InstallerSHOW is brilliant. It’s busy, loud, exciting and somehow manages to involve serious industry conversations alongside someone aggressively competing on a boxing machine (visit us on Stand 5G90 this year to give it a go!).
But whether you’re an installer, apprentice, marketer or exhibitor, one thing is guaranteed: if you arrive without a plan, you’ll probably leave wondering where the last three days went.
Here’s our top tips on how to actually make the most of InstallerSHOW 2026 depending on what kind of visitor you are.
For Installers: Have a plan… but accept it will probably change
The best InstallerSHOW strategy? Go in with a rough game plan.
Before you arrive:
- check the floorplan,
- make a list of the stands you actually want to visit,
- have a look through the content programme.
Otherwise, you’ll spend most of the day saying things like “Wait, where’s Hall 5 again?”or “I swear I walked past this stand 20 minutes ago.”
InstallerSHOW is one of the few places where you can properly compare products, ask technical questions face-to-face and see new technology working in front of you.
So if there’s a brand, product launch or demo you’re interested in, prioritise it early before the crowds build up, but also make sure you have time to drop by a stand for a friendly chat over a pint (Powered Now is the place to be) and fill your arms with freebies!
And whatever you do, make time for the Heating Installer Awards announcement on Wednesday afternoon – you don’t want to miss it!
For Apprentices: Ask questions and take the opportunities in front of you!
InstallerSHOW can feel slightly overwhelming when you’re new to the industry.
But honestly? It’s one of the best opportunities you’ll get to learn.
The biggest mistake apprentices make is quietly walking around without actually speaking to anyone. So, ask questions, talk to brands, watch demos, sit in on talks and pick up advice wherever you can.
Most people are genuinely happy to chat, especially when someone is interested in learning the trade.
For Marketers: Leave the stand
Marketing pros – this is your reminder that InstallerSHOW is basically live industry research disguised as an exhibition!
Some of the most valuable insights happen away from your own stand.
Walk the halls and pay attention to which stands are busy, what people are talking about, which technologies are getting attention, and what content people are actually stopping to film or photograph.
The content programme is also gold for marketers, even if your brand isn’t speaking as it’s an opportunity to spot industry trends, capture content and understand what conversations are shaping the market this year.
For Exhibitors: The same applies – leave the stand!
When you’re exhibiting, it’s easy to spend three days trapped within the exact dimensions of your stand.
But the brands that get the most from InstallerSHOW are usually the ones doing things beyond the stand itself. Whether that’s attending networking events, creating content around the wider show, visiting other stands or engaging with the industry conversations happening around you.
The real goal is making sure people remember your brand after the show – not just during it.
So, are you ready?
InstallerSHOW can be whatever you want it to be: a learning opportunity, a networking event, a content goldmine, a place to launch products, or simply a really good few days catching up with the industry.
The trick is knowing what you want from it before you walk through the doors.
Otherwise, you’ll blink, somehow end up carrying four tote bags and a branded water bottle, and realise it’s already 4pm!
We can’t wait for this year’s show and we hope to see you there – head to Stand 5G90 to meet our team.