Buildex Belfast 2027: construction trade show at Eikon, 7-8 April
Dates
7–8 Apr 2027
City / country
Lisburn, United Kingdom
Venue
Eikon Exhibition Centre
Time
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Event overview
Buildex Belfast 2027 runs 7-8 April at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn, co-located with Electex and Plumbex under the Bepex banner.
The two-day trade show gives builders, subcontractors, electricians and plumbers hands-on access to new products, live demonstrations and expert-led trade talks.
Entry is free for trade visitors who register in advance.
TL;DR
See and handle new building products, tools and site systems in one hall while meeting suppliers who can price and support them locally. The co-located Electex and Plumbex halls let a single visit cover electrical, plumbing and construction buying in a day or two.
Buildex puts your product in front of builders, subcontractors, specifiers and merchants who are actively selecting materials and equipment for live projects. A stand here buys concentrated face time with Northern Ireland's installation and procurement trade, supported by Bepex's regional marketing reach.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
1Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Halftown Road, Sprucefield, Lisburn BT27 5RF, United Kingdom
Entrances & gates
Main visitor entrance
Registration and badge collection are inside the main foyer.
Food options
Venue catering outlets
On-site diningParking: Use the Balmoral Park approach off Halftown Road; the venue is about 15 minutes from central Belfast and 30 minutes from Belfast International Airport. Allow extra time on the first morning.
Gate: Enter through the main Eikon Exhibition Centre entrance and follow BEPEX/Buildex signage to visitor registration.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Trade visitor registration
Free entry for trade visitors; registration is required.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Register online in advance and collect your badge at the main visitor entrance on arrival.
Ticket notes
Registration is free for trade visitors and covers access to Buildex, Electex and Plumbex.
What's on
Electex
Electrical trade show covering lighting, smart buildings, EV charging, power and security.
Same hall and dates as Buildex under the Bepex Belfast banner.
WebsitePlumbex
Plumbing, heating and M&E trade show covering pipes, boilers, heat pumps and water systems.
Same hall and dates as Buildex under the Bepex Belfast banner.
WebsiteHow the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Exhibitors: 150
This edition
2027
Visitors: 3,500
Exhibitors: 175
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
New this edition
Net Zero Hub
The 2025 edition introduced a Net Zero Hub with trade talks on decarbonisation and the green economy; the 2027 programme has not yet been published.
SourceImpact
Buildex matters most to suppliers that need specification and installer traction in Northern Ireland rather than broad consumer exposure. Co-location with Electex and Plumbex concentrates three trade audiences in one hall, so a single stand or visit reaches builders, electricians and plumbers who influence product choice on live projects.
Audience quality
The audience is small but occupational: contractors, subcontractors, specifiers, merchants and M&E trades. That makes conversations technical and buying-oriented, with fewer casual visitors than a public home show. The trade-only, free-registration model favours qualified attendance, although the organiser does not publish audited visitor numbers.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on follow-up rather than footfall alone. A 150-plus exhibitor regional show can deliver concentrated specification conversations, but exhibitors should budget for a modest two-day audience and set a clear lead target. There is no published rebooking, satisfaction or audited ROI data, so model returns from your own pipeline rather than organiser claims.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Northern Ireland's construction pipeline spans housing, retrofit, health, education and commercial work, yet the market is small enough that buyers and installers meet face to face. Buildex puts building-material, tool and system suppliers in the same hall as electrical and plumbing trades, giving them a compact route to specification and site adoption across the region.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Retrofit and energy efficiency
Upgrading the existing housing and public-building stock is driving demand for insulation, glazing, ventilation and heat-pump-ready systems.
What it changes: Suppliers with proven retrofit products can meet contractors and specifiers who need compliant, installable solutions rather than concept products.
Modern methods of construction
Off-site and precision-manufactured building systems are gaining ground where programmes are tight and quality must be repeatable.
