Organisers of buildnz designex 2013 have labelled the trade show a huge success after more than 5000 building and construction professionals took part in the three-day event.

“There was a genuine positive energy from the strong trade attendance keen to research new products and services,” says XPO managing director Brent Spillane. “This was supported by the engagement of leading industry organisations such as the Registered Master Builders Federation, Certified Builders Association, BRANZ, the NZ Institute of Architects, Architectural Designers NZ, NZ Green Building Council and Lifemark.”

A strong emphasis on education once again played a pivotal role in the event being well received, as did the two-day NZIA CPD workshop, an initiative that hosted 450 registered architects.

“The initiative was viewed as an opportunity to create better dialogue between the architecture, building and construction industries regarding the major challenge ahead with housing density. The workshop was titled Little Boxes? The Shape of Affordability in the Modern City and brought together leading Architects from New Zealand and Australia with strong track records in the fields of lower-cost and medium-density housing,” says Spillane.

“The positive momentum and pipeline of work for the industry was clearly evident at the event, backed up by our preliminary survey results, which indicate that 57% of attendees say their business is growing, 59% say their industry is growing and 68% say they expect the New Zealand economy to improve over the next 12 months.

“Also, 71% of our visitors hold direct authority or influence for purchasing the types of goods or services seen at buildnz designex, and 78% saw something they are likely to buy after the exhibition. Those stats are compelling for leading brands to consider exhibiting at our show.”

Spillane also says there were calls for an interim year event to be held in Christchurch next year, a prospect the company is looking into.