RMBF aligns conference with leading trade event

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Two of the biggest brands in New Zealand building, the biennial BuildNZ Trade Exhibition and the Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF), have joined forces to create the ultimate event for all those associated with the building, design and interiors industries in New Zealand.

The event now sees the RMBF, whose membership is collectively responsible for two-thirds of the total value of all construction work in New Zealand, bring its annual conference and educational activities alongside BuildNZ, creating a complete one-stop-shop for products, services, education and professional development.
The conference will be co-located at BuildNZ, alongside the Designex and Plush exhibitions at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, and will run from June 25 to 27 next year. BuildNZ runs from June 26 to 28.

The event is expected to attract more than 7000 visitors, and what is expected to be more than 250 leading trade exhibitors.
Conference seminars will be held on site at BuildNZ, with an extensive line-up of forums open to all exhibitors and trade visitors.
“Having the knowledge and professionalism of the RMBF together with BuildNZ’s proven trade exhibition format creates a must-see event happening at the ideal time for the industry,” XPO Exhibitions director Brent Spillane says.

“BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander has recently referred to research suggesting New Zealand needs around 23,000 new houses built each year to keep up with expected population growth,” Mr Spillane says.
“New housing consents are falling well short of that number at present. However, it remains important for the construction industry to prepare for growth some time in the future. The (combined) BuildNZ seminars and exhibitions will help with that preparation,” he says.

Mr Spillane adds that the announcement coincides with a greater emphasis on industry professional standards for ongoing training and education.
“It absolutely makes sense to combine the professional knowledge component (of the RMBF seminars) with the extensive industry products and services on offer at our BuildNZ event,” he says.

“We are also working with other leading building and interiors authorities and associations to bolster the education and key speaker platform even further.”
RMBF chief executive Warwick Quinn is extremely enthusiastic about the partnership.
“The RMBF is thrilled to be bringing these industry-leading events together. Having been a supporter of BuildNZ in the past we’re well aware of the benefits to those involved in the industry who attend. We will be actively encouraging all RMBF members to be there in 2011,” he says.

A schedule of seminars will be created closer to the date, but Mr Quinn notes that the timing of the event coincides with the introduction of builder licensing. New weathertightness legislation adds to the importance of all builders attending.

“It is also very likely that attendance will qualify for professional development points that professional builders will require to be licensed in future,” he says.

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