Industry Fairs Still Matter
- James Treble
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
There is a particular kind of education that simply cannot be downloaded. It involves walking kilometres of exhibition halls, touching materials, opening drawers, sitting on sofas, asking detailed technical questions and having long conversations over espresso about why one hinge feels better than another. It is immersive, energising and occasionally overwhelming. And for those of us who design homes professionally, it is essential.
As designers working in Australia, we are fortunate to have access to an extraordinary range of products. But our market is shaped by global movements. Finishes, technologies, sustainability benchmarks, hardware innovation, appliance integration, bathroom wellness trends. Much of it begins overseas before it reaches our shores.
Travelling to national and international fairs allows us to:
• See products before they arrive in Australia
• Understand how materials are being used in context
• Assess quality firsthand
• Build direct relationships with manufacturers
There is a significant difference between scrolling through a catalogue and physically testing a product. When I specify something for a client, I want to know how it feels, how it functions and how it ages. That knowledge comes from showing up.
Travelling in Uncertain Times
Of course, travel today is not as carefree as it once felt. Political tensions, economic shifts and global instability can make international movement more complex and, at times, uncomfortable. Yet the exchange of ideas remains one of the most powerful antidotes to uncertainty. When designers, manufacturers and builders gather in one place, there is collaboration, innovation and resilience. Industry keeps moving forward, and so do we. What International Fairs shape my work?
Milan is often described as the epicentre of global design. Every year the city transforms into a celebration of ideas, materials and experimentation. I attend every second year when the spotlight from Furniture also shines on Kitchens and Bathrooms. That focus makes it particularly relevant to my practice. During those editions, the depth of innovation is extraordinary. Integrated appliances disappear into joinery. Stone surfaces evolve in sustainability and performance. Hardware becomes architectural jewellery. Lighting is softer, more layered and more emotionally considered.
Held annually in Bologna, Italy, this fair is dedicated to tiles and bathroom furnishings. For anyone working with surfaces, it is invaluable. I attend every year, partly because it coincides with time spent in Europe, mixing professional research with personal travel. But make no mistake, the learning is serious.
At CERSAIE I discover:
• Advances in large format porcelain surfaces
• Innovations in sustainable manufacturing
• New textures and finishes
• Technical waterproofing and installation systems
• Bathroom wellness solutions evolving year by year
Tiles are not just finishes. They define durability, maintenance and environmental performance. Seeing them at scale, across hundreds of exhibitors, sharpens the eye and refines specification decisions back home.
Travel With Me :)
If international travel is not in your plans, you can still be part of the experience. I will be sharing live updates from Milan and Bologna across my social media channels, highlighting what is truly relevant to the Australian market. Not just the dramatic installations, but the practical innovations. The materials worth considering. The products likely to land here. The ideas that can genuinely improve how we design and build. Think of it as a curated window into the fairs, filtered through an Australian lens.
Why Supporting Australian Fairs Matters Just As Much
Global inspiration is vital. But so is local connection. Australia has a strong design and manufacturing community. Supporting our industry fairs is not only about discovering products. It is about strengthening relationships and nurturing collaboration.
Decor & Design (Industry only)
Running for over two decades, Decor & Design has become a cornerstone of our interiors industry. I have attended for many years and it remains a place where conversations happen. Real ones. It is also home to the Green Design Show, which places sustainability at the centre of discussion. As designers increasingly focus on longevity, material responsibility and energy efficiency, that platform is critical.
For me, this fair is as much about people as products. Long standing brand relationships are strengthened. New suppliers are discovered. Fellow designers reconnect. Emerging voices are encouraged. Those connections often lead to collaborations, recommendations and shared learning long after the exhibition doors close.
The Home Shows (General Public)
Unlike trade fairs, the Home Show is open to the general public. And that is precisely its strength. For anyone building, renovating or simply passionate about homes, it offers:
• Direct access to suppliers
• Side by side product comparison
• Free expert talks
• Practical, applicable information
I have the privilege of hosting the Home Inspo Stage, where I share my own knowledge and also facilitate conversations with other experts. The aim is simple: demystify the building process, empower homeowners and provide practical guidance without the price tag. Education should not be exclusive.
The Bigger Picture
Fairs are not glamorous holidays. They are research trips. They are relationship builders. They are professional development in its most dynamic form. International fairs broaden perspective - Australian fairs strengthen the Industry... BUT if travelling is not in your plans, follow my Social Media Channels for the updates, and feel as if you are there with me, almost ...
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. Learn more from James' knowledge via his FREE online shows James Bought A House (a renovation) and James Bought A Guest House (a brand new build).
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