FIT Show cancelled

There will be no FIT Show in 2020. 

Instead, the show will revert to a biennial format, with the next event taking place on May 25-27, 2021, at the NEC Birmingham. 

The announcement came as Glass Times was going to press, and follows what the organisers called “continuing unprecedented political and economic uncertainty”.

“The conditions that prompted the announcement of a FIT Show in 2020 have all changed, even since we made the announcement at the 2019 event,” director Nickie West said.

“We have listened to the many active voices in the FIT Show community and will return the event to its most popular frequency, and everything that has made it a success. 

“It is with huge disappointment, and with a genuine desire to preserve the long-term success of FIT Show for the entire industry, that we have made this decision.”

Support for a 2021 event, according to the show’s organisers “continues to be very positive”.

“Where companies have been unable to commit to 2020, they have confirmed they will be a part of 2021,” Nickie said. “We can now pursue that enthusiasm and focus on delivering a fantastic FIT Show next year.” 

Co-founder and FIT Show director Paul Godwin said: “I believe the announcement to concentrate on 2021 is the right decision. The whole team is now focussed on ensuring FIT Show returns to its roots.”

Matthew Glover, who launched the show with Paul in 2013, said: “Trading conditions have been difficult and, while the 2020 event was announced in good faith, it has not proved possible to deliver an event of the stature the industry deserves and we will get back to the format the industry believes is the best for them.”