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Above left: More exhibitors are expected in 2026 Above right: The show has a packed programme of conferences and other events
from 40 countries. That represented a 2% rise in international attendance. Visitor numbers increased to 13,500, with 39% also from abroad, but in this case from 100 countries. “CIB continues to attract a truly global audience from across Europe, North Africa the Americas and more,” said Ms Padden. “Top countries in terms of visitors included Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Brazil, Germany and the UK.”
A number of changes were introduced two years ago. There was a stronger focus on organising stands by specific sector and a switch from the established Wednesday to Friday slot to Tuesday to Thursday. The show also used the biggest hall, XXL, at the Nantes Beaujoire exhibition complex. “We had some initial concerns about the changes, particularly the shift to a Tuesday to Thursday format, but the adjustment was praised by many attendees, and they said that the clearer sectorisation improved navigation and visibility across the show,” said Ms Padden.
She added that the use of Hall XXL was also a “significant success”.
“It underpinned the sectorisation of the
show, helping visitors locate specific stands and products,” she said. “It also gave us 28% more gross floor space than we had in 2022, enabling us to accommodate more exhibitors, notably those who had been on the waiting list in previous years due to space limitations.”
Further growth in exhibitor numbers is expected in 2026.
“The official registrations have just opened and early indicators are very positive, so we’re excited,” said Samantha Padden. “We’re already receiving a steady stream of enquiries from returning and new exhibitors. The levels
in 2024, won’t be held in Nantes in 2026, freeing up further space. At the same time, the CIB plans to grow with caution.
of enthusiasm and anticipation are high.” The XXL hall provides scope for accommodating more stands, she added, plus the European Pellet Forum, which took up 800m2
posted as soon as the conference programme is set.”
“Our aim is to always to retain the human- scale feel that makes the CIB so appreciated,” said Ms Padden. “Before committing to more space, we’ll assess layout needs including catering, VIP areas, the requirement of expos and the innovation area.”
RETURNING FEATURES
Some of the classic special features of the CIB will be back in 2026. These include the innovation area and pitches, TV set conferences, round tables, workshops, and design-focused installations in partnership with institutions such as the École Supérieure du Bois, Novéha, UPFib and Xylofutur. But, flagged up perhaps by the redesigned CIB logo, which has the strap line ‘At the heart of the trade’, there will be new additions too. “In 2024 we had 80 events in three days, and we plan to continue building on that success,” said Ms Padden. “We are also exploring new ideas based on feedback and emerging trends in the timber sector.” Another key aspect of the CIB is its conferences. The 2026 programme is still in development but expected themes include timber markets, timber in architecture, carbon neutrality targets, the EU Deforestation Regulation, forest health and sectoral innovation. “As always, we will adapt in line with current market topics and challenges,” said Ms Padden “And we’ll keep our audience
The international growth in timber-based building is also reflected in CIB development. “The construction sector continued to grow in 2024, and we expect further development in 2026,” said Ms Padden. “With the construction sector representing 23% of exhibitor typologies and 17% of visitors, the interest in this segment is clear. We aim to further highlight innovative techniques and products in timber construction in 2026.” Reflecting its growing global reach, the CIB also features national timber organisation pavilions providing information on the countries’ offer and business contacts. And several, plus French regional bodies, have expressed interest in taking space in 2026. Besides the opportunity to experience “one of the most comprehensive timber product offerings under one roof”, adding to the appeal of the CIB for visitors from the UK and Ireland is its accessibility. There are direct flights to Nantes from several of their major airports and it’s also just two-and-a- half hours from Paris by high-speed train. All the ‘helping hands’ on the CIB team also speak English and can provide help whenever needed, say the organisers. And the show is proactively encouraging more attendance from the countries.
“UK and Irish visitor numbers grew by 29% in 2024, which is very encouraging,” said Ms Padden “We’ve initiated a promising partnership with Timber Development UK, and we’ll continue to promote the show in these markets, particularly with the support of Promosalons UK. “We’re also proud to be a table sponsor at
the TTJ Awards in September. The British and Irish audience remains a priority for us.” ■
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2025 | TTJ
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