Over the past few weeks, Jeweller has reported on numerous initiatives that have been introduced to this year’s program, which fair organiser Gary Fitz-Roy has labelled as “one of the best – if not the best – we’ve put together”.
Fitz-Roy explained that in addition to providing a convenient way to see the latest product releases, the JAA International Jewellery Fair would offer jewellers an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and advice on how to improve their businesses, as well as to network with their peers.
He said the strength of the industry’s confidence in the upcoming fair had been reflected in the response from exhibitors; in addition to those previously announced, another 14 businesses had signed on to exhibit, with Fitz-Roy stating there were also a number of others finalising late bookings.
He explained that the number of late bookings this year had not surprised him given the state of the economy and consumer sentiment.
“All the indicators say things are on the improve and when I speak to suppliers most say business is improving, which is one of the reasons many now want to be at the fair. Many exhibitors have also realised that they need to promote their new products in time for the Christmas trade,” he said.
“This is an event for the industry, so it’s important that the industry, in turn, gets behind it and supports it. Many people are now aware of the wide range of events and activities we have arranged for the new Glebe Island venue.”
Jam-packed event and $20,000 prize
Given the jam-packed conference program, Fitz-Roy encouraged visitors to plan ahead to make the most of the three days, and suggested taking advantage of the online registration system that would be closing tomorrow on Wednesday 27 August, instead of waiting to register at the fair.
He also highlighted that this year, for the first time, visitors holding a standard registration pass would be allowed to invite a guest who would be given access to the show floor. The guest would need to be employed or specifically connected with the visitor’s business.
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The Treasure Chest prize draw is one of the new initiatives that have been added to this year’s program. While Jeweller reported last week that the chest – filled with jewellery donated by suppliers – was valued at more than $10,000, it has since been announced that this figure has almost doubled to nearly $20,000.
In addition to the aforementioned Gerrim International, Peter W Beck and Bolton Gems, further product contributions have been made by businesses including Paterson Fine Jewellery, Homage Personalised Jewellery, Ellani Collections, Sparkle Impex and ARMS International Group.
To enter, visitors need to place an order of at least $1,000 with a participating exhibitor. Each $1,000 spent provides one entry into the competition, which will be drawn on Tuesday 2 September – the final day of the fair – at 4:00pm.
Should the winner be present at the time of the draw, they will also win an additional $750 cash as well as free delivery of the chest to their business.
Supplier promotes Aussie roots
In other fair-related news, long-time exhibitor Australian Designer Jewellery (ADJ) has announced it has been certified as Australian Made by the Australian Made Campaign, and will be promoting its new status at the three-day event.
ADJ managing director Aram Atakliyan said the newly acquired label would be highlighted at the show by displaying green and gold Australian Made posters at its stand and marking all of its stationery with Australian Made stickers.
“ADJ – which has had a presence at Australian jewellery fairs since 1988 – is proud to be certified as Australian Made by the Australian Made Campaign,” he said. “To be certified as Australian Made, products must meet specific standards and requirements, but for businesses manufacturing or growing in Australia, it is very easy and not too expensive to join.”
Atakliyan has been a long time promoter of Australian-made products and has previously commented on the decline of the local jewellery manufacturing industry.
The JAA International Jewellery Fair will be held from Sunday 31 August to Tuesday 2 September at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island.
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