Build industry event ‘great success’

The building, construction and design sectors are buzzing after the highly successful buildnz designex event in late June. More than 5000 people attended and took advantage of the expertise on display from over 200 national and international exhibitors, as well as seminars, workshops and networking.

“It was wonderful to see so much positive activity,” says Kevin Everett, Managing Director of Building Recruitment Ltd. “Having the Registered Master Builders Federation Conference at the same time really gave the event a great atmosphere. The standard of exhibits and the number of industry decision-makers that came through over the three days was also fantastic.

“The networking opportunities were excellent and it was pleasing to hear the very positive feedback about where the market is heading. Many people mentioned the professional standard of the exhibits, and the positivity expressed about our industry was a main topic of discussion. While we got good leads at buildnz designex, it was the long term benefits that we’re looking to. Many felt they would be hiring more staff over the next 6 to 12 months.

“We’ve already decided to be at the next buildnz designex. I signed up on the last day as I know the industry is going to be busier in two years’ time and I wanted to make sure I got my place early. Waiting until the last minute was what I did two years ago and it’s important to have the flexibility to choose where your stand should be.”

Kevin says that those in the trade who didn’t attend this year’s buildnz designex missed out.

“If you are in the industry you need to be here to see what is new. Even if it’s just the networking and getting a feel for the market, there is no better place. Continuing professional development is something many in the industry need to get their head around and an event like this is invaluable. The seminars were great too and I attended a few. They were truly amazing and very informative. The Department of Building and Housing and Stanley Group are two examples of what this industry needs to know. Vital information about changes to codes from the DBH, and the incredible innovations in construction from Stanley Group, were to say the least, both must see. Very interesting stuff. My advice is that people should make a point of attending in two years’ time.

“For industry suppliers thinking of exhibiting I say go for it. There’s no better place to get your brand out there to so many people in just a few days. If you have new products then why are you not here?”

Another of the 200-plus exhibitors delighted with buildnz designex is Brian Sheehy, Director of Business Protection Brokers.

“It was great being a part of buildnz designex was very good. We were able to help many self-employed people in the industry save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their ACC levies. Form the success of our campaign, the feedback from visitors about the whole event was very good. We’ve already signed up to be back at the next buildnz designex because it’s a fantastic opportunity to promote public awareness of ACC options.

“To those in the industry who didn’t make time to come along and see what the event had to offer, remember that apathy is one of the great thieves of the ability to discover and learn. For industry suppliers not there: The return you get in business is only equal to the amount of effort you put in.”

buildnz designex organiser and new owner, XPO Exhibitions, is also over the moon with how the event has been received.

“We have worked tirelessly over 18 months with leading industry groups and associations to breathe life into this trade-only event, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the industry,” says XPO Director, Brent Spillane. “Over 5000 unique visitors over three days – that’s over 38% increase on prior show numbers.”

Major industry brands have invested heavily to make a real presence at the show. Ford and Radio Hauraki in conjunction with XPO presented a brand new Ford XLT Utility to one lucky visitor, making a pleasant surprise for Steve Fairly of Albany who won the $46,990 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD Double Cab ute.

“buildNZ designex has moulded itself from being not just an exhibition showcasing leading New Zealand and international products. It has positioned itself as the only national platform where the whole industry (build, construction, design, architect, specifiers and interiors industries) can get together under one roof for the purpose of professional development. The Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF) seminar stadium hosted seating capacity for over 300 and was packed out for much of the three days of seminars,” notes Brent.

“Leading speakers from around the country discussed state-of-the-nation issues. CEO of RMBF Warrick Quinn and CEO of Certified Builders Derek (Bax) Baxter were on stage laying out the mountain of leaky building fixes required, the growing shortage of housing, and the Christchurch rebuild – and talking about facing those challenges with increasing regulatory requirements and labour shortages.

“Leading architects and builders discussed challenges in collaborating in large commercial build projects: builder licensing requirements kick in on March 2012; ongoing professional development CPD points are now a part of life for builders to maintain these licenses - the Department of Building and Housing awarded buildnz 16 points for the event which is a huge indication of the level of education and professional development that was on offer.

“Holding the annual Registered Master Builders conference alongside buildnz has been a big hit with the industry. The thread of leading builder education mixed in with an opportunity to see and touch genuine product innovation is a huge draw card for their members. The place was buzzing with builders from both RMBF and CBANZ. Architects and interior designers also walked the halls for inspiration and new ideas and came away with excellent feedback.

Brent says he knows comments like this can seem like public relations fluff, but notes that people don’t have to believe him as the stats from the almost 800 visitors surveyed.

“97% of visitors attended with the purpose of ‘keeping abreast of industry trends’. More than 80% of them were either ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with buildnz and 74% said is was a ‘must-see’ event. 85% said they saw a product they would likely buy in the coming 6-12 months, more than 40% had never been to buildnz designex before, and 86% of those who attended seminars were satisfied with CPD points awarded.

“The phones have been buzzing since the show ended with many re-bookings for 2013 already and very positive feedback that this show is hitting all the right points for the wider build, construction and design industries. There is just so much happening in this industry in terms of its future pipeline of work and challenges ahead.”

buildnz designex 2011 was held 26 to 28 June at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane.

ENDS