" />This week we paid a visit to the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2025 at Birmingham’s NEC, an event set to welcome over 70,000 visitors across its four days. The atmosphere in the exhibition hall was buzzing, with attendees ranging from seasoned self-builders to enthusiastic first-time renovators (myself included), all eager to explore the latest in home improvement.
While this was definitely a work trip, the phrase “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” rings true.
Here are some of my top observations from the opening day of Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2025, and my take on how this year’s exhibitors are standing out from the crowd:
Engaging exhibits – it’s not all high-tech, old school product demonstrations still work
The show also highlighted the power of experiential marketing. The busiest stands used immersive experiences to draw people in. This included home cinema set-ups and hidden audio demonstrations by Pure Theatre.
A number of exhibitors, including architects and house builders, have incorporated virtual reality (VR) technology and headsets into their spaces this year, letting prospective customers walk around their designs. This use of technology facilitates meaningful interactions and allows brands to connect directly with potential customers rather than just taking a brochure or leaflet that may not get read.
It’s not all new-fangled tech that gets people to stop, demonstrations of products like OB1, Fix-A-Floor and Revive Power Paste still worked well at the show. Being able to demonstrate tangible and visible results in real time really works, literally stopping people in their tracks. Think about how can you best demonstrate your product whether it is tangible or not to a physical audience.
Speaking slots – how to pull a passionate crowd
Securing a speaker slot at one of the show’s many stages is a powerful way to bring your product or service to life. Rather than relying on static displays, speaking gives you the chance to share real-life case studies, demonstrate expertise, and showcase the impact of your work. Whether you’re unveiling a game-changing product, discussing recent renovation projects, or offering expert advice, a well-delivered talk can captivate an engaged audience.
Attendees value first-hand experiences, making it an ideal opportunity to build credibility and trust. Plus, finishing with a Q&A session allows you to connect directly with potential customers, addressing their specific concerns and sparking meaningful conversations.
If you want to elevate your brand presence at the show, stepping onto the stage is one of the most effective ways to do it. Lucy Willcox, a landscape designer and presenter on TV programme Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club, and Marc Lane, founder of Landscapia, a garden and design business did this particularly well on the opening day offering insights into the way they work and complete projects.
Andy Stevens, builder and broadcaster, also shared a relatable and myth-busting talk which got a good response from the crowd and a queue of questions after. He also shares consumer advice and interviews with built environment leaders on his YouTube channel, The Build Network UK.
Emerging technology – exhibition stand stand-outs
A significant focus this year was on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Many exhibitors showcased their products with energy-efficient materials and designs, reflecting a growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious options. From underfloor heating solutions that half home heating bills to draft-reducing products. If your product has market-leading credentials make sure they are conveyed clearly and visibly on the stand and in marketing materials.
Smart home technology also took centre stage, with interactive displays demonstrating how integrated systems can enhance both convenience and energy efficiency. Smart security was prominent with 4G CCTV systems, and voice-activated switches and tech that make sure the appliances you have are operating correctly. My favorite was the robotic lawn mower and vacuums which will free us up in the future from doing housework and chores.
Insights for marketing managers – making the most of your time at an exhibition
For marketing professionals, the key takeaway is the importance of aligning with current consumer interests. Emphasizing sustainability, smart technology, and personalised experiences in campaigns can resonate deeply with the captive audience of homeowners. Additionally, the success of hands-on, interactive exhibits underscores the value of engaging consumers in memorable ways, fostering stronger brand connections during this rare face-to-face time with them. Will you be one of the five things they remember from their visit to hundreds of exhibition stalls.
See you next year – exhibiting at a trade show in 2026?
Day one of the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2025 offered plenty of inspiration and insight. Refresh works with a number of businesses and brands on maximising the value of exhibiting at trade shows and conferences. If you want to hear more about how we can work together on raising your brand’s profile and secure sales off the back of an event appearance, contact us via our web form.
We have previously written about hosting a roundtable as a fringe event and their effectiveness at maximising your participation in annual industry events. Give it a read.
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