The schedule begins with the Melbourne Jewellery Expo, hosted by Expertise Events at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 1 February (Saturday) to 3 February (Monday).
The event, which is run in conjunction with the Gift & Lifestyle Fair, offers retailers the opportunity to place new orders before Valentine’s Day (14 February) and Mother’s Day (11 May).
Two of Australia’s jewellery industry buying groups — Nationwide Jewellers and Independent Jewellers Collective — will also be present in Melbourne. Together, the groups represent more than 370 members and 440 stores in Australia.
Expertise Events general manager Zac Fitz-Roy said that the cross-section of products showcased in Melbourne made it an event not to be missed.
“The show in Melbourne is always a great way to begin the year, giving retailers and suppliers a chance to reconnect in person after a busy holiday season,” he told Jeweller.
“There’s going to be a very good cross-section of products available to buyers, covering a broad range of categories. For retailers that stock gift and lifestyle lines in particular, they’ll find everything from fashion and fine jewellery to homewares and accessories.”
He added: “It’s an event designed to suit retailers from regional areas in particular who may not have the time or resources to make big trips interstate. More than anything, it’s a valuable opportunity for the industry to reconnect.”
Looking to learn something new?
The first two days of the Melbourne Jewellery Expo will include special presentations and free workshops on store design, marketing, and merchandising, led by Jennie Kelly, founder of retail consultants A Creative Space.
Workshops will be held at 11 am on Saturday (1 February) and 2.30 pm on Sunday (2 February).
Educational opportunities continue, with Tricia Ong from Mintrix Business Advisory hosting three sessions on various business areas, including management and leadership, inventory management, and financial resilience.
These sessions will run at 12.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday (1-2 February) and 11 am on Monday (3 February).
Finally, the Melbourne event will also include daily sessions on the legal essentials associated with running a business.
Avanthi De Alwis, principal solicitor at HDH Legal, will host sessions addressing terms and conditions, contracts, and risk management when leasing, buying or selling a commercial building or business.
These sessions will run at 1.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday (1-2 February) and at 12.30 pm on Monday (3 February).
What’s up next?
After the Melbourne event, attention will turn to the Gold Coast on 6-7 April for the eagerly anticipated Australian Jewellery Fair at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The event was previously held in Sydney; however, buyers and suppliers, including more than 70 participants, welcomed the change of scenery to the Gold Coast in 2024.
“There is a lot of hype and excitement around the Gold Coast show. We’ve stuck to our promise of not increasing the size of the show to ensure that there’s a strong ratio of buyers to sellers,” Fitz-Roy explained.
“With the Australian Jewellery Fair looking like it will be a great event once again, we’re hoping to take that momentum into the Sydney Fair in August to complete a productive and positive year for the Australian jewellery industry.”
The International Jewellery Fair is scheduled for 23-25 August at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
For further details and registration information, visit jewelleryfair.com.au.
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