Following a pandemic-enforced postponement in 2020, the popular NMBS Conference returns for 2022.
Taking place between 16th and 19th June 2022, merchants and suppliers from across the sector will come together at this year’s NMBS-hosted ‘All-Industry’ Conference to enjoy an extended period of “networking, relationship building and a fascinating business conference programme”. Visiting the beautiful town of Sorrento on Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, the event gives delegates the chance to take time out from their day-to-day work to hear from expert speakers from the worlds of business, economics and leadership — in addition to the merchant sector itself — discussing a wide range of crucial and topical subjects.
The theme of the 2022 Conference is ‘The Future Matters’, offering a particular focus on technology, data and digital alongside increased sustainability — key areas where merchants and suppliers can learn more about the challenges and make the most of exciting new opportunities to grow and develop their businesses.
NMBS Event Manager Sam Hunt explains: “The focused business programme will combine current subjects, interesting keynote speakers and structured sessions so that delegates can tailor the Conference to their own needs and requirements — and take something away which can be implemented into their own businesses.”
Commercial Director Andy Hextall added: “NMBS has chosen the theme ‘The Future Matters’ to give everyone the opportunity to pause and plan for what’s still to come. The merchant and construction products sectors are experiencing challenges and opportunities alike, and those who make the time to stop and think ahead will be best placed to prepare for the difficulties — and take advantage of all the available business opportunities.”
Hosting the event this year is David Meade, a “world-class keynote speaker who has been inspiring conference audiences for more than 15 years”. Returning to the event following a popular speaking slot at the 2018 NMBS Conference, in addition to his compering duties, David will once again present to delegates in Sorrento, offering advice on how to ensure “extraordinarily high performance among your team even in challenging times”.
Following a turbulent period during which businesses have faced unprecedented challenges, what is sure to be an essential session on the UK economy will be led by David Smith, Economics Editor of The Sunday Times as well as the paper’s Assistant Editor and Policy Advisor, and a regular contributor to CBI’s Business Voice.
Fuelled by the pandemic, the past few years have seen a huge leap in builders’ merchants and their customers embracing digital technologies and placing them at the heart of their businesses. Tackling this subject, and among the many other speakers who will take to the stage during the event, Tom Diplock, a Partner at LEK Consulting, will discuss the future of ecommerce and retail for building materials.
Tom will present the findings of the global strategy consultancy’s recent European survey entitled ‘Online or Over-the-Counter: Inside the Future of Retailing Building Materials’ which reveals how the merchant industry has already been transformed by the online marketplace — and where he believes this change will lead the builders’ merchant sector over the coming years.
The 2022 NMBS Conference takes place from 16th to 19th June at the Hilton Sorrento Palace hotel.
Visit nmbs-conference.co.uk for more information on the event, including comprehensive details on the business programme and speaker profiles.
