Are you ready? It's time to meet, greet, innovate and learn as we enter the busiest trade show season the industry has seen for years, says chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, Tom Reynolds.
The bathroom industry is gearing up for the busiest trade show season since the pandemic – frankly, it’s about time. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a packed exhibition hall – the clinking of glasses at networking events, the hushed excitement around product launches, and, of course, the frantic Googling of stand locations when you've got 5 minutes to get across the venue.
Trade shows aren’t just about shaking hands and making connections. Business thrives when we come together – to spark innovation, to share ideas, and to get a real, tangible sense of where the industry is heading. Digital meetings are all well and good, but no one ever made a groundbreaking deal in a glitchy Zoom room.
The season kicks off with KBIS in February, where the BMA is flying the flag for British excellence. We’ve facilitated a British Pavilion to introduce the US designer community to brands combining heritage and cutting-edge innovation. If we know one thing, it’s how to make an impression overseas. I’ll also have the privilege of taking to the stage at KBIS to raise awareness of the Windsor Declaration, our industry’s commitment to sustainable water use.
March sees ISH, the key destination for bathroom innovation and Europe’s largest gathering of our sector. I’ve already caught wind of some sensational product launches – some will be game-changers. ISH will also mark the end of an era, as Yvonne Orgill steps down as MD of the Unified Water Label Association (UWLA). Yvonne has been a force of nature, tirelessly championing water efficiency across the UK and EU. The Unified Water Label remains absolutely crucial in helping consumers make informed choices, and policymakers should be backing it, not reinventing the wheel.
April brings Salone del Mobile, where bathrooms take a bit of a breather before their big return in 2026. But Salone remains essential for spotting emerging interior trends and seeing how our sector aligns with the wider world of design.
Finally, there's InstallerSHOW in June – where BMA’s presence will be bigger and better than ever. This year, we’re making waves with 3 days of content that will entertain, educate, and energise the tradespeople who keep this industry moving. We’re also introducing a special focus on designers midweek, bringing another key audience into the mix. And as for the big BMA news? Well, you’ll just have to join us at InstallerSHOW to find out.
So, buckle up – it’s going to be a hell of a season. See you on the show floor!
