Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director Expertise Events said, “All exhibition space is sold. We have a waiting list but it’s unlikely anyone will drop out. We always balance visitor numbers with exhibitors, so it’s not unusual for us to restrict exhibitor space.”
AJF is scheduled for Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 March.
Fitz-Roy explained that the support from the buying groups is very strong: "The three groups have really been proactive and are adding value added activities for their respective groups and it's exciting to see, the event is open to all retailers whether you're in a group of you may want to chat to one of them at the fair.
“Independent Jewellers Collective, Nationwide and Leading Edge are all supporting the event with specific activities in advance of, or during the AJF and they too have interstate members confirmed to attend.”
The AJF will be held in the same location as the successful 2021 event and Fitz-Roy explained why he was happy to allow more exhibitors this year.
”Retailer registrations are coming in from all states across Australia and with the recent relaxing of COVID rules in NSW it’s even easier. It even looks like the possibility that WA retailers will be able attend with the WA Premier indicating the border will re-open to the rest of Australia around 3 March”.
Although some COVID rules will be in place, he explained that the safety and wellbeing of all attendees is paramount: “The Australian Jewellery Fair will be following all COVID Safety Plans and requirements in place at the time of the event. These measures are the same as those retailers currently follow.
“We ran 11 events in 2021 in five states across various sectors and we didn't have one incident and if visitors are unsure they can check our website the day before attending to see the latest rules as they continue to evolve and in many cases are relaxing to the new normality."
As previously reported, Nationwide Jewellers – Australia and New Zealand’s largest buying group - has moved to ensure the fair is a central focus to the commencement of it 2022 member activities.
In January, Colin Pocklington managing director Nationwide said he would be “advising all members that our Trade Fair Dollars – $20,000 to $40,000 in 6 months interest free finance – will be available for them to buy from our preferred suppliers at the Australian Jewellery Fair on 12-13th March 2022”. .
He explained that the finance would be available to all members across Australia and New Zealand, “whether they are able to attend the jewellery fair or not”.
“Making the finance available to all will be of particular assistance to members impacted by border closures - Western Australia, and possibly New Zealand,” Pocklington added.
“We know that it's important for retail businesses to maintain stability and consistency within the economy and the market. It's crucial that businesses continue to operate, and confidence is rebuilt within the market. Reconnecting at events like the Australian Jewellery Fair is a great way to remain on top of sourcing new products along with the proven favourites needed to help drive sales in your own business,” Fitz-Roy said.