Exhibition Stand Builders for UK Construction Week Birmingham

Show sections and visitors

For the 2026 Birmingham show, the organiser listed sections including:

• Roofing, cladding and insulation
• Construction training and services
• Equipment, tools and hire
• Building and on-site safety
• Digitalisation

The organiser also promotes a seminar and CPD programme across several stages and has run a Live Products Demonstration Zone at the Birmingham show. Visitors range from contractors and installers to architects, specifiers and developers. Section names change from year to year, so check the current line-up on the official website.

Material samples and sample boards

Specifiers want to handle cladding panels, insulation build-ups, roofing tiles and finishes. Plan robust sample walls or pull-out boards at hand height, secured against being knocked, and leave space to hand out loose samples or swatch packs. Heavy samples need a structure designed for their weight.

Mock-ups and cut-away sections

A full-height wall, roof or façade mock-up that shows each layer of a system explains more than a brochure. Mock-ups add weight, height and build time, so tell your stand builder their dimensions early and check whether the planned height fits the limits set out in the Exhibitor Manual.

CPD and presentation space

If you deliver CPD sessions or short product talks on your stand, a small seated area with a screen and some acoustic separation from the aisle helps. Book these into a schedule and show the times on a board at the front of the stand so visitors can come back.

Tools, plant and live demonstrations

Exhibitors of tools, access equipment or hire fleet often demonstrate on the stand. Ask the organiser about rules for running equipment, dust, noise and fuel-powered machines, and plan a protected demo area with suitable flooring. Larger plant may also need specific delivery slots during build-up.

Contractor and specifier meetings

Conversations with contractors are often quick and practical, while specifiers may want to sit down over drawings or a specification. A counter for fast enquiries and a couple of tables for longer discussions cover both without crowding the stand.

Build-up, breakdown and services

According to the organiser, build-up, breakdown and exhibitor access times and service deadlines are published in the Exhibitor Manual in the exhibitor E-zone. Share these with your stand builder early, agree who orders power, lighting and internet, and plan how heavy samples and mock-up materials will be delivered and removed.

• Stand number, hall, dimensions and open sides at the NEC
• Products and samples to display, with sizes and weights
• Mock-ups or system build-ups you want on the stand, and their height
• Any live demonstrations, tools or plant, and their power needs
• CPD or presentation area, screens and seating
• Counter, meeting tables and storage for samples and literature
• Graphics, lighting and brand guidelines
• Budget range and what it should include
• Deadlines from the Exhibitor Manual

Selection criteria

• Experience at the NEC and familiarity with its build-up procedures
• Experience with building-product exhibitors and installing heavy samples or mock-ups
• In-house joinery and metalwork versus subcontracted production
• Willingness to work with your own installers if your product must be fitted by them
• Compliance with the Exhibitor Manual and the documents the venue requires
• Storage and reuse of stand elements for the London edition or other shows

What is included — and what is not

Before comparing prices, check each quote for:

• Design, 3D visuals and revisions
• Construction, flooring and walls, including structures for mock-ups
• Graphics and sample signage
• AV, screens or LED for CPD sessions
• Furniture hire
• Electrics and lighting on the stand
• Transport of stand materials and samples
• Build-up and breakdown labour, including installing your products
• Venue services ordered separately, such as power connection, rigging, internet and cleaning