FIT Show 2027 takes place from 18 - 20 May 2027 at NEC Birmingham, showcasing the latest in window, door, hardware, and flat glass industries.
Dates
18–20 May 2027
City / country
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Venue
NEC
Time
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Event overview
FIT Show is the UK’s number one exhibition, dedicated to showcasing the window, door, hardware and flat glass industry.
Whether it’s the latest UPVC, timber or aluminum windows, doors or hardware that you are looking for, you’ll find it all at FIT Show.
TL;DR
Visitors gain access to the latest products, technologies, and trends in the window and door industry, along with networking opportunities with key industry players. Dates and Venue: FIT Show 2027 runs from 18 - 20 May 2027 at the NEC in Birmingham, UK.
Exhibitors can showcase their products to a targeted audience, gain visibility, and connect with potential buyers and partners in the industry. Scale and Focus: The leading exhibition for the window, door, hardware, and flat glass industry in the UK. Buyer Authority: Attracting industry professionals with decision-making power in window and door sectors. FIT Show is crucial for industry professionals to connect, learn about innovations, and explore new products in the window.
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
NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT, United Kingdom
Attend
Event days & opening times
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Visitors must show proof of trade activities for admission.
What's on
10
Seminar
1
Event days
10:20–16:10
Typical time
Ben Wallace
Group Head of Membership and Customer Relations @ GGF
Facing the Future: 2023 State of the Nation
Richard Harpin
Founder & Chairman @ HomeServe
8 Secrets to Building a £bn Home Improvements Business
Mike Butterick
Marketing Director @ Saint Gobain
Remanufacturing Post-Consumer Window Glass
Elton Boocock
Managing Director @ Business Pilot
Has the Tap Been Turned Off?
Richard Lannen
Founder and Host @ Glazing Insider
Lunchbreak with Lannen and Nickie West & Paul Godwin
Kevin Jones
Senior Technical Officer @ GGF
Where are we now and what next? Building Regulations 2023 & Beyond
Katherine George
Director @ Oh So Social
Get Social Media FIT; Five Easy Ways to Find & Secure Sales Using Social Media
Karen Fewell
Director @ Digital Blonde
The Power of a Great Story & How to Use Storytelling to Increase Sales
Chris Beedel
Head of Government Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations @ GGF
Future Homes Standard: A Window of Opportunity
Kirsty Pamment
Market Manager @ Saint-Gobain Glass
Inspiring a Different Conversation About Glass
Tuesday, May 18, 2027
Future Homes Standard: A Window of Opportunity
Facing the Future: 2023 State of the Nation
Inspiring a Different Conversation About Glass
8 Secrets to Building a £bn Home Improvements Business
Remanufacturing Post-Consumer Window Glass
Has the Tap Been Turned Off?
Lunchbreak with Lannen and Nickie West & Paul Godwin
Where are we now and what next? Building Regulations 2023 & Beyond
Get Social Media FIT; Five Easy Ways to Find & Secure Sales Using Social Media
The Power of a Great Story & How to Use Storytelling to Increase Sales
How the last edition performed
Visitors
10,000
Photos
Impact
FIT Show is the UK’s number one exhibition, dedicated to showcasing the window, door, hardware and flat glass industry. Whether it’s the latest UPVC, timber or aluminum windows, doors or hardware that you are looking for, you’ll find it all at FIT Show. FIT Show is crucial for industry professionals to connect, learn about innovations, and explore new products in the window and door sectors. FIT Show 2027 takes place from 18.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Window and door manufacturers, Architects and designers, Construction professionals, Building contractors. Dates and Venue: FIT Show 2027 runs from 18 - 20 May 2027 at the NEC in Birmingham, UK. Scale and Focus: The leading exhibition for the window, door, hardware, and flat glass industry in the UK. Organiser: Hosted by Montgomery Group, a global events company with extensive experience. Buyer Authority: Attracting industry professionals with decision-making power in window and door.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors can showcase their products to a targeted audience, gain visibility, and connect with potential buyers and partners in the industry. Scale and Focus: The leading exhibition for the window, door, hardware, and flat glass industry in the UK. Buyer Authority: Attracting industry professionals with decision-making power in window and door sectors. FIT Show is crucial for industry professionals to connect, learn about innovations, and explore new products in the window.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending Fit Show on 2027-05-18 to 2027-05-20 in Birmingham lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
Digital buyer journeys describe how specifiers and fabricators research products online and arrive with pre-built shortlists and meeting agendas.
Sustainability in procurement
Sustainability in procurement is the shift toward specifying energy-efficient glazing, recyclable profiles and lower-carbon supply chains.
