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Why you should attend InstallerSHOW: a North American perspective
InstallerSHOW is now a global phenomenon, with events happening in the US and Australia. So why make the trip to the UK? Two industry professionals, Mark Conacher and Eric Marshall, explain why they’ll be jetting from North America to make this year’s event.
Q: Can you give us a bit of background about yourselves?
Mark: I served my time as a joiner and became self-employed in 1995, mainly installing kitchens and bathrooms. That grew from a one-man business into a multi-team, award-winning installation company that I continued to run from Vancouver after moving to Canada in 2010.
I now run a consultancy focused on helping installers and small installation companies build stronger businesses.
Eric: I started in 1979 and an installation helper for California Closets and when I became 18 got my own crew and installed as crew lead for 10 years and then was promoted to Production Manager. Another 10 years and this and started my own Closet, Kitchen and Bath remodeling company, giving it another 20 years; at the same time consulting for some of the largest closet companies in the world. Recently through consulting, I’ve become a global connect advisor for the NKBA.
Q: When did you first attend InstallerSHOW, and what was the experience like for you?
Mark: My first InstallerSHOW was in 2024, when the Kitchen & Bathroom arenas were first launched. I was invited by the late Andy Bishop to speak, so it was a very special show for me personally.
For me, the big thing was seeing InstallerSHOW give a real platform to the people who actually deliver the work on site. Installers are often on the front line without ever getting the recognition they deserve, so seeing kitchens and bathrooms brought into that environment felt like an important step for the industry.
Eric: My first show was last year in Birmingham. I came with the NKBA team and fell in love with what I saw as a show like no other in the world, focused on installers.
Q: Why are you making the trip from North America to visit InstallerSHOW 2026?
Mark: InstallerSHOW is the main place for me to be because my background is in the UK installation industry, and many of the relationships and conversations that matter to me are still connected to the UK. You can build relationships online, but there is no substitute for sitting down with people, listening properly, and being part of the conversation in person.
It is also a great opportunity for Eric and me to build on the relationship we strengthened at InstallerSHOW New York, bringing our North American perspective while continuing to learn from the UK market.
Eric: My trip back to the UK furthers my commitment to the betterment of installation teams across the globe.
Q: What are you hoping to get out of attending the event this year?
Mark: For me, success is always a mix of strengthening existing relationships and meeting people I didn’t expect to meet. Some of the most valuable conversations at a show are the ones you never planned.
I’m also coming to listen. My work is about helping installers build better businesses, so I need to stay close to the real problems they are facing.
Eric: I can’t wait to see new tools and methods to better a field that ends up being the last sales person on the job. Installers are the ones that get us referrals and keep business going.
Q: Why do you think tradespeople should attend InstallerSHOW?
Mark: I understand why tradespeople will hesitate. Taking time away from work costs money, and the return on that investment is not always as obvious as a paid job. But then again, not every valuable thing gives you an instant, physical return.
At InstallerSHOW, you get to meet people you would never normally meet, hear new ideas, and put yourself around those who are trying to make the industry better for you. I’ve been to shows that gave me a push I could not have got sitting at home, and sometimes that energy is exactly what your business needs.
Eric: Because the InstallerSHOW is just that a show for installers and I don’t see a lot of them anywhere else. I can’t wait for it to come back to the US.