Are you ready for the Melbourne Fair?

Melbourne Jewellery Fair organiser Gary Fitz-Roy said that he was surprised by the number of online registrations in the past two days and hopes that it’s an indication of a successful event. 

“I think most people are leaving things until the last moment these days, but it’s good to see a sudden increase in buyer registrations. 

“There are probably a few other reasons too; I think the two fairs being on at the same time [jewellery and gift] and the fact that many people will be curious to see how the co-located concept works, means that there’s added interest,” Fitz-Roy said. 

In all, there are 29 exhibitors attending the fair for the first time, which is significantly higher than previous years. Hence, some retailers may get the chance to grab an edge over their competition for 2013.

As previously reported by Jeweller, this is the first time the Melbourne Jewellery Fair will co-locate with the Reed Gift Fair as a combined event. Both fairs will take place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and run for three days (from 2-4 February).

Fitz-Roy said this year’s event would include a number of new features and a concerted effort had been made to engage with retailers who had not recently or never attended the fair. 

“In Melbourne, there is a new venue, co-location with the Reed Gift Fair and three convenient buying days. I suspect the level of registrations reflects these initiatives and perhaps also some increased business optimism as Australia heads into an election year,” Fitz-Roy explained. 

Past attendees of both fairs are no longer required to register before each event, having been issued a permanent buyer card and ID. 

First-time visitors will be required to have photo ID and proof of their trade connection in order to register on the day.

Under the joint promotion arrangement, however, gift fair visitors will have to meet a certain criteria before gaining access to the jewellery fair. Successful entrants will then receive a badge that clearly identifies their business as being primarily a gift store that may sell jewellery. 

A cocktail party will be held on Sunday 3 February between 4pm and 5pm for exhibitors and retailers. 

Registered jewellery fair visitors with photo ID will still gain automatic free access to the gift fair.

Fair opening hours are Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm and Monday 9am-4pm.