Why It’s Important to Attend Exhibitions in the Interior Design Business

In the wonderful world of interior design, staying ahead of the latest trends and innovations is crucial for success. There are many ways to do this, but one of the most effective ways for those in this sector is attending exhibitions.

From discovering new suppliers and materials to networking with industry experts and gaining valuable inspiration, exhibitions provide a platform to expand knowledge and stay at the forefront of innovation. As leading bathroom, kitchen and tile suppliers, the team at Roccia understands the significance of exhibitions in the interior design industry, which is why we always make an effort to attend when they come around.

So, here we’re exploring the importance of our attendance at interior design exhibitions and where you can visit us in the next couple of months.

Roccia’s Upcoming Exhibition Attendances

First things first, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve got a busy calendar and will be attending two of the biggest interior design exhibitions in October and November – Grand Designs LIVE and the Homebuilding & Renovating show. Let’s take a look at each of these exciting events in a little more detail and explore how you can get the chance to visit team Roccia.

Grand Designs LIVE – Birmingham

Grand Designs LIVE is the premier event for lovers of all things design and renovation. Showcasing the latest trends, innovations, and expertise, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Discover inspiring ideas for your home, from breathtaking kitchens to luxury bathroom brands and exquisite tiles. As well as this, expect to see incredible celebrity guests, industry experts, and the face of Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud himself, providing talks and appearances over the five-day event.

We visited Grand Designs LIVE in London earlier this year and had an excellent time, so we can’t wait to attend again this October. This autumn, the event is held at the NEC in Birmingham from the 4^th – 8^th of October. Get your tickets now on their website, and when you arrive, visit us at stand K90.

Homebuilding & Renovating Show – Harrogate

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is the UK’s leading show for individuals who want to build, renovate, or improve their dream home. With a wide range of exhibitors showcasing their products and services, visitors can gain inspiration, expert advice, and practical guidance for their home projects. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking to extend or upgrade your current property, or ready to design and build your dream home, the Homebuilding & Renovating Show is the perfect event to get your project moving in the right direction.

This year, the exhibition is taking place from the 3^rd – 5^th of November and will be held at the Harrogate Convention Centre. Pick up tickets on their website and visit us during the event at stand M221.

Why Should You Attend Interior Design Exhibitions?

Attending exhibitions as an industry expert or an enthusiast is important regardless of your field. Still, for many reasons, it’s even more crucial for those in the interior design sector. Here are some of the main reasons we and others in our industry ensure we always attend exhibitions and events.

Get Inspired

One of the many reasons why attending exhibitions is a great decision is to find new inspiration. Whether you’re a professional or homeowner looking to build or refurbish a home, there’s always a multitude of products waiting to be discovered at exhibitions. For example, you can see displays from companies that may not be in your local area and explore new materials, accessories, and interior design ideas you wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed to.

As interior designer Catherine Wilman says in an interview for Drummonds: “I attend exhibitions around the world and subscribe to interior publications. Inspiration can come from going out seeing things – exploring exhibitions, galleries, and visiting showrooms. I like to absorb as much information as possible when I am working on a project.”

When you seek inspiration from what you see around you, you’ll find yourself becoming even more creative, and few places evoke more inspiration than exhibitions. After all, you’re surrounded by the best and brightest in the industry who are showcasing the most beautiful and highest-quality products on offer.

Increase Business Opportunities

Attending an exhibition is also the perfect way to meet and mingle with other professionals and create new business opportunities. Every event, trade show, fair and exhibition you attend is an opportunity to grow your customer base and generate more business leads. Many professionals who attend exhibitions are also highly motivated and interested in conducting business as soon as possible, especially if they see something they like.

By attending interior design exhibitions and interacting with visitors, you may find what you’ve been looking for at an exhibitor’s stand or even generate sales prospects. Networking is, after all, a key component of attending events such as these. Relating to other professionals and sharing the same passions and challenges can help you to engage in useful and interesting conversations, get design tips, pitch a project, exchange contacts, gain more exposure in the industry, learn more about the trade, strengthen your brand, and so much more.

Here are some of our expert networking tips that may be useful for your next exhibition:

• Smile; you want to appear inviting and warm.
• Don’t look at your phone; this is the perfect time to make new connections, so take it.
• Talk to people and avoid keeping to yourself or remaining at the stall.
• Follow-up on all leads.
• Have products available as samples (for example, Victorian floor tiles or wood effect tiles, which allow attendees to better visualise how their space will look).
• Be enthusiastic and ready to answer any questions.

Keep Up-to-Date With Trends

The very nature of trends means they change fairly regularly. What was in fashion a few years ago may not be considered fashionable anymore, so keeping informed about these changes allows you to provide the best customer service possible.

While professionals in the interior design business tend to be aware of multiple products and services offered in the industry, there’s also so much more available that you may not know about unless you attend design fairs and exhibitions.

According to Jayne Michaels, co-founder of New York design company 2Michaels, an exhibition is “definitely a valuable thing for interior designers to do. I think you have to go, just to keep up on what’s out there and emerging trends.”

By attending exhibitions, you’ll be exposed to what’s happening in the design world now and discover what other professionals foresee as emerging trends which could direct your vision in the coming months.

Preparing for an Exhibition

Jonathan Adler, a potter, designer and author, believes that the secret to great interior style is to be “fearless” and not “worry about any so-called rules”.

He continues: “We live in an ‘anything goes’ world, and if you love it, it will work. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

This should be your mindset when attending an exhibition, whether as an industry professional or someone seeking products and inspiration for home improvement; be fearless and go for it! Ask questions and chase answers, experiment with colours and textures, and come away deciding to invest in that piece of furniture you never thought could work beforehand.

Prepare for an interior design exhibition by doing your homework in advance and taking a sneak preview of the exhibitors; this allows you to decide who you want to contact when you get there. It may be an idea to go with others to allow you to step away from your stand and talk to people throughout the exhibition.

Arriving early is another piece of good advice, not only because it gives you more time to see everything and talk to everyone but also allows you to get a good parking spot, learn where everything is located, catch up with other professionals or friends, and so much more.

In addition, your display should be attractive, and you should come equipped with plenty of samples to give to prospects. Come prepared with the right equipment and products for a more successful exhibition.

Attending exhibitions in the interior design business offers you many advantages, so don’t miss out on the Grand Designs LIVE and Homebuilding & Renovating Show this autumn. And, of course, make sure you come and say hello to the Roccia team!