It’s hard to ignore the adverts for the FIT Show now as it is just two months to go until the doors at the Telford International Centre open.
The general commentary surrounding the event seems to be generally quite positive which is good to see. It demonstrates that despite the problems that Glassex had, the industry is still prepared to give an exhibition one last shot to see if the organisers can get the formula right.
They are certainly doing something different. Competitions like the Master Fitter and Master Salesperson is something previous shows never had. Whether it really grabs the attention of the industry in a positive manner in which to improve standards remains to be seen, though I hope it does. There is also the Gala dinner, which personally I can take or leave. Those sorts of things have never really been my thing anyway, but I’m sure it will be great for all those that go!
As a marketing exercise, you really do have to take your hats off to the PR people and the guys and girls behind the designs and ideas. The website looks great, not cheesy which you always run the risk of being in this industry. The ads in the magazines look fantastic and the way it has all been presented to the industry in an organised and planned manner is something I think we can all learn lessons from.
There is however one worrying item which I saw the other day, in the form of a tweet from organiser Matthew Glover: 90% of people who have preregistered are owners/directors/senior managers. #fitshow
This I think is very disappointing. As far as I’m concerned, and I know some won’t agree with me, but when it comes to massive industry shows like this, I think it is important that some people outside the boardroom get to go to events like this. It would be great to see plenty of surveyors, fitters, service engineers go to industry events. Not only just to mix the crown up a little, but to gain a better understanding of how our industry operates in all sectors and to demonstrate how relationships between businesses are made. Lets face it, not every fitter understands the complete chain of our industry. They are there to do a great job installing windows and doors. But I think it is beneficial to them to see how the industry works on a wider level. Knowledge isn’t a bad thing.
Maybe, given time, more trades people will preregister before the doors open. I hope so, because I think our industry needs to get our manual workers into events like this.
So, two months. Who’s going? #everyonesgoing
I take your point DGB, I know something you have always maintained is that we should do more to professionalise our industry, at all levels. The FIT show appears to be a great vehicle to showcase new products and fantastic companies broader and deeper throughout organisations. The very fact that Matthew and the team have come up with their “master” programme, highlighting fitters and sales people for the first time at a major event, shows that they are addressing this. However I guess it is up to businesses to ensure that their people are allowed time out to visit the… Read more »
Hi Joe
It would be great to see some of your floor staff who we saw when we came to see you on your stand or milling about the arena. It will let them see how the other side of our industry operates and get a different feel for the industry they work in. Personally, I don’t think the manual workers get anywhere near enough of an opportunity to events like this which is a shame!
I’m glad it got you thinking! Least this post wasn’t a waste of time ;-)
Thanks for your comment!
Are you going though DGB?
I am indeed Leon :-)
That`s good looking forward to putting a face to the name
I look exactly like my Twitter profile icon ;-)