PRO INSTALLER MAY 2016
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FIT SHOW 2016
FIT DELIVERS PIZZAZZ FOR THE INDUSTRY
With attendance a massive 45 % up on the 2014 show with 8,502 unique visitors , and the majority of those in a bullish mood , the 2016 FIT Show came and went in three days .
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Exhibitors universally reported strong interest from visitors in sourcing new products and alternative suppliers . Buoyed by the strength of the two previous events exhibitors had planned their product development programmes around this year ’ s FIT Show with strong pre-show publicity from many indicating a wealth of new product launches .
Bi-folding and residential composite doors were predominant as were a rash of electronic ‘ intelligent ’ smart locking systems , with the advance of such products finally seeming to gain traction in the broader market .
More than 180 exhibitors occupying four halls did more than deliver their products and services however ; they did it with a style and pizzazz that has barely been witnessed for many years . Stands were exceptional in their creativity and innovation at all ends of the spectrum , with ‘ fun ’ being the prerequisite for many .
The Gala Dinner continued the upward spiral with almost 900 guests experiencing a Great Gatsby-themed extravaganza that included song and dance routines , trapeze and fire-eating and juggling acts that would please any West-End audience , with many guests embracing the 1920 ’ s theme with some stunning period costumes . The announcements of the winners of the Master Fitter Challenge and Exhibitor Awards punctuated the evening with guests then dancing well into Thursday morning .
What the 2016 FIT Show represented was the window , door and conservatory industry at its very best : innovative , confident , extravagant and intent on enjoying itself . All of which has led to The FIT Show outgrowing the Telford venue and necessitating a move to The NEC for May 23rd to 25th next year with a clamour for stand space that signals a great future for the industry .
STILT WALKERS , CHAMPAGNE AND DANCING GIRLS !
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Almost 900 guests – a record – attended the ‘ Great Gatsby ’ themed extravaganza that was the Gala Dinner on the Wednesday of The FIT Show , continuing the blockbuster performance of every aspect of this year ’ s show .
The singing and dancing spectacular included fire eating
Arriving guests , many of whom were attired in Twenties fashion , were greeted by flapper dancers and crooners , stilt walkers and girls lounging in giant champagne glasses , at a noisy champagne reception . With the entertainment a closely guarded secret guests then made their way into a starcloth bedecked banqueting hall that continued the Gatsby theme , with champagne glass table centres , golden palms and a large stage area and chequered dance floor .
Continuing the dramatic departure from the themes of previous Gala Dinners a singing and dancing spectacular ensued that included a ‘ safe ’ juggler , extraordinary trapeze double act , feathered show girls and fire eating and juggling . Guests were transported from Telford to a set worthy of Las Vegas .
The sumptuous banquet was punctuated by the entertainment with dinner followed by the presentations of the Master Fitter Challenge finals and the FIT Show Awards , created for this event to reward exhibitors for their efforts building to and at the exhibition .
Following a rousing grand finale , diners danced and caroused until the early hours of Thursday morning . “ The Gala Dinner was a fabulous affair and maintained the theme this year – everything bigger and better !” said The FIT Show ’ s Matthew Glover . “ We will certainly have to work hard to better this year ’ s entertainment for 2017 but we have already begun planning .”