InstallerSHOW returns to Birmingham’s NEC this June with a “bigger and better” tiling zone and more informative content for those in the trade, organisers say. To find out more about the show and why tilers might want to attend, we spoke to Mike Costain, managing director of show organiser Lyrical Communications.
What is InstallerSHOW?
InstallerSHOW is this year’s must-visit event for tradespeople. The show focuses on bringing together more than 800 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors from across the construction and built environment sectors for three days, in three halls, at the NEC Birmingham, from the 24–26 June.
In addition to the wealth of technologies and services on show – including a raft of new product launches – InstallerSHOW incorporates multiple live content areas which offer an informative and engaging timetable, featuring a roster of compelling hosts and speakers. There really is no comparable show in the UK at the moment.
Why should tilers attend the show?
InstallerSHOW has a range of different zones and events for different trades and InstallerTILING will be the epicentre for tile and stone professionals this year. There will be a huge variety of tiling related exhibitors including big brands like Bihui, Montolit, STS, Schluter Systems and Pro Tiler Tools, as well as beautiful ceramics from Amadis Fine Tiles, Ceramicas Aparici S.A., Dune Ceramica and many more.
InstallerTILING will also offer a huge variety of live content from industry experts, including installation advice, presentations and practical demonstrations. To deliver this, we are working closely with groups like The Worktop Fabricators Federation, The Flooring Industry Training Association and the Contract Flooring Association to help deliver educational content that will help visitors expand their knowledge. The show is also supported by The Tile Association – the UK’s single, independent association for the tiling industry.
As well as a dedicated area and live content for tiling professionals, there will be plenty of interest throughout the rest of the event – Hall 3a will be packed with tools, workwear and van essentials that will appeal greatly to all trades.
The event will also present significant opportunities for merchants, distributors and specifiers to explore cutting-edge tile and stone products, connect with international suppliers, and engage directly with manufacturers. With hundreds of leading brands under one roof, it’s an ideal environment for discovering new lines, sourcing innovations, and building valuable relationships across the supply chain.
How important is the tiling industry for InstallerSHOW?
Tiling is crucial to this year’s show. InstallerSHOW is all about bringing different trades together to share knowledge and expertise, so it was essential for us to increase the role of tiling to promote that cross pollination of ideas.
Tiles are finding new applications across a variety of sectors, including housing, hotels, offices, shops, and public buildings. InstallerSHOW 2025 will equip installers and fixers with the knowledge and skills they need to make the most of these opportunities.
We have invested a lot of time into curating a programme for the show that will provide those in the trade with access to all the latest innovations, like large format tiles, porcelain panels, ventilated façades, raised access floors, 20mm exterior tiling, self-cleaning and photoluminescent tiles, levelling systems and under-tile heating.
What are the biggest new features of this year’s show?
The HAUS will quite literally be one of the biggest features at this year’s show as we are building a two-storey house at the centre of the show to demonstrate a range of solutions in situ. Parkside Architectural Tiles and Pro Tiler Tools have both been involved in bringing the HAUS to life, with Manchester made recycled terrazzo from Alusid being fitted into the bathrooms and a Laminam worktop fabricated in conjunction with Natural Stone Solutions going into the kitchen.
The Festival of Tiling will also be a big event, with ceramics brands from Spain, Italy and Portugal all displaying their own tile ranges and the latest innovations from abroad. This will be a great opportunity for UK tilers to get hands on with European products and designs up close.
Are trade shows still relevant for tradespeople?
Absolutely – more than ever. While digital platforms and online resources have their place, trade shows like InstallerSHOW offer something irreplaceable and that’s real-world, hands-on interaction with the latest products, technologies and tools. For tradespeople, being able to test, compare and speak directly with manufacturers and industry experts makes a real difference.
Events like InstallerSHOW also provide invaluable networking opportunities, enabling visitors to meet fellow professionals, discover new suppliers and stay ahead of regulation and training. It’s a place to share ideas, solve problems and find inspiration – all under one roof.
In a fast-evolving industry, staying connected and informed isn’t just useful, it’s essential and trade shows remain one of the best ways to do that. As Diary of a Tile Addict’s Joe Simpson said recently, “During face-to-face discussions at B2B exhibitions, ideas are more freely exchanged […] This makes the resulting conversations more open, agile and focused […] generates fresh business ideas and helps to build relationships.”
What issues are tradespeople facing today and how does InstallerSHOW address them?
It’s an uncertain time so the list of issues faced by some tradespeople is extensive. From increased numbers of tool thefts to decreased consumer spending on home improvements, tilers – like so many other trades – are at the mercy of broader national and international trends and it can all feel a bit beyond our control.
Because of this, shows like InstallerSHOW have an important role to play in providing practical and actionable advice that can help tradespeople manage their jobs and effectively deliver their services. The construction industry is evolving fast so staying on top of what is going on in your sector is really crucial to help tradespeople deliver as easily and efficiently as possible.
Beyond the practical advantages of InstallerSHOW, the event also acts as a great place for tradespeople to interact and talk about the things that interest them. It’s always great to see the enthusiasm people have for the work they do and the tools they use, and it brings together a lot of like-minded people.
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