FIT Show Thoughts with Nickie West

Nickie West, Event Director of FIT Show, discusses the 2025 event, and how the 2027 show is shaping up at this early stage.

1. What were the standout achievements and key highlights of FIT Show 2025?

FIT Show 2025 saw a record-breaking attendance of 10,129 visitors from 5,325 companies and hosted over 300 exhibitors. New features such as the Installer Demo Zone and Marketplace received widespread acclaim, and the show delivered 20 CPD-certified seminars on regulation, sustainability, and innovation. Our digital marketing campaign expanded reach significantly, engaging over 4.3 million people.

2. How did exhibitor engagement and visitor quality compare to previous years, and what new features or trends emerged?

Visitor quality improved markedly, with 40% of contacts being new leads for exhibitors. The demand for live demos and interactive networking led to increased engagement and repeat visits on days two and three of the show. Notably, the presence of more glass and timber brands, plus systems houses, better reflected the sector’s growth and evolving supply chain dynamics.

3. Looking ahead to FIT Show 2027, what growth areas and strategic visions are guiding your plans?

Our key focus for FIT Show 2027 is expanding the scope and impact of outdoor living, especially solutions for shading and integrated spaces – meeting rising demand from trade and end-user markets alike. The show will span four halls at the NEC Birmingham, bringing new energy to networking, community collaboration, and showcasing a broader and richer product mix including dedicated outdoor living and roofing zones.

We’re driving innovation with the introduction of new content features which will be curated specifically to provide installers more ways to diversify and grow their businesses. Our commitment to technology and product innovation remains at the forefront, running through every hall and content stream.

A major part of our strategy is refining our audience targeting, actively engaging architects, specifiers, housebuilders, and opening doors to international markets. Poland and Italy will be key focus countries for 2027, supporting our ambition to deliver greater global reach and collaboration within the fenestration sector.

By building on FIT Show’s strong momentum, we aim to create an even more vibrant, connected event – delivering value for exhibitors, visitors, and our wider industry community each step of the way.

4. How will FIT Show 2027 build on the momentum from 2025, and what new opportunities can exhibitors and visitors expect?

Expect more immersive experiences and a rebranded Trade Counter for tools and tech. We’ll spotlight sectors such as outdoor living (shading, awnings), roofing, and strengthen fabricator-centric strategies. The introduction of the Launch Pad zone will cultivate startups and newcomers, supported by incentives and competitions. Enhanced visitor experiences with a new show app, upgraded registration, and tailored communications are planned, alongside deeper partnerships with associations and media to profile inspiring industry stories.

FIT Show 2027 | 18 – 20 May | NEC, Birmingham

FIT Show 2027 returns to NEC Birmingham from 18 – 20 May 2027. Exhibitors and visitors are invited to join a truly transformative event that connects all corners of the fenestration supply chain and propels the industry forward.