In what is surely the premier show for the nation’s independent building, timber and plumbing merchants, this year’s NMBS Exhibition is set to take place on 10–11 April 2024 at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
With approaching three hundred supplier and service provider exhibitors offering a host of exclusive offers, deals, discounts and extra rebates, it could be argued that independent merchants simply cannot afford to miss out on a visit to the annual NMBS Exhibition. On top of taking advantage of those ‘on the day’ promotions, the event offers fantastic chance to network and build new connections.
Last year’s show, for example, was said to deliver record numbers as the industry turned out in force to mark the 60th anniversary of NMBS. Indeed, more than 280 exhibitors, 558 independent merchant member companies and 1,084 visitors passed through the Coventry Building Society Arena doors in 2023.
NMBS CEO Chris Hayward commented: “Our merchant members earned over £2.5 million in exhibition rebate from purchases made during the 2023 event alone. The NMBS Exhibition is an unmissable opportunity for independent merchants and suppliers to come together to take advantage of deals, offers and networking opportunities.”
In addition, speaking shortly after last year’s event, NMBS Commercial Director Andy Hextall said: “The NMBS Exhibition is all about making new connections and engaging with suppliers and members, and the feedback we’ve had is that this year has been better than ever. Many of our new suppliers attending for the first time have also said they have been overwhelmed with the scale of the event, especially post-pandemic.”
And from the exhibitor point of view, anticipation is building with only a few weeks to go. For example, Lee Parsons, CEO of Arctic Hayes, said: “Our merchant customers are so important to us. We are still a people industry that thrives on keeping contact with each other and the NMBS Show is a key part of that. The Arctic Hayes team are really looking forward to greeting many NMBS members on the stand.”
The sentiments were echoed by Dean Heathfield, Commercial Director of Talon. He stated: “We are really looking forward to seeing as many merchants as possible at the show. The NMBS Show is a great chance to see our products up close and catch up with some of our leading independent merchant partners.”
Intended to enable merchants and suppliers make the two-days as productive as possible, the NMBS Exhibition App will also be relaunched for the 2024 event. This will help speed up the ordering process, collect member data and support commercial connections.
Finally, following the first day of the event, NMBS will be hosting its annual Gala Dinner. The organisation teases that this year’s entertainment is “set to be memorable” once again, with previous years bringing names such as Harry Redknapp and Frank Bruno to the stage, not to mention last year’s 60th anniversary star turn, Michael McIntyre.
Chris added: “The Gala Dinner presents a fantastic opportunity to foster connections between independent merchants and suppliers, enabling them to navigate the challenges of the upcoming year.”
For more information on the exhibitors, event offers and how to register for free via the NMBS Exhibition website, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbc005
