Exclusive Interview: ecoSHOWCASE

For almost a decade ecoSHOWCASE has remained the country’s leading green building product and facilities roadshow.

UK Construction Online speaks to Ashley Jones – Sales and Marketing Executive for Framework Media, organiser of the event – about the roadshow, its origins and this year’s eclectic line-up.

Could you provide our readers with an introduction to ecoSHOWCASE? How did it come to be?

In 2008 we acquired a well-established general construction roadshow that was heading nowhere. The event needed new focus and investment. There were many green and low energy initiatives around at the time so we decided to re-brand the event as ecoSHOWCASE, the green building roadshow, bringing them more up-to-date and creating a focal point for education.

Beginning in Manchester, the ecoSHOWCASE traverses the length and breadth of the country over the course of the year. How are these locations selected?

Our locations are chosen to create national coverage by visiting regional cities around the country. The venues are selected for their overall quality and convenience for visitors. We often choose premier sporting venues, which are easy to find and provide an excellent setting for the events.

Who would you describe as being your core audience?

ecoSHOWCASE is designed for specifiers and buyers, including: architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, developers and facilities managers, both from the private and public sectors.

What seminars can attendees look forward to this year?

We kick-off this year’s schedule with four knock-out sessions, presented by key industry commentators from Ofgem, Cundall, JHAI and John McCall Architects. Topics range from current RHI legislation to practical advice, and examples of how to create a more sustainable built environment.

How are guest speakers and seminars chosen?

Our seminars are, most importantly, 100% educational. We select expert speakers – typically from industry bodies, government or impartial organisations – who can share their knowledge and experience.

Do you look for any specific criteria in terms of exhibitors?

We try to cover the widest possible spectrum of sustainable products and solutions with as little duplication as possible. We don’t judge the sustainable credentials of the suppliers – that’s the purpose of the event, a face-to-face forum for exchanging knowledge.

How might exhibiting benefit those companies?

The quality of our audience is the key. Specifiers are notoriously difficult to meet so our events provide excellent value and a unique environment for specification sales.

From an organisational point of view, where have the greatest challenges come from?

The biggest challenge is keeping the show fresh and relevant. To deliver quality content and increase the number of visitors.

What ultimately would you like visitors to take away from ecoSHOWCASE?

If there is one thing I would like visitors to comment about the show, it’s that they have learnt something – whether that’s a fresh idea they can put straight into practice or something for the future.

ecoSHOWCASE is co-located with itSHOWCASE, how does this benefit the visitors experience?

There is an obvious synergy between the two events. Construction industry software was at the heart of itSHOWCASE when it launched 25 years ago and it is still a major part of the show today. Visitors are free to attend both events, making it even more valuable use of their time.

The year’s first ecoSHOWCASE will take place on Tuesday 9th February at Old Trafford Stadium. Entry is free-of-charge. The roadshow will later appear in Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Leicester.

For more information please visit the ecoSHOWCASE website.

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