Show Preview: Carrefour International du Bois | 49
The Parc des Expositions in Nantes will host CIB once again
application of timber in large-scale buildings will be examined, looking at the technical, economic and regulatory issues that have implications for its use.
With the growing focus worldwide on shifting to a circular, low carbon economic model, speakers from the architectural and engineering sectors will discuss the methods and tools available for structural timber reuse and its integration into construction projects. Another highlight will be an ‘Architectural Evening’. Architects will explore bio-inspired design and architectural approaches ‘inspired by biomimicry’.
Renowned Italian architect Mauel Benedikter will also share his vision on how incorporating timber in construction can transform architectural expression. While some of the conference programme will focus on the French experience, the issues addressed clearly have international relevance and interest, reflecting the ever-increasing international profile of the CIB itself. The biennial event, which this year will feature more than 630 stands, attracts timber businesses from around the world. At the last show in 2024, 39% of exhibitors were from outside France, as were the same percentage of the 13,500 visitors.
“CIB continues to attract a truly global audience from across Europe, North Africa the Americas and more,” said Commercial and International Business Manager Samantha Padden. “Top countries in terms of visitors included Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands,
Italy, Brazil, Germany and the UK.” In 2024, there were a number of new developments at the show. There was an increased focus on grouping stands by sector. Also, the CIB moved from its Wednesday to Friday slot to its current Tuesday to Thursday timing and incorporated the biggest hall, XXL, at the Nantes Beaujoire exhibition complex. Introducing these changes was a significant move, but they proved a success. “The switch to the Tuesday to Thursday format was praised by attendees, and they said that the clearer sectorisation improved navigation and visibility across the show,” said Samantha Padden. “The incorporation of Hall XXL also gives us 28% more gross floor space, enabling us to accommodate more exhibitors, including those who had been on the waiting list in previous years due to space limitations.” While it continues to grow and evolve, however, the CIB organisers are also intent on retaining the ‘human-scale’ which has been integral to its appeal. A key part of this is the 54m2 maximum limit on stand size, which ensures small to medium-sized businesses get their share of exposure. “Before committing to more space, we also assessed all related aspects including exhibitors’ layout needs, VIP area availability, requirements of expos and the show’s innovation area and catering,” said Samantha Padden. Other features of the exhibition will be product pitches, TV set conferences, round tables, workshops, and design-focused installations in partnership with institutions
like the École Supérieure du Bois. Meanwhile, reflecting the continuing advance in the use of timber in building, the construction products focused hall is expected to be busier than ever this year. “In 2024, the construction sector represented 23% of exhibitor typologies and accounted for 17% of visitors,” said Samanatha Padden. “And this year the show will further highlight innovative techniques and products in timber construction.” National and regional pavilions will once more be a feature of the CIB, providing information on timber and wood products on offer and business contacts.
In 2024, the number of visitors from the UK and Ireland rose by 29% and the show has been targeting its marketing outreach at both countries to generate further interest in the event, billed as ‘one of the most comprehensive timber product offerings under one roof’.
The organisers stress that Nantes is easily accessible by air and rail and, that while most exhibitors will have English speakers on hand, show personnel can provide translation services where required. This year the CIB has also initiated a partnership with Timber Development UK. Samantha Padden recently appeared as a guest on the Talking Timber Podcast - www.
youtube.com/watch?v=-1P1RdB01dM) - talking about this year’s event and she further highlighted that building its UK and Irish audience is a priority for the show.
www.ttjonline.com | Summer 2026 | TTJ
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