DesignBUILD Industry Expo Showcases Global Inspiration

For the Australian building industry, choosing between Australian and internationally manufactured tools and materials is a long running debate, but the choice often comes down to a price comparison and ease of opportunity to view inspiration and meet manufacturers.

In response to the needs of the industry, this year's DesignBUILD expo will play host to international pavilions and exhibitors from more than 10 countries when it opens at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 27 - 29 June 2012.

For manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers there will be no better place to source new materials and suppliers. Many international products are already compliant with Australian standards and most international pavilions are hosted by the relevant government trade office where visitors can conduct business with confidence.

Exhibition Manager, Frank Matus, comments "Many trades and professionals in the building industry are already using international products by choice and the industry needs a better system of sourcing and supplying building products rather than assuming busy trades and professionals will travel interstate or overseas to gather information.

DesignBUILD will offer that opportunity by showcasing the latest technologies and innovations from around Australia and the globe, with relevant suppliers and government trade offices from Austria, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and Taiwan on board.

"We will continue to strongly support Australian made products, and have the backing of many leading Australian associations such as the Australian Institute of Architects, Alternative Technology Association, Building Designers Association Victoria, Master Plumbers and EcoSpecifier Global but we've covered all the inspiration bases from around the world at this year's expo," he said.

Australian and international manufacturers aren't the only focus at DesignBUILD, with the expo featuring the largest ever Green Building Zone and all new Tool Demo Stations which is a first for Melbourne.

"This year's expo has been built for the industry featuring the latest products, solutions and services needed to build more sustainably, more efficiently and more affordably.

"The expo is already larger than 2011, which was one of our most successful DesignBUILD expos to date in terms of both exhibitors on show and visitors," he said.

DesignBUILD 2012 will also feature an inspirational CPD accredited seminar series hosted by leading industry speakers, whilst the traditional Innovation Alley will become interactive for the first year ever.

"We are committed to delivering relevant content in an interactive environment where visitors can use all five senses, which is why we have really focused on developing Innovation Alley.

"Visitors will be able to explore a hand-picked selection of the top innovative products in the market with the chance to touch materials, feel textures and listen to case studies in a non-sales environment, whilst knowing that they can visit the exhibitor on their stand for further information."

Entry to DesignBUILD is FREE for trades and professionals in the building and construction industry. To find out more and register, visit www.designbuildexpo.com.au