A ‘compelling free programme of events examining some of the key issues impacting on the estates departments responsible for maintaining and running hospitals efficiently’.
With five dedicated areas and theatres on the exhibition floor providing content over the two days of Healthcare Estates, run in conjunction with ‘partners’ including the BRE, the Construction Industry Council, the Carbon and Energy Fund, Architects for Health, the National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers, and the Design in Mental Health Network, are promised for this year’s flagship IHEEM annual event in Manchester.
While the full details for each ‘area’ on the exhibition floor will be finalised soon, and announced along with the full Healthcare Estates 2014 conference programme in June, among the theatres and other exhibition features planned are:
The Energy & Sustainability Theatre
In 2013 Healthcare Estates introduced the Energy Zone, which included a dedicated theatre anchored by the Carbon and Energy Fund (CEF). Show director, Steve Webb, explained: “We are building on this success in 2014, with the programme for this Theatre being developed by two real ‘heavyweights’ from the healthcare sector in the CEF and BRE.” Day one will focus on Energy, and feature presentations from the CEF and its framework, while Day Two, focusing on Sustainability, will see presentations from BRE and selected exhibitors.
Contractors’ & Architects’ Theatre
‘Back by popular demand’ is the Contractors’ & Architects’ Theatre, now in its fourth year. Across both days leading architectural firms (including Stantec and ADP) and contractors will showcase recent or current projects. The theatre will also see presentations from Architects for Health and the Construction Industry Council, and workshops, software demonstrations, and networking events held, and case studies presented. A number of Building Information Modelling-specific sessions will also be staged.
Construction Industry Council BIM Area
New at Healthcare Estates 2014 will be the Construction Industry Council BIM (Building Information Modelling) Area, a networking area adjoining the Contractors’ & Architects’ Theatre, managed by the Construction Industry Council, and supported by Architects for Health.
Mental Health plus Fire & Security Theatre
Another new exhibition feature at this year’s show is the Mental Health and Fire & Security Theatre. On day one the programme will be led and delivered by the Design in Mental Health Network and exhibitors. Day two will see presentations from leading organisations in the fire and security sectors, including the National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers (NAHFO).
NHS Feature Area
Steve Webb said: “Again new for this year is the NHS Feature Area. We are inviting NHS Trusts to profile current projects to their peers and interested individuals. The area will feature up to 12 current projects, and will have both a static display area, and an interactive area (all complimentary to the Trust). Here visitors will be able to hear from those ‘at the sharp end’ of new-builds or refurbishments.” For more information on any of the exhibition theatre features, contact James Lee. T: 01892 518877, or email: jameslee@stepex.com
'More content’
This year’s Healthcare Estates Conference & Exhibition will have ‘even more content, a larger exhibition, and increased delegate numbers’. Steve Webb said: “We are confidently predicting a continued growth in visitors. Interest in the healthcare sector, and consequently in the show, is at an all-time high. With a General Election just seven months away when the show opens, healthcare will once again be thrust into the spotlight. Healthcare Estates will take place at an ideal time to discuss some of the key proposed policies.”
‘Early birds’ can save
Step Exhibitions opened registration for the show, which takes place from 7-8 October at Manchester Central, and will be themed, ‘Quality in the Patient Environment’, in March. Delegates booking before 9 June can secure ‘a significant saving’, with further benefits available for IHEEM members, and those working directly within the NHS and private hospitals. Steve Webb, said: “The rates for a two-day IHEEM member have been reduced by 33% for our ‘super early bird’, and even non-IHEEM members will save more than £130 on the standard twoday rate.” For more details on the ‘super early bird rate’, and more information and details on this year’s conference, visit: www.healthcare-estates.com
‘New look’ website
Step Exhibitions has recently re-designed the show website (see URL above), to make it easier for visitors to register, find out which companies are exhibiting, access details of the conference and information on the latest speakers, and obtain details on, and prices for, the dinner. Steve Webb said: “The ‘new design’ Healthcare Estates website will have an improved look and feel for 2014, and will be simpler to navigate. The website also features exhibitor profiles, ‘blogs’ from key people in the industry, and the latest conference and exhibition information.”
New ‘five-year deal’ concluded
With the successful growth and transition of the exhibition from Harrogate to Manchester, IHEEM and Step Exhibitions have recently signed a new contract which takes the organisation of the event through to 2019 and beyond. The Institute’s CEO, Julian Amey, said: “IHEEM is pleased to announce the renewal of its contract with Step Exhibitions for the delivery of the annual Healthcare Estates exhibition, conference, and dinner. In a first for the two parties, a contract that will run for at least five years has been agreed and signed, providing a stable platform of development leading up to what, it is hoped, will be an international event in 2018.” Greg Markham, IHEEM President said: “The partnership that has grown over 15 years between IHEEM and Step Exhibitions has allowed us to ensure the highest standards at the annual exhibition. In 2013 Step took over the management of the conference and dinner, and record numbers attended all three parts of the event.
“We have jointly developed good relations with Manchester Central Conference Centre, and are bidding to host the IFHE (International Federation of Hospital Engineering) Congress in Manchester in 2018. The Step Group also produces the highly regarded monthly Institute magazine, Health Estate Journal, underlining the value of the partnership between the two organisations.” For more information on Healthcare Estates, including rates for exhibiting and visiting details, call 01892 518877, or email: healthcare@stepex.com
The annual exhibition at Healthcare Estates provides plenty of opportunity both to look at, and hear about, the benefits and features of the latest products and services targeted at the healthcare estates sector, as well as for networking and making new contacts.
