Australia’s largest design, building and construction expo DesignBUILD, plans to deliver the ultimate forum for collaboration in the design, building and construction industries.

The expo will open at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from Wednesday 11 May — Friday 13 May 2011 and is co-located with the CEDIA expo, Asia Pacific's largest event for the custom electronic systems industry.

Organisers say the 2011 expo has been revamped, produced from specific market research.

The 2011 highlights are listed as:

DesignBUILD onsite: will launch this year to provide trades and contractors with a hands-on learning approach specifically created to deliver relevant information for onsite building activity.

Over 200 exhibitors: of which all must meet Australian Building Standards and expo policy now ensures over 80 per cent of exhibitors are Australian companies.

Industry insight and education: Master Builders Association, Australian Institute of Architects and the Building Designers Association are all supporting the expo.

Inspiration: The Australian Institute of Architects will showcase the 2010 National Architecture Awards Exhibition.

Tradies Arena: see, touch, feel and trial new tools and equipment from leading manufacturers.

Innovation Alley: conveniently showcases the newest products available in Australia and allows you to browse without the sales pitch.

VIP Visitor Program: Australian companies will have the opportunity to meet one on one with manufacturers and suppliers.

Late night: DesignBUILD 2011 will be open until 8pm on Thursday 12 May to help busy trades and professionals who struggle to get away from the construction site or drawing board.

DesignBUILD Exhibition Director Danielle Fischer said: “The DesignBUILD expo unequivocally has everything onsite that a design, building or construction trades person or professional needs.

“Overall, the industry feedback is that they are busy. They want to save time without sacrificing inspiration.

“They want to come to one place and gather the latest and greatest from the newest tools and innovative designs and ideas to the best suppliers.

“DesignBUILD 2011 delivers that opportunity,” she said.

Image from: http://www.designbuildexpo.com.au