Professional Woodworking Expo preview
PWE expands with significant co-located events this June at the NEC
For Irish furniture manufacturers, joinery specialists and fit-out contractors looking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market, Professional Woodworking Expo (PWE) 2026 is shaping up to be a key date in the calendar.
Returning to NEC Birmingham from 23rd -25th June 2026, the show will bring together thousands of professionals across woodworking, interiors and construction – with significantly enhanced relevance for Irish businesses operating across both domestic and UK markets.
This year marks a major step forward for the event, with PWE co-locating alongside InstallerSHOW and the Painting & Decorating Show. The result is a large-scale, multi-trade environment that mirrors how projects are now delivered — from off-site manufacture and joinery production through to installation, finishing and final handover.
For Irish companies – particularly those involved in furniture manufacturing, bespoke joinery, timber-frame construction and interior fit-out – the co-location offers direct access to a much broader pool of specifiers, contractors and decision-makers. With many Irish firms actively working on UK as we as domestic projects or supplying into the market, the event provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen cross-channel relationships and win new business.
Developers and main contractors will also benefit from the joined-up format, gaining visibility of a wider supply chain in one place. From advanced woodworking machinery and materials to installation systems and finishing solutions, the event creates a more cohesive view of how modern construction and interiors projects come together.
The timing is particularly relevant as demand grows for off-site construction, sustainable timber solutions and high-quality interior finishes — areas where Irish manufacturers and specialists continue to play a strong role. PWE 2026 offers a platform to explore new technologies, improve efficiencies and stay ahead of changing project requirements.
On the show floor, visitors can expect a comprehensive showcase of the latest machinery, tools, software and materials, alongside innovations designed to enhance productivity and craftsmanship in both workshop and site environments.
Live demonstrations will once again be a major attraction, offering practical insight into cutting-edge processes and equipment. A series of expert-led seminars will address key industry challenges, while networking areas will create space for meaningful connections between manufacturers, contractors, designers and suppliers.
With over 200 brands exhibiting and more than 6000 woodworking professionals expected to attend, the 2026 edition is set to be the most ambitious yet – and one with clear relevance for the Irish market.
By bringing together woodworking, fabrication, installation and finishing under one roof, NEC Birmingham will become a central meeting point for the built environment this June – offering Irish attendees a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate and capitalise on opportunities across the UK and beyond.
Visitor registration is now open.
www.professionalwoodworkingexpo.com
Now co-located with Professional Woodworking Expo and InstallerSHOW, the Painting & Decorating Show is the UK’s only national trade exhibition dedicated to painters and decorators, offering a practical, focused experience for industry professionals. Held annually, it brings together contractors, suppliers, manufacturers and experts to showcase the latest products, materials and techniques.
Designed for working professionals, the event emphasises real-world application. Visitors can explore paints, coatings, tools and equipment, take part in live demonstrations and hands-on workshops, and gain insights from expert-led seminars on techniques, efficiency and profitability.
A long-established fixture in the industry calendar, the show is a key meeting point for discovering innovation, sharing knowledge and building connections. In 2026, its move to the NEC Birmingham alongside InstallerSHOW and Professional Woodworking Expo will provide access to an even broader range of construction and trade sectors.
For those looking to improve their craft and stay competitive, the Painting & Decorating Show remains an essential UK industry event.
InstallerSHOW is the UK’s leading event for professionals across heat, water, air and energy in the built environment. Held annually at the NEC Birmingham, it attracts tens of thousands of installers, specifiers and decision-makers, making it one of the sector’s most influential gatherings.
The exhibition brings together hundreds of brands to showcase the latest technologies, tools and solutions, from heating and plumbing to renewables and smart systems. It reflects the evolving demands of modern construction and building services.
A strong focus on skills and knowledge underpins the event, with live demonstrations, CPD-accredited seminars and expert-led sessions covering new techniques, regulations and industry trends. Dedicated zones highlight key areas including electrics, renewables, kitchens, bathrooms and tools.
In 2026, InstallerSHOW expands further with new features and co-located events such as the Painting & Decorating Show, World Plumbing Conference and Professional Woodworking Expo, creating a broader multi-trade platform.
For professionals in installation and building services, InstallerSHOW remains a benchmark event in the UK industry calendar.
