BUILDFest Debuts in Vancouver, Revolutionizing the Construction Trade Show Experience

📅 Today

Vancouver's inaugural BUILDFest, a unique blend of trade show and music festival, aims to transform networking and learning in the construction industry.

Vancouver’s construction landscape has recently welcomed an innovative trade show that sets itself apart from traditional events. On September 24, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) launched its first-ever BUILDFest at the Pacific National Exhibition grounds. This event marks a significant evolution in the typical trade show format, as expressed by VRCA president Jeannine Martin, who noted that this initiative has been in development since her arrival at the organization three years ago.
Martin explained that the idea for a trade show had been discussed for some time, but it was challenging to find the right opportunity amidst the various demands on member businesses. The concept took a defining shape when a member of the VRCA team proposed a format combining elements of a trade show with the vibrant atmosphere of a music festival. "Trade show meets Coachella" was how Martin described the vision behind BUILDFest.
The event not only showcased exhibits but also included a series of engaging presentations known as BuildTalks. In preparation for these talks, the VRCA solicited submissions from industry professionals, ultimately selecting six topics that were deemed most appealing to attendees. The atmosphere at BUILDFest was designed to be dynamic and informal, encouraging networking among participants.
Attendees enjoyed the relaxed setting of a beer garden while listening to concise, informative talks that allowed for easy movement and mingling. Martin emphasized that the event was crafted to facilitate a seamless experience where learning, networking, and enjoyment could occur organically throughout the day. She anticipated a surge of attendees later in the day when a band was scheduled to perform, creating what they termed a "construction block party."
Chris Atchison, president of the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA), also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with VRCA, referring to his organization as the "yes department" when it came to supporting bold ideas. He acknowledged that the partnership aimed to inject a fresh perspective into the construction calendar, with the goal of celebrating the industry in a casual yet impactful manner.
Atchison noted that the event provided an opportunity for professionals to connect with one another in an environment that felt both inviting and visually appealing. He remarked, "You’re coming here to meet friends from across the industry, finding them and spending time with them. It works and it’s a comfortable environment that doesn’t feel sterile."
The overall design of BUILDFest was intended to foster a natural flow for attendees, allowing them to engage fully with the event’s offerings while also enjoying the ambiance. As the day unfolded, the excitement of the event was palpable, with expectations for a vibrant turnout continuing into the evening.
The Journal of Commerce plans to provide further coverage on topics discussed at BUILDFest in upcoming articles, highlighting the significance of this event in reshaping the construction industry's approach to engagement and learning.

Related Posts