Behind the Scenes at Bowens Expo 2026
Bowens Expo, Thursday 3rd September, Royal Exhibition Building
If you’ve ever been to Bowens Building + Innovation Expo, you’ll know it’s a well-oiled machine. But what really goes on behind the scenes, and more importantly, who is the man behind Bowens Expo?
We sat down with Will Keys, Bowens’ Senior Marketing, Sponsorships and Events Specialist, and the man overseeing event planning, to chat about all things Expo 2026.
“Typically, planning for an event like this starts almost 18 months in advance. We start early because this gives our suppliers time to prepare new and innovative products, which is the key focus for this event,” Will said.
Suppliers need to offer products that tick the right requirements for Bowens customers. The products need to be innovative, meet regulations and fit with the Bowens brand.
“We work closely with our suppliers and take quality assurance and compliance seriously,” Will said. “And we need all 130 of our suppliers to be on the same page.”
Will went on to discuss how much planning goes on quietly in the background. And there’s a lot. From dealing with freight, logistics and public liability to catering, store and staff training, parking, lighting, signage, stage setup and supplier booths.
“Our supplier booths are often custom-built for a more impactful product display, so engineers’ drawings are required. There are additional challenges with a venue like the Royal Exhibition Building,” Will said. “You can’t just come in and set up something. Everything has to be signed off for the event to go ahead.”
That’s why Bowens works so hard to ensure the suppliers and customers get the most out of the day.
“We do a briefing with our suppliers before the event and encourage them to bring high-level energy and showcase something different,” said Will when asked what makes a great supplier booth. “We want them to come up with one or two innovative products, so customers will walk away and go, ‘wow, that was great.’”
The suppliers that do it well really look at the situation and try to solve builders’ onsite problems, whether it’s changes to the NCC or ways to improve construction in general. Yet, one thing that is clear to Bowens is that Expo has become a place where builders can discuss these challenges with suppliers and with each other.
“What I’m seeing now is there’s a lot more diversity, particularly with younger builders and trades who want to learn something new,” Will said. “It’s an event you’ve got to go to because everyone in the industry is going to be there, and people don’t want to miss out. It’s not just the owner or directors, it’s the apprentices and subcontractors. They’re all coming together and using the event as an opportunity to connect with industry peers.”
Although the purpose of the Expo is to showcase new and innovative products, the byproduct of this is a day of networking, not just with other builders and trades, but also with suppliers and industry professionals. These connections will hopefully ensure that builders find products that make their job easier, more productive and advance the building industry.
Beyond Expo, Bowens has the Rethink Building Hub, where customers can see our range of innovative products and get hands-on experience. The rethink building hub allows customers to see these solutions all year round.
However, the most important part of Expo is that builders, trades and industry professionals will see something new and innovative. Products that they won’t see at any other show.
“The Expo is an opportunity for customers to go, ‘hey, I didn’t know about this product. This is what I’m looking for,’” Will said. “That’s why Bowens Expo is where builders and trades come to see the latest innovations.”
Bowens Expo 2026 Details
Join Bowens at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, on Thursday, 3rd September 2026, between 1:00 – 8:00 pm AEST.
This year, attendance eligibility requirements will apply. You’ll need to be a Bowens Benefit member or Trade Account holder, hold an ABN, or be an eligible trade or apprentice.
Expo 2026 is shaping up to be Bowens’ biggest event yet. This year, we’ll have lots of red-hot specials available for one night only. These will be significant discounts that you won’t want to miss.
Registration will open soon.