Timber Expo is gearing up for an expanded show at the Birmingham NEC on September 24-25. It will be two days brimming with the latest products, innovations and developments across the timber sector – not just from the UK but also from an increasingly diverse international market. With less than three months to go before the doors open, here are the top 10 essential highlights.
1. Exhibition floor and international Content
A huge range of companies from all four corners of the timber industry will be unveiling their latest products and services, plus giving advice on how best to use the construction industry’s leading mainstream low carbon building material. Overseas exhibitors include organisations from Austria, Bolivia, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Latvia, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Spain and Sweden.
2. Timber Talks
The philosophy behind these free seminars, which are a key element to the show and a central part of the Expo experience, is to provide a valuable learning experience based on case studies delivered by industry experts. The Timber Talks programme has been developed by TRADA with themes and specific topics based on fresh market research and feedback from the 2012 event. The seminars will take place in two bespoke theatres designed, developed and delivered especially for Timber Expo.
3. Seminar theatre 1 – the Fabric First theatre
Built by leading timber frame specialist Frame Wise, the Fabric First theatre will extoll the virtues of building with an airtight building envelope in mind. The Fabric First approach and its superior thermal properties are ideal as the basis of a modern energy-efficient building, without the need for expensive additional micro-renewables.
4. Seminar theatre 2 – the Solid Wood theatre
Built by B&K Structures, this eye-catching building will showcase the strengths of timber and advanced closed panel timber technology. Solid wood use is beginning to soar in the UK and is increasingly being seen as the finest way to build low carbon, architecturally impressive and structurally strong buildings.
5. Toolbox Talks
New for 2013, a new section of CPD presentations will focus on the detail of processes, technologies and solutions on display at the show. From manufacturing processes to onsite engineering solutions, Toolbox Talks will complement the Timber Talks and will be held in a purpose-built 30-seat presentation theatre.
6. Timber Buyers’ Forum
Sponsored by Vandecasteele, these 30-minute appointments are acknowledged as one of the most successful and dynamic parts of the show, giving attendees a perfect way to build business relationships in a formal but relaxed environment. The Forum’s primary aim is for exhibitors to access relevant buyers and match suppliers’ wants with the buyer’s preferences.
7. Timber Accord Pavilion
This is sponsored by Timbmet and builds on the Timber Accord agreement signed in 2012. The Pavilion will be situated at the heart of Timber Expo on the main exhibition floor and will provide a unique opportunity to touch base with 12 leading trade bodies representing the supply chain of the forestry and timber industries, in the same place at the same time.
8. Careers in Timber area
While there continues to be a drive for higher skills levels everywhere in the timber and construction sectors, these skills are constantly changing. Pop in to this area, hosted by ARV Solutions, to see what your options are, either for moving job, changing career path or securing the best calibre new employee.
9. Wood Awards 2013 shortlist
The Wood Awards will once again recognise the outstanding design, craftsmanship and installations in wood that have taken place over the last 12 months. The 2013 shortlist will be unveiled and on show throughout Timber Expo and you will be able to hear more about the projects in the Timber Talks programme.
10. Media centre
Sponsored by SCA Timber Supply UK, the Media Centre will be a central port of call to pick up press info, tweet your latest scoop, conduct interviews and soak up news from across the show.
"The 2013 show is shaping up to be tremendous in every way," said Timber Expo event director Loretta Sales. "The show is nearly 80% sold out with an expected 170 companies exhibiting this year. The move to the NEC has grabbed everybody’s attention and will make exhibiting and visiting very easy indeed.
"The content we have lined up is superb," she continued. "TRADA has really pulled the stops out with the Timber Talks seminar programme and there will be something to appeal to everyone. The big boost for 2013 has been the level of overseas interest. Alongside an expanding European scene we are now hosting trade pavilions too. You won’t find this much timber technology anywhere else."
