A spectacular FIT Show 2025

George Lewis, Modern Joinery Editor, discusses a hugely successful FIT Show 2025.

FIT Show 2025 did not disappoint!

In the build-up to this year’s show, excitement was growing steadily. Many people and companies were coming together under one roof for the first time since the 2023 edition — and the anticipation was real.

But you’re never quite sure if the pre-show buzz will carry through to the actual event… and wow, did it deliver!

The calm before the storm

Before the doors even open, it always amazes me how the show comes together.

I arrived the day before — and maybe I’m revealing a few trade secrets here — but you really wouldn’t think everything would be ready on time.

Stands were adding their finishing touches (or even more, in some cases), carpets were still being laid, glass was being polished, TVs tuned — it was controlled chaos.

But as always, it all came together brilliantly. By 10am the next day, the exhibition hall was looking exceptional, with some truly stunning stands.

Stands such as the Glass and Glazing Federation stand, the Selecta Systems stand, the Residence Collection stand and the Joinery Network to name just a few that stood out to me, but there were so many others I could’ve named.

Day one: A solid start

The first morning had that classic exhibition buzz — good conversations, engaged visitors, and stands buzzing with activity.

Over at the PiGs stand, our sister publication we got straight to work: filming loads of content, promoting our upcoming events, and chatting with our stand neighbours, WindowBase, BFRC, and Access Marketing.

That said, the afternoon of day one did quiet down. I suspect a lot of visitors took the opportunity to enjoy the sunny weather, headed out for lunch… and maybe didn’t come back.

You can’t blame them — it was a glorious day outside and a very indoors NEC!

Day two: The ‘PiG’ One

Anyone disappointed with day one’s quieter afternoon found day two made up for it — and then some.

FIT Show Wednesday is always the busiest and best day of the exhibition, and 2025 followed that tradition. The late-night opening is a firm favourite, and it meant the hall stayed busy right into the evening.

With my PiGs hat firmly on (not literally), we hosted the FIT Show Afterparty alongside the GGF, FENSA, and Business Pilot — and it was the highlight of the week. I’d say close to 500 people attended, and from what I’ve learned working with PiGs, business just happens more naturally in a relaxed setting.

The party was meant to wrap up at 8pm, but we were still ushering people out well over an hour later — a sign of just how comfortable and connected everyone felt.

There were also plenty of other stand parties going on that looked just as enjoyable. Seeing the sector come together at events like these is a great reminder of how fortunate we are to be part of such a sociable industry.

Day three: Conversations that count

The final day of the show saw plenty of people coming through the doors. It was a great chance to catch up with those we hadn’t yet seen and reflect on how the week had gone overall.

From those we spoke to, it seemed to be a successful show for them. It’s always hard for me to judge what makes a successful show, as, working on glazing magazines prior to working at and Modern Joinery and PiGs, the work was always pretty much done BEFORE the show, with the show just about getting the brand out there.

Looking ahead

So now we look ahead to the next FIT Show in two years’ time. And I, for one, can’t wait to do it all over again.

See you there. But of course, hopefully see you way before that!

George

FIT Show 2027 | 18 – 20 May | NEC, Birmingham