The biennial Canterbury buildnz | designex trade show will take place this year at Horncastle Arena from 4-6 August, where over 2,500 building, construction, architecture and design professionals will gather to review the latest industry innovations and gain essential knowledge from world leaders.

Show organiser XPO event director Tony Waite says the trade-only show is significant for Canterbury and the industries involved, with construction activity in the region valued at more than $100 million a week for years to come.

“The benefits of this event will help grow the Canterbury economy and support the rebuild by facilitating the sharing of exceptional concepts, tools, technology and world leading innovations.

“The rebuild reaches its half way point this year so it is important that professionals in the building, construction and design industries are given opportunities to share innovations and help maintain high safety and design standards,” Waite said.

The event will have more than 130 local and international exhibiting suppliers as well as three full days of seminars where high profile leaders share their knowledge and experiences, including leading designer David Trubridge and inspirational Kiwi architect Professor Mark Burry.

Christchurch-born Burry has been executive architect and researcher to the Sagrada Família Basilica Foundation in Spain since 1979 and is recognised as being instrumental to the project by collaborating from Melbourne with colleagues based on-site in Barcelona. Burry will share his insights into the historical and cultural implications of architecture, and how this relates to the Canterbury rebuild.

Exhibitor and seminar information is available at the Canterbury BuildNZ website.