Dezeen promotion: this year's Surface Design Show will return to London's Business Design Centre from 6 to 8 February 2018, presenting the latest materials for architecture and interior design.

The Surface Design Show is the only event in the UK to focus solely on interior and exterior surface materials. It provides architects, designers and suppliers with the latest trends and innovations.

This year's event will see over 170 exhibitors present "the very best" in surface design, from hand-crafted surfaces to the latest technological advances in architectural lighting.

The opening night features a live debate, titled: A crisis for the next generation – is London just for the wealthy?

Chaired by Peter Murray, chairman of New London Architecture, a panel led by RIBA president Ben Derbyshire will discuss the issues facing young Londoners as they seek to become homeowners.

The programme for Wednesday 7 February includes a debate on design for transport, featuring Priestman Goode chairman Paul Priestman and Julian Maynard of Maynard-Design. There is also a discussion about designing the dream home, featuring TV presenter Naomi Cleaver and architect Carl Turner, and a lighting talk from Light.iQ creative director Rebecca Weir.

The same day, Phil Coffey of Coffey Architects will host the PechaKucha evening, along with a panel of 9 speakers from top architectural practices.,

Other highlights from this year's show include Surface Spotlight Live curated by Treniq, the international interiors network, and Colour Hive, which forecast colours and trends.

Light School returns to the Surface Design Show for a fifth year. Presented by The Light Collective and supported by the Institute of Lighting Professionals, it informs attendees on pioneering examples of lighting design in architecture.

The event also includes an awards programme. The Surface Design Awards will be announced on the final day, revealing the best examples of surface design in the UK and abroad. There are 13 prizes on offer, and each is judged on a range of criteria, including the type of surface, the use of materials and the overall aesthetic.

Register to attend the show for free via the Surface Design Show website.