Carl Linney, SupaLite’s Business Development Manager for the North, discusses trade shows and if they still matter.
In a fast-paced, digitally driven industry where product launches, demonstrations, and networking can all take place online, it’s easy to wonder whether traditional trade shows still hold the same value they once did. The question is, do trade shows still matter?
As SupaLite’s Business Development Manager for the North, I spend a lot of time on the road meeting installers and trade partners, and this question comes up more than you’d think. I firmly believe trade shows remain one of the most powerful tools for building real relationships and driving business growth.
Having spent over 20 years in the fenestration industry, I’ve seen trends come and go. Yet, one thing remains constant: the value of trade shows. They still matter, now more than ever.
Nothing Beats Real Conversations
At SupaLite, we pride ourselves on our partnerships. Whether you’re a long-time fabricator or a new installer looking to grow your business, we build our relationships on trust - and trust is built in person.
Trade shows give us the chance to step away from the digital world of phone calls and emails and give us the opportunity to have honest conversations about the challenges our customers are facing. It’s an opportunity to understand what our customers are really asking for in a supplier and how we can support them.
That level of insight is hard to get from behind a screen. We want to be where our customers are and where the conversations matter.
People Buy from People
In our industry, this is so important to remember. For us to effectively meet customer demands, we must first understand their needs and how we can best support them and help them grow their business.
Personal connection and going above and beyond for customers can make the difference - relationships and trust are everything.
At SupaLite, we’re not just providing roofing solutions - we’re offering exceptional customer service, technical guidance, marketing support, and access to our SupaLite installer network. All that starts with strong personal relationships, and trade shows are the perfect place to build them.
Building the Brand
Trade shows also help reinforce credibility. When you see a supplier invest the time and effort to exhibit at an event - it shows commitment, and we’re invested in the industry’s future.
These days, it’s about choosing the right events - the ones where meaningful conversations happen and the ones where we can really make a difference. Whether it's large national exhibitions or smaller regional events, we always go in with the same mindset: to listen, to learn, and to connect.
Trade shows are a brilliant platform to showcase our systems – from our popular SupaLite Tiled Roof System to our S1 Lantern, S2 Roof and ILite Flat Roof Orangery. It’s great seeing customers get a hands-on and in-depth experience of what we offer and how it can benefit them.
Do Trade Shows Still Matter?
Absolutely. But like everything else in business, they’ve evolved. They’re no longer just about handing out leaflets and collecting business cards. They’re about building relationships, sharing knowledge and giving people the chance to experience your products up close.
Our success at FIT Show 2025 is a testament to the passion and hard work of the SupaLite team. Every detail was driven by a commitment to our customers and trade partners – because we know just how valuable these events can be.
When it comes to partnerships, I still believe nothing beats a good conversation, face-to-face. This is how we have built long-term relationships with our valued customers - and it’s why trade shows remain a vital part of what we do.
