Trade shows and exhibitions are a fantastic way of networking with like-minded professionals and customers, as well as generating leads. They’re the perfect way of cementing your brand within the industry, attracting new business and helping you to build new partnerships. Further to this, attending industry events allows you to keep up to date with the latest trends, new regulations and other changes in the area. To make the most of these events, we recommend creating a bank of promotional industry materials for you to distribute. Brochures and business cards are great, but creating something unique to you, such as a custom created USB device from the likes of USBMakers.com and pre-loading it with data is the perfect way to display your knowledge and professionalism. If you’ve not been to any events so far this year, do not fear, as there are still lots of great events coming up. Here are some to consider: ARCOM Conference Date: 3rd-5th September Where: Belfast The theme for this event is ‘A productive relationship: Balancing fragmentation and integration’. It’ll cover various topic, including BIM, infrastructure development, offsite construction and health and safety. Constructing the future Date: 18th September Where: London Run by The City & Guilds Group and the Work Foundation, this networking event will bring together representatives from the CBI and TUC, with the discussions focusing on the future challenges facing the construction sector and the ways in which skills development and government policy such as the National Retraining Scheme needs to respond. Annual Conference and Housing Exhibition Date: 19th-20th September Where: London This event is incredibly popular and one not to miss. It’ll bring together thousands of housing professionals with top-level speakers from within the housing industry. London Design Fair Date: 20th-23rd September Where: London London Design Fair hosts the largest collection of international exhibitors, designers, brands, features and exhibitions including Tent London & Super Brands London in one place. It’s ideal for those wanting to showcase their furniture, lighting, textiles, digital media, architecture and graphics. London Homebuilding & Renovating Show Date: 21st-23rd Sep 2018 Where: London This show is aimed at consumers who are looking at undertaking self-build or renovating projects. Kent Construction Expo Date: 4th October Where: Maidstone This event attracts over 3,500 visitors and perfect for those in the south-east. UK Construction Week Date: 9th-11th October Where: Birmingham This is THE biggest gathering of Contractors, Consultants, Architects, Manufacturers, Project Managers, SME’s and Developers. It consists of nine shows under one roof, Build Show, Building Tech Live 2018, Civils Expo, Energy 2018, HVAC 2018, Plant & Machinery Live, Surface & Materials Show, Timber Expo and Grand Designs Live. London Build 2018 Date: 23rd-24th October Where: London Only have time for one event this year? Then make it this one! This event attracts over 300 exhibitors over 8 exhibition zones and usually brings in 30,000 attendees. All CPD and conferences are free to attend and cover topics such as BIM & Digital Construction, Sustainability, Fire Safety, Interiors and much more. Scotland Build 2018 Date: 21st-22nd November Where: Glasgow Just as with the London Build Show, the Scotland Build show brings together some of the industry’s greatest minds. There will be over 200 exhibitors and over 10,000 attendees. This is one not to miss. There are more events still to be announced, but this list is sure to get you started.