News
Glassex 2009 in the U.K. rescheduled

Jan. 23, 2009 – Glassex 2009 in the UK rescheduled to run with Interbuild 2009 on October 18-21, 2009.

Glassex 2009 in the UK rescheduled to run with Interbuild 2009 on October 18-21, 2009.

Following growing demand from the window, door, conservatory and glass industries and the successful re-negotiation with key suppliers, Glassex in the UK will be rescheduled from its planned March date to take place at the NEC alongside Interbuild from the 18th to 21st October 2009.

Rumours have been circulating for some time about the possibility of such a move with a number of potential and actual exhibitors offering their support for a Glassex co-located with Interbuild. With the deterioration in the world economy it became clear that a preference existed for a later date for Glassex; a tie in with Interbuild also became favoured.

“EMAP wanted to give a stand alone Glassex as much chance as possible, as the event has been a successful one for many years,” explained David Pierpoint, Event Director for both Glassex and Interbuild. “Over recent months momentum has gained pace towards holding Glassex alongside Interbuild and we have taken account of that.
 
“Nobody could have predicted the extent of the market downturn 12 months ago, which is the typical timescale by which organisers develop their plans for the coming financial year. More recently we wanted to see if there had been anything that gave confidence in the economy as we began the New Year but as there appears to be no sign of a recovery just yet we made the decision to move the date to later in 2009; the industry has made its view apparent, and we have reacted accordingly.

Pierpoint added: “EMAP has taken a huge financial gamble by postponement, as the most risk-free option for us was to continue. However we respect the glass and glazing market and wish to maintain and build upon our close relationship with it. Therefore, with the support of many leading Glassex exhibitors, we have acted in the best interests of the industry by postponing the event until October 2009, to run alongside Interbuild. We can now work together with the industry to produce a vibrant and dynamic Glassex.”

The location of Glassex alongside Interbuild has a number of key benefits: In addition to Glassex maintaining its individual branding and status thus allowing visitors to visit only glass and glazing specific exhibitors if preferred, the cross-over potential for both Glassex and Interbuild is believed to be enormous, particularly within a challenging economy. Interbuild will also benefit from the increased glass and glazing related content available to its traditional visitor base.

“EMAP is now able to demonstrate, in the most tangible way, its commitment to ensuring the future of both Glassex and Interbuild,” stated Pierpoint. “We look forward to a new chapter in the history of these key events for the building and related industries.”