Jewellery fair celebrates past, present and future

2.4 k views | Posted August 13, 2013 | By Emily Mobbs • Former Editor

The Sydney International Jewellery Fair has unveiled many highlights in its 22-year history, and organisers say this year will be no exception after making a number of changes and additions to the event.

Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy told Jeweller that it was important for the fair – which runs from Sunday 1 September to Tuesday 3 September – to grow and evolve with the industry. He said plans for 2013 were made with this in mind.

“This year we have a dedicated Opal Pavilion, Gemstones Pavilion, and a Watch & Clock Pavilion,” he said, adding, “of course, the presence of Swarovski Gems and the Gem Visions 2014 official release with fashion parades will add a new dimension not seen before.”

Expertise Events managing director, Gary Fitz-Roy

As previously reported by Jeweller, Swarovski Gems will be exhibiting at the fair for the first time – something widely regarded as a coup for the fair’s organisers and indicates the event’s growing prominence on an international scale.

Fitz-Roy said that another positive addition would be a media morning tea on Tuesday 3 September.

“We have invited the top glossy magazine editors to show them what’s new for this year and that, in turn, will hopefully encourage more consumer exposure and lead to increased retail spending going into Christmas,” he explained.

Simon Meli, a former contestant on The Voice, will also be performing during this session.

Education not as you know it
In keeping with tradition, the fair will again feature education seminars, however, they are taking on a more “informal” structure in 2013.

“This year we have brought these sessions onto the floor in our Spotlight hubs – informal, small group areas where visitors can take a seat and listen to experts in their respective fields,” Fitz-Roy said.

Guest speaker, Lynn Baldwin, will make a daily presentation at 11am dealing with stock selection and explaining how retailers can modify their buying approaches. US-based Baldwin has more than 30 years’ experience in the retail jewellery industry. Other seminars will focus on topics including diamond trading, advertising strategies and social media marketing.

Supporting the industry’s creative side
Fair visitors will also be able to view jewellery pieces from the finalists in the 2013 Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Awards. There will be approximately 50 items on display at the fair and overall competition winners will be announced on 1 December 2013.

Lynn Baldwin, jewellery retail expert

Another addition to the event’s schedule includes the opportunity for visitors to win a piece of artwork. Award-winning artist Chris Roy will create one piece of artwork each day of the fair, with a winner chosen from the daily visitors who have entered into the draw.

There will also be a dedicated New Zealand cocktail function on Monday and a “wall of memories”, which as the name suggests, will be a collection of photos, posters and assorted memorabilia from the past 22 years of the International Jewellery Fair. Expertise Events is currently seeking submissions of items from exhibitors and visitors to include in the display.

At the time of publication, more than 215 exhibitors and about 50 new suppliers were expected at the event. This year will be visitors’ last chance to attend the fair at its current venue, the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, as it is scheduled for demolition in December, to be rebuilt and ready for 2017’s show.

The fair will be held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island in the interim.

More reading:
Swarovski shines spotlight on Aussie jeweller
Swarovski event among changes at 2013 jewellery fairs
Jewellery fair dates move again
Diamond Guild competition opens