What it changes: Buildex gives MMC suppliers a regional stage to show builders and developers how factory-built elements cut site time and waste.
Electrification of heat and transport
Heat pumps, EV charging and smarter electrical controls are pulling electrical and plumbing trades into the same specification conversation.
What it changes: Co-location with Electex and Plumbex lets building suppliers reach the electricians and heating engineers who install the kit.
Buildex runs inside Bepex Belfast, alongside sister editions in Dublin and Limerick. Buyers tracking the Irish construction calendar can pair Belfast with the Dublin and Limerick dates.
Bepex Dublin 2026
Dublin, Ireland
Dates listed on the official Bepex homepage: Wed 9 Sept 2026 and Thur 10 Sept 2026.
websiteBepex Belfast 2027 (Buildex, Electex, Plumbex)
Lisburn, United Kingdom
Dates and venue confirmed on the official Bepex homepage.
websiteBepex Limerick 2028
Limerick, Ireland
The exhibitor page lists Tuesday 11 April and Wednesday 12 April at UL Sport Arena; 11 April falls on a Tuesday in 2028, so these are planning dates.
websiteSpring NI trade window
April avoids the pre-Christmas retail crunch and sits before peak summer site work.
Autumn Irish circuit
Dublin runs in September, giving exhibitors a second Irish touchpoint in the same calendar year.
Belfast dates and venue are sourced from bepex.ie; Dublin and Limerick dates are circuit planning estimates.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Largest NI airport; buses and taxis connect to Belfast and onward to Lisburn.
18 miles
to venue
about 30 minutes
by car
George Best Belfast City Airport
Closest airport to central Belfast for Dublin and UK connections.
12 miles
to venue
about 25 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 95–130 / night
Estimate for April 2027 midweek; book 8-12 weeks out.
USD 150–210 / night
Estimate; city-centre rates rise when a major event is on.
USD 230–320 / night
Estimate for a four-star-plus room; breakfast and parking may be extra.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Train
Frequent NI Railways service; the final leg is a short taxi ride.
Taxi / rideshare
About 20-30 minutes depending on traffic; agree the fare or use the app.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | Visitors who are visa nationals and not eligible for the UK's visa-free arrangements | — | Typically around 3 weeks |
Irish citizens do not need a visa and have free movement to the UK. Many EU and Commonwealth visitors can enter visa-free for short business visits; check current rules.
No ATA carnet procedure was published for this show; ask the organiser and your freight forwarder before shipping samples.
Official visa pageWeather
April in Lisburn is cool and changeable: daytime highs around 10-13C, lows around 4-6C, with a good chance of showers and wind. Pack a waterproof layer and comfortable shoes.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage is good in the Belfast area. Venue Wi-Fi is not published for visitors; bring a UK/EU roaming plan or a local SIM for data.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Polite, direct trade talk
Northern Ireland business conversation is friendly but efficient; bring a clear product story and a leave-behind with local pricing.
Currency and cards
Sterling is used in Northern Ireland. Contactless cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for taxis and small purchases.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: BFS (Belfast International) or BHD (George Best Belfast City)
Book 6-10 weeks out for April 2027; Belfast is served by direct UK and European routes, with Dublin as a rail-and-bus alternative.
Book flightsIrish citizens need no visa. Other visitors should check the UK Standard Visitor route; many nationalities can visit visa-free for short business trips.
Estimated cost: Visa fees vary by nationality; check the official page
Processing: Allow around 3 weeks if a visa is required
Carry your invitation letter, hotel booking and return ticket if asked at the border.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: BFS to Eikon is about 30 minutes by car or taxi; BHD is about 25 minutes.
Hotel → venue: Trains from Belfast to Lisburn run frequently, with a short taxi at the far end; taxis take 20-30 minutes.
Ride-hail: Uber and local taxi firms operate in Belfast and Lisburn; pre-book for the evening session.
Public transit: NI Railways to Lisburn plus local bus or taxi; allow 45-60 minutes door to door.
