The Big 5 2012: Building on solid foundations

"This event has a history spanning more than 30 years, and over this period we have grown and evolved to ensure we meet the diversifying needs of our exhibitors and visitors", says Andy White, event director for The Big 5. "Many of our exhibitors have been participating in The Big 5 since its inception but their requirements have changed significantly since then, and will continue to do each year, as the industry matures and evolves."

The November event will see six main product sector areas: Kitchens, Bathrooms & Surfaces (inclusive of marble, stone & ceramic); HVAC; Steel; Water Technology; Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants; Windows & Doors. With co-located shows, FM Expo, Middle East Concrete and PMV Live, participants have access to the complete range of construction and building products and services.

Knowledge is power
As well as over 44,000sqm of exhibition, The Big 5 2012 will also host a number of informative and education elements. With 60 per cent of last year's participants stating that one of the major reasons for attending the event was to keep up to date with the very latest trends and developments from across the industry, it was vital for The Big 5 organisers to compile a selection of conferences, seminars and workshops that delivered the most relevant news and research.

The Green Build Conference has quickly become a popular feature during The Big 5, addressing a topic that continues to grow in prominence and importance for all sectors of the construction industry. The seminars will focus on products, innovations, technologies and regulations within the GCC – an excellent opportunity for regional companies to showcase their expertise to an international audience. Hosting seminars is an opportunity open to both exhibitors and visitors, with sessions running each day of the event.

A new addition to 2012 will be the LEED workshops, focussing on core concepts and also implementation. Workshop facilitator, Mario Seneviratne, a LEED fellow and director of sustainability at Green Technologies FZCO, will take participants through two sessions. The first will cover core concepts and strategies, providing information on sustainable building concepts that are fundamental to all LEED rating systems. Participants will leave with a much fuller understanding of the LEED intents and processes, as well as key metrics and standards.

The second workshop is more in-depth and for those who are already familiar with the LEED ratings system. The discussion will touch upon the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the LEED process and strategies that can help communicate LEED to team members. Mr Seneviratne will walk participants through LEED implementation strategies, utilising interactive scenarios to help bring the process to life. All participants will receive a certificate from the US Green Building Council for attending, and full course material packs.

"The Big 5 has grown to become so much more than an exhibitor for its participants. During the four-day event, we want people to be able to find real added value in attending, and leave having done business and learned something new that they can apply to their work," says White. "We have secured some of the most knowledgeable professionals from across the building and construction world, to present, discuss and debate on a number of topics key to the current and future status of the industry."

Rewarding green
Promoting green initiatives is a subject that The Big 5 has been committed to championing strongly over the past few years. The Gaia awards will be another returning feature this year; now in its fourth year, the awards have grown to become a leading recognition for companies who are honouring green building initiatives. White concluded, "This year, we are anticipating another extremely successful event. The sentiment towards the regional construction industryNike Magista Obra Low