Glassex Looks To Attract Public Sector Visitors

A raft of new features and initiatives designed purely to attract public sector specifiers has been created for next year’s show, with targeted advertising campaigns asking local authorities and housing groups to ‘challenge their perceptions’ about the event.



Claire Shilling, Marketing Manager for Glassex, explains further: “The specification of window and door products for public sector refurbishment and new build projects is growing ever more demanding, with an increasing emphasis on accreditation, compliance with building regulations, lifetime performance and security. At Glassex 2007, we want not only to broaden the spectrum of products available for viewing to represent a better overview of the industry, but also to create opportunities for discussion on the issues that most concern the public sector.”



With more and more fabricators and installers working in partnership with local authorities, ALMO’s and Main contractors to deliver the Government’s Decent Homes programme, as well as the major investment in improving health and education infrastructure, the need to modify and develop suitable product ranges in order to comply with ever more demanding regulations, and to deliver ‘best value’ solutions for windows and doors, is now stronger than ever. For public sector purchasers and specifiers, these issues are of particular importance as windows, doors, curtain walling and entry systems remain a key area of expenditure for new build projects and refurbishment. Clearly Glassex delivers the perfect opportunity to experience the latest fenestration solutions. Finding the right product – and supplier and installer - is crucial as these visitors manage major, long-term projects and possess significant spending power. In order to fulfil the expectations of the public sector visitor Glassex 2007 has sharpened its focus on the likely product areas of most interest to these attendees, including attracting exhibitors of PVCu systems, aluminium systems, hardware, IG manufacturers and companies with energy efficient products.



Although over recent years this area of interest has been represented at Glassex by a series of successful, in-depth seminar programmes that detailed key issues such as Building Regulations, disability, energy efficiency and training, many thought the sector wasn’t truly represented on the exhibition floor. To ensure 2007’s show will attract a wealth of public sector specifiers from across the board, Glassex has also developed a number of key features areas and partnerships that aim to tackle the current industry issues head on and draw in an abundance of public sector orientated exhibitors.



So what are the new feature areas and partnerships that aim to attract more public sector window and door specifiers to next years show, and make their visit more rewarding? One of the most important of these involves a partnership with Secured By Design (SBD), with seminar presentations, an SBD information point and an SBD approved product trail amongst the initiatives planned. Secured By Design will also present an award for the Best SBD Product at Glassex. In addition, Glassex is in discussion with the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) to develop areas where visitors can obtain practical advice and guidance if they wish to move into aluminium framing, an increasingly popular choice for local authorities and other public sector organisations.



With sustainability and energy economy a growing priority, one of the most relevant areas will be the Edgetech sponsored Glassex Energy Efficiency Feature Area, designed to showcase companies offering energy efficient products and services including warm edge products, window and IG testing, Window Energy Rating, recycling and environmental protection. The area has been devised to offer practical information and an Open Forum will be available for all exhibitors to promote their relevant products. The Monday of the show will feature an Energy Efficiency theme to draw attention to these issues. A comprehensive seminar programme is also being developed, that is on par with those conducted on previous years, to tackle public sector issues.



“It is important to inform fenestration specifiers in the public sector about what the glass and glazing industry is doing to help them achieve their required objectives,” says Claire Shilling. “Glassex is the only national event that can offer a comprehensive range of fenestration solutions under one roof, so we are doing all we can to ensure that the 2007 event is unmissable for them.”



Glassex 2007 will deliver an engaging proposition for the public sector visitor, promising a better, more convenient way of gaining knowledge of the most recent changes and developments within the window and door industry, and the competitive alternatives offered by different suppliers.