On the 10th and 11th February 2008, The Ricoh Arena, Coventry was the venue for the BBSA’s first major show since 2005, and judging by the visitor numbers and response, a show has been long overdue.

With a broad range of more than 50 exhibitors from different sectors of the industry, visitors from all over the UK, plus a number from abroad, were able to keep up to speed with the latest advancements in product developments and get a clear picture of what some of the industry’s most influential players were focussing on for the future. Visitors were also able to take advantage of the informative seminar programme covering a range of current topics effecting the industry and business as a whole. Full seminar areas and discussion in the aisles and on stands indicated that seminar topics had struck the right chord with visitors.

A large part of the build up to the show had focussed on the BBSA’s launch of Shade Specifier, the new building modelling programme produced in conjunction with IES. The seminar indicated that in a climate where solar shading – both internally and externally – is required now more than ever before, companies need to recognise the opportunities on offer to them. After 12 months of development the BBSA Technical committee has developed Shade Specifier which allows users to show the energy saving benefits of adding external and/or internal shading as the model will calculate the reduction in energy costs and CO2 emissions based on the blinds specified.

Shade Specifier is clearly going to have a huge impact on the industry and used correctly will assist companies in converting sales and help sell more shading systems. The seminar talked of the need for ‘Blinds to become part of the Building Services package’ as ‘Blinds are an integral part of a building’s efficient make up’. Companies need to realise that the he public are becoming increasingly energy efficient conscious and use this to their advantage. Shade Specifier is a step along the way to achieving these goals and with revised models and updated programmes expected in the future, it is clear that this could be a big development for the future of the industry. However, the show was about so much more than just Shade Specifier. If a trade show is in someway a reflection of the industry it supports, it is fair to say that we are in pretty good shape. As the first show since 2005, it is clear that there is a solid platform to build on. And with plans in place for another Showcase event in 2010, exhibitors will have another great stage and audience to promote their innovation and developments to.