Parking: On-site parking at Balmoral Park; arrive early on the opening evening.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April
Temperature: 10-13C daytime, 4-6C overnight
Seasonality: Changeable spring weather with frequent showers and wind
Packing: Waterproof jacket, layers, comfortable shoes and a compact umbrella.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Thursday 8 April 2027
The Thursday session runs a full 9am-4pm day, giving more time for meetings and talks than the shorter Wednesday evening opening.
Register for a free trade badge and book travel — Use the Bepex registration link; check passport or ID validity.
Book hotel and plan the Belfast or Lisburn transfer — April is busy; aim for a refundable rate.
Shortlist exhibitors and download the show app — Set three priority meetings per hall.
Print or save the badge, tickets and floor notes — Pack business cards and a charged phone.
Confirm meeting times and travel route — Check weather and leave buffer for traffic.
Arrive, collect badge and walk the construction hall
Main visitor entranceSupplier meetings with three priority building brands
Buildex hallAttend a trade talk on retrofit or MMC
Talks areaNetworking and follow-up notes before close
Show floorBelfast Titanic Quarter
Heritage
About 20 minutes from central Belfast
Titanic Belfast and the dockyard tell the city's industrial story in a compact half-day.
Giant's Causeway
Coastal Day Trip
About 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Belfast
UNESCO-listed basalt columns and a dramatic north-coast drive if you add a weekend.
Belfast city centre pubs and restaurants
Evening networking
Cathedral Quarter and Donegall Square have good options within walking distance of city hotels.
Eikon show-floor talks area
In-show networking
Trade talks and demo sessions create natural conversation points between stands.
Buildex conversations are project-driven. The exhibitor list is regional, so a disciplined 48-hour follow-up beats a mass email after the show.
Budget
Shell scheme
GBP 55–75 / m²
Raw space
GBP 180–260 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative 2027 bands for a UK regional trade show; confirm the official tariff with the organiser.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
shell_scheme
exhibitor · standard
GBP 4410–5985 / 9 sqm stand
hotel
visitor · mid
USD 450–630 / 3 nights
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| shell_scheme | exhibitor | standard | GBP 4410–5985 / 9 sqm stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | visitor | mid | USD 450–630 / 3 nights | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip Buildex Belfast 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your budget for this trip or stand?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have live projects and want to compare products in person.
Best for
Contractors, specifiers and buyers within reach of Belfast
Min. budget
$600.00
Timeline
2-4 weeks
Risks
Limited time to see every stand
April travel price spikes
exhibit
You can commit to a stand, staff and structured follow-up.
Best for
Suppliers targeting NI specification and installer demand
Min. budget
$6,000.00
Timeline
3-6 months
Risks
Small regional footfall
No published visitor audit
skip
The show does not match your product category or sales territory.
Best for
Consumer audiences or suppliers with no UK/Ireland route to market
Timeline
None
Risks
Missing a compact regional trade audience
Book with
Eikon Exhibition Centre
Balmoral Park events campus and home of Bepex Belfast.
Venue named on the official Bepex pages.
KMP Publishing & Events Ltd
Publisher and event organiser behind the Bepex trade-show series.
Organiser contact details published on Bepex.
Federation of Master Builders
UK construction trade body representing builders and contractors.
Relevant industry body; not confirmed as a show partner.
Invest Northern Ireland
Regional inward-investment and business-support agency.
Public body relevant to exhibitors; not confirmed as a show partner.
Recommended providers
Check nationality-specific visitor requirements.
Book a refundable Belfast or Lisburn rate.
Compare Belfast International and Belfast City fares.
Exhibition freight and UK/EU customs support.
Public liability and exhibition cover for exhibitors.
Local itinerary and hospitality ideas.
Badge scanning and CRM-ready lead capture.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
6
References
3
Publishers
6
Date checked
Bepex / KMP Publishing & Events
Newsletter
Eikon Exhibition Centre
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