A few weeks have now passed since InstallerSHOW 2025 closed its doors at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, and as I sit and reflect on my time there, I can’t help but think of the fresh perspectives I know this event would bring to North American professionals.
For kitchen and bath specialists, as well as plumbing and HVAC tradespeople in the United States and Canada, now may be the time to consider including the UK InstallerSHOW, as well as KBIS and IBS, as part of their annual trade show itinerary.
Walking the halls, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the InstallerSHOW is slowly evolving into something that bridges and blends KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) and IBS (International Builders Show).
There’s no getting away from it; it does have a distinctly trade-driven edge, and I believe that’s what is bringing the real energy to this show. Booths were buzzing with live demos, microphones, cameras and candid live podcasts (above) happening around every corner. You had celebrity talks as well as non-celebrity talks, with industry-leading personalities educating audiences on topics ranging from social media to universal design to career advice. It was all very real and very relevant.
“We were thrilled at how much InstallerSHOW has grown this year. Over 31,000 professionals attended the event, up more than 54% from 2024. What was even more satisfying was the rapid increase in kitchen and bathroom fitters and retailers coming along. This was by far our largest area of growth, boding well for the industry as it shows that this community is searching for new ideas to help customers,” said David Ventris Field, sales director for Lyrical Communications. “We will now be working hard to find even more innovations and inspirational products to showcase in front of this audience for June 2026. It is going to be an even bigger event again with 40,000 visitors and 950 exhibitors expected at the NEC Birmingham in the UK.”
Growth catches the eye, and for events like this, numbers do matter. This wasn’t just another trade show. It was a gathering of the UK industry, hungry and open to new ideas. Their ambition is real, and the scale is visibly picking up fast.
On a personal level, it was great to see sessions on accessible design. Obviously with my own work with SENSTEC USA and shower safety, I zeroed in on these discussions as they touched on aging in place, retaining dignity, and practical safety for those who are less able. Hands-on examples of how real-world problems can be solved simply through thoughtful design.
Like any trade show, the best part is always the people, and the InstallerSHOW was no different. A real highlight was seeing and spending some time with various familiar faces (above) from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). With SENSTEC USA being a member of both the NKBA and their Global Connect program, it was good to informally chat about the differences and similarities between the two sides of the Atlantic. Just as when representatives from the UK attend KBIS, there is importance in showing up, as it indicates a genuine will to build bridges between the United Kingdom and North America.
Looking Ahead
InstallerSHOW 2026 in Birmingham is already shaping up to be bigger than ever, with 40,000 visitors and nearly 950 exhibitors expected.
Across the Atlantic, InstallerSHOW New York is scheduled for March 18-19, 2026, in conjunction with New York Build, catering to HVAC and plumbing professionals.
Both these shows are big opportunities to step outside your comfort zone, absorb different approaches, and gain fresh thinking.
“InstallerSHOW continues to deliver for our exhibitors, visitors and speakers. The 2025 edition has taken the brand to new heights, and we’ll continue to develop and build for 2026. With our Elemental London event taking place in November this year and our international expansion to InstallerSHOW New York for March 2026, we will challenge ourselves to create more record-breaking events,” said Mike Costain, managing director, Lyrical Communications.
Why InstallerSHOW Should Matter to North American Pros
• Perspective shift. Visiting the InstallerSHOW in another country shows you what’s possible and what’s different. It might recalibrate your view on design, installation, and innovation.
• Trade-driven energy. The InstallerSHOW pulses with the same hands-on spirit you find at IBS but blended with KBIS. You can get involved in technical demos, informal chats, and find the latest innovations on offer.
• Networking with intent. If you want to build or grow relationships, this show attracts the right kind of people. Like-minded professionals keen to learn, connect, and move forward.
As the global kitchen and bath industry grows and becomes more connected, the greatest tool you have at your disposal, no matter where you’re based, is curiosity. So don’t wait for innovation. Go looking for it. You might be surprised where you find it next.
—Mark Conacher, managing director, SENSTEC USA and a 2024 KBB Praiseworthy Pick
