The UK woodworking industry is set to come together on a significantly larger and more connected stage in 2026 as Professional Woodworking Expo (PWE) returns to the NEC Birmingham from 23-25 June. Building on its strong foundations, the event is evolving into something far more ambitious, with a major new co-location alongside InstallerSHOW and the Painting & Decorating Show. w and ShowhpHOW
This new format marks an important step forward for the industry. Rather than operating in isolation, woodworking, installation and finishing professionals will now be brought together under one roof, reflecting the realities of modern construction and fit-out projects. From initial fabrication through to final decoration, these trades are increasingly interconnected, and PWE 2026 is designed to mirror that collaboration in a live environment.
For visitors, this means far more than just a woodworking exhibition. It becomes a multi-trade destination where joinery manufacturers, furniture makers, installers, contractors, painters and decorators can explore the full lifecycle of a project. For exhibitors, it opens the door to a much broader and more diverse audience, connecting woodworking brands with decision makers who may not traditionally attend a specialist show.
At the heart of Professional Woodworking Expo remains its strong focus on innovation, machinery and craftsmanship. Leading names such as Leitz, IMA Schelling, Mirka, Nederman, BOS Machines and Whitehill will be showcasing the latest advancements in cutting technology, extraction systems, sanding solutions and precision tooling. These brands represent the cutting edge of woodworking manufacturing, offering solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy and output in increasingly competitive markets.
Live demonstrations will once again be a major draw, giving visitors the opportunity to see machinery in action and understand how new technologies can be applied in real-world settings. Combined with expert-led seminars and technical sessions, the show provides a valuable platform for learning and skills development, helping businesses stay ahead of industry trends.
However, what truly sets the 2026 edition apart is the scale and diversity introduced through co-location. InstallerSHOW brings with it a wide range of exhibitors relevant to woodworking professionals involved in fit-out, kitchens, interiors and construction. Brands such as Egger, Hanson Plywood and BIFIS will be of particular interest to joinery manufacturers, while companies like Howdens, Wren Kitchens, Paula Rosa Manhattan and Cabinets Direct connect directly to the kitchen and furniture sectors.
In addition, fixings, tools and installation solutions will be heavily represented, with exhibitors including Fischer Fixings UK Ltd, SAMAC Fixings, GWR Fasteners, Monument Tools and Ox Tools. Adhesives and sealants specialists such as CT1, OB1, LOCTITE and XPRO Sealants & Adhesives will also be present, highlighting the importance of high-performance bonding solutions in both manufacturing and installation.
Tooling and equipment innovation continues with brands like Techtronic Industries (Milwaukee), Dart Tool Group and Toolstation, while suppliers such as MKM Building Supplies, Wickes and B&Q provide a broader view of the supply chain supporting the industry. Meanwhile, companies like Articad and Epicor bring digital solutions into the mix, showcasing software that supports design, manufacturing and business operations.
The Painting & Decorating Show adds yet another valuable dimension. Finishing is a critical stage in any woodworking or joinery project, and visitors will benefit from access to leading coatings and surface treatment brands. Exhibitors such as 3M, Barrettine, Tikkurila, Sherwin-Williams and Smith & Rodger’s will present the latest in paints, finishes and surface preparation technologies. Meanwhile, companies like Flex Power Tools, Okarno and Furniture Clinic offer solutions for sanding, repair and restoration, all of which are highly relevant to woodworking professionals focused on quality and durability.
This combination of exhibitors across three co-located events creates a uniquely comprehensive environment. It allows visitors to move seamlessly from machinery and manufacturing solutions at PWE, to materials and installation systems at InstallerSHOW, and finally to finishing products and techniques at the Painting & Decorating Show. The result is a more holistic and efficient way to source products, discover innovations and build relationships.
The scale of the event reflects this ambition. With over 200 brands and more than 6,000 woodworking professionals expected to attend, PWE 2026 is set to be its most significant edition yet. When combined with the audiences of InstallerSHOW and the Painting & Decorating Show, the NEC Birmingham will become a true hub for the built environment, bringing together thousands of professionals from across multiple trades.
Ultimately, this new co-located format is about creating better connections. It recognises that the future of the industry lies in collaboration, integration and shared knowledge. By breaking down the traditional barriers between trades, Professional Woodworking Expo 2026 offers a more relevant, more valuable and more forward-thinking experience for everyone involved.
Registration is now open, and with so much to see across all three shows, early sign-up is strongly recommended. Visit the website and secure your place at the UK’s most connected event for woodworking, installation and finishing professionals
