxurious bathrooms, plus tiles, worktops, plumbing, fixtures, and smart tech, this feature area has it all. Explore solutions for new builds, retrofits, and fabric-first, sustainable projects – all under one roof.”
The area will feature the Kitchen Fitter Arena, sponsored by Howdens, where visitors can “discover the latest in kitchen design, efficiency, smart technology and sustainability”. Supported by leading organisations and manufacturers, the programme features sessions with global experts from manufacturers and designers to installers and retailers showcasing innovations shaping modern kitchens.
Finally, the Bathroom Association Theatre brings live brand pitches and trend masterclasses for installers, retailers, designers, and manufacturers. “Explore the future of bathroom design and installation, with a spotlight on innovation, business growth, customer satisfaction, and sustainability from water efficiency and recycling to helping homeowners make greener choices,” organisers say.
Notable exhibitors
Although the presence of tile manufacturers from the continent is a little lighter at this year’s show, InstallerSHOW 2026 still boasts a healthy array of relevant exhibitors to the tiling trade, covering retail, tools, ancillaries and workwear. Below (and in no particular order) is a non-exhaustive list of companies tilers may wish to check out at the show.
Easy Bathrooms – Stand: 4C32
Topps Group – Stand: 4E24
QEP UK – Stand: 4F35e
Fix-a-Floor – Stand: 4A29
Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions – Stand: Sponsor
Bathroom Association – Stand: 4E20
Fassa Bortolo UK – Stand: 3F36
FITA – Stand: 4F37
Icolux Porcelano – Stand: 4B28
Kamron Tiles – Stand: 4B30
Lexira Surfaces – Stand: 4B33
Donato Vitrified – Stand: 4B32
Mapei – Stand: 4F36
Marmox – Stand: 4L26
Rubi Group – Stand: 4D42
TileEasy – Stand: 4E29b
Warmup – Stand: 5F85
ThermoSphere – Stand: 5C26b
Karndean Design Flooring – Stand: 4F18
XPRO Sealants & Adhesives – Stand: 5A20
As always, we recommend taking a look at the full exhibitor list directly on the InstallerSHOW website, as there may be more companies you wish to see.
Social networking
Although InstallerSHOW’s broad scope might narrow its appeal for individual, specialised tradespeople, the wide net approach means opportunities for networking are rife. Of course, this will largely take place on the stands and the show floor, with exhibitors and reps on hand to chat, but the organisers have also put events in place specifically to encourage socialising throughout.
InstallerSOCIAL, for example, is the official InstallerSHOW afterparty, described by organisers as “a relaxed, high-energy evening where the trade gets together after show hours for music, food, entertainment and networking.”
There are also a number of competitions, awards and talks, covering everything from social media marketing to apprenticeships to pricing. Getting the opportunity to discuss these vital issues with not only your peers but other trades as well could well be reason enough to attend this year’s show.
www.installershow.com