Automation and labour efficiency
Automation and labour efficiency cover machinery, software and services that cut manual work in fabrication and installation.
Regional supply-chain resilience
Regional supply-chain resilience is the practice of diversifying profile, hardware and glass suppliers across the UK, Europe and Asia.
Hybrid engagement models
Hybrid engagement models combine the live FIT Show experience with follow-up webinars, digital catalogues and year-round supplier portals.
Window, door, glass and façade buyers typically plan FIT Show alongside international peer fairs to benchmark profiles, hardware and machinery across the UK, European and Gulf markets in the same buying cycle.
Pre-show
Confirm exhibitor meetings and product demonstrations for FIT Show; compare European peer fairs for the same product lines.
Show week (18–20 May 2027)
Hall walk-throughs, live machinery and fabrication demonstrations, Seminar Theatre compliance updates, and supplier negotiations.
Peer events are established sector fairs run by their own organisers; check current dates on each event website before booking travel.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Nearest gateway; links to Birmingham International, a short transfer or walk from the halls.
approx 1 mile (1.6 km) to the NEC campus
to venue
5-10 min
by car
Coventry Airport
Smaller regional airport with limited scheduled services.
approx 12 miles (19 km) (estimate)
to venue
25-35 min (estimate)
by car
East Midlands Airport
Reached via the M42/M1; suits road transfers.
approx 40 miles (64 km) (estimate)
to venue
45-60 min (estimate)
by car
London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport (LTN) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr (estimate) by road or rail to NEC.
approx 90 miles (145 km) (estimate)
to venue
1 hr 30 min to 2 hr (estimate)
by car
London Heathrow Airport
Rail via London or direct coach services to Birmingham.
approx 110 miles (177 km) (estimate)
to venue
2 hr to 2 hr 30 min (estimate)
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC by IHG
Staybridge Suites Birmingham by IHG
Travelodge Birmingham Central Bull Ring
Premier Inn Birmingham Central (Hagley Road)
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
train
About a 10-minute covered walk from the station to the halls; trains from Birmingham city centre take under 15 minutes.
taxi
BHX sits adjacent to the NEC campus; short road transfer of roughly 5-10 minutes.
taxi
Allow 25-40 minutes depending on traffic; rail is usually faster at peak times.
taxi
25-35 min (estimate); Smaller regional airport with limited scheduled services.
taxi
45-60 min (estimate); Reached via the M42/M1; suits road transfers.
taxi
1 hr 30 min to 2 hr (estimate); London Luton Airport (LTN) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr (estimate) by road or rail to NEC.
taxi
2 hr to 2 hr 30 min (estimate); Rail via London or direct coach services to Birmingham.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa (business) | Visa nationals visiting the UK for trade shows, meetings, negotiations or work-related training for up to 6 months. | $170.00 | Typically around 3 weeks; apply several weeks before travel. |
Weather
Birmingham in May 2027 sees average daytime highs of about 15-16 C and overnight lows of 6-7 C, with roughly 60-68 mm of rain spread over about 12-14 wet days. Plan for changeable, showery weather and cool evenings during FIT Show.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies — confirm with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress and greetings
Smart casual is standard at UK trade shows — chinos or smart trousers with a collared shirt — while supplier meetings or awards events call for a jacket. Handshakes are the norm on first meeting; first names are used quickly in the fenestration trade after you exchange cards.
Tipping and paying
Restaurant bills in Birmingham usually include a 10–12.5% discretionary service charge; check before adding a tip. Card and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, including NEC catering, so cash is rarely needed beyond small amounts.
Pub and networking etiquette
In pubs you order and pay at the bar rather than waiting for table service, and rounds are often shared. Business cards are exchanged freely on stands, and technical conversations at the NEC start with a firm handshake and a quick company introduction.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: BHX
Book flights to BHX when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare CVT only if fares are materially lower.
Many nationalities can visit the UK for up to 6 months for business without a visa, while visa nationals need a Standard Visitor visa for trade shows, meetings, negotiations and work-related training. Check your nationality and permitted business activities on GOV.UK before booking travel to FIT Show 2027.
Estimated cost: GBP 135 (approximately USD 170) for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa.
Processing: Typically around 3 weeks for a Standard Visitor visa decision; apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel.
FIT Show is a trade-only event: carry proof of trade activity such as a business card or invoices for badge collection. Check permitted business activities on GOV.UK before travel and keep copies of your invitation and accommodation booking.
OfficialFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2027-05-17
Check-out (recommended)
2027-05-20
Areas to stay
Birmingham city centre · Birmingham city centre (Hagley Road) · NEC campus / Birmingham Airport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Birmingham Airport (BHX): 5-10 min; Coventry Airport (CVT): 25-35 min (estimate); East Midlands Airport (EMA): 45-60 min (estimate); London Luton Airport (LTN): 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr (estimate). Allow road or rail time to NEC; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near NEC: NEC campus / Birmingham Airport: Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC by IHG; Birmingham city centre: Staybridge Suites Birmingham by IHG; Birmingham city centre: Travelodge Birmingham Central Bull Ring.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Birmingham; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Birmingham International railway station is about a 10-minute walk from the NEC halls via a covered walkway. Trains from Birmingham city centre take under 15 minutes and frequent services run to London. Use Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) journey planning for NEC Campus routes.
Parking: On-site parking is available at NEC; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May 2027
Temperature: Average highs 15-16 C; average lows 6-7 C (Birmingham, May).
Seasonality: May is one of Birmingham's wetter months: about 60-68 mm of rain across roughly 12-14 wet days, with frequent short showers and changeable conditions.
Packing: Pack light layers, a waterproof jacket or umbrella and comfortable walking shoes for the NEC halls; evenings stay cool at around 6-9 C.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday 18 May 2027 — Day 1 (opening day)
Day 1 carries the fullest Seminar Theatre schedule, opening at 11:00 with the State of the Nation address and running eight sessions through to 16:10, including the Building Regulations update from GGF and the lunchbreak industry panel. Exhibitors are freshest, senior commercial and technical staff are on the stands, and opening-day product launches and press activity are concentrated into this first window — making it the strongest single day for buyers travelling to the NEC.
Confirm visa eligibility on GOV.UK — Visa nationals should begin a Standard Visitor visa application for FIT Show 2027 now; allow several weeks.
Book flights into Birmingham Airport (BHX) — BHX is adjacent to the NEC; London hubs are an option with onward rail to Birmingham International.
Reserve a hotel near the NEC or Birmingham International — Suggested check-in 17 May 2027 and check-out 20 May 2027; NEC campus rooms fill quickly.
Register online for a trade badge — Register at fitshow.co.uk; FIT Show is trade-only and badges are checked at the door.
Download the hall plan and exhibitor catalogue — Shortlist window, door, hardware and flat glass suppliers by category before travel.
Pre-schedule exhibitor meetings — Use the exhibitor catalogue and contact forms to book stand appointments in advance.
Shortlist CPD sessions and Demo Zone demos — Plan a daily agenda around the CPD-accredited content programme and live Demos.
Plan daily transport — Train to Birmingham International station, about a 10-minute walk from the halls via covered walkway.
Pack for cool, showery weather — Birmingham May highs are 15-16 C with 60-68 mm of rain; bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
Prepare proof of trade activity — Carry a business card, invoices or company ID for badge collection under the admissions policy.
Assemble meeting materials and lead-capture tools — Load business cards and a notes app to record supplier quotes and follow-up actions.
Day 1 arrival and badge collection — Arrive early at the NEC, collect your badge and confirm your first-day stand schedule.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwick Castle and Warwick
Seminar Theatre
Exhibitor stands in the hardware and systems zones
Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC bar and lounge
Budget
Adjust 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.
visa_fee
visitor · Standard Visitor visa (business)
USD 170 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visa_fee | visitor | Standard Visitor visa (business) | USD 170 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
UK window, door and glazing fabricators, installers, specifiers and building merchants sourcing profiles, hardware and flat glass systems; purchasing influence is high at this trade-only show.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-6 weeks to book flights, rail tickets and NEC-area hotel rooms before May 2027.
Risks
NEC-area hotels fill quickly around major events, so book early
Visa nationals should allow several weeks for a Standard Visitor visa
exhibit
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Fenestration systems, hardware, machinery and flat glass suppliers targeting UK fabricators and installers; FIT Show 2025 drew over 10,000 professionals and more than 5,300 companies.
Min. budget
$3,500.00
Timeline
6-9 months to book stand space, design the build and submit organiser forms.
Risks
Stand space and build-up slots at the NEC go early
Out-of-hours working on site is charged at GBP 250 per hour per stand
skip
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Non-trade visitors and buyers outside the window, door, hardware and flat glass sector; FIT Show operates a strict trade admissions policy and requires proof of trade activity.
Timeline
No lead time; monitor the exhibitor catalogue and organiser press releases instead.
Risks
Trade-only entry requires proof of trade activity at the door
No consumer retail offers at this event
Book with
Recommended providers
FAQs & glossary
Glossary
Trust footer
5
References
2
Publishers
0
Date checked
Montgomery Group
FIT Show
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
