An obvious change to the 2015 International Jewellery Fair (IJF) format is the fact the show will begin on a Saturday as opposed to the traditional Sunday opening; however, that’s just the beginning of a long list of initiatives designed to enhance the visitor experience.
This year’s fair – which will be held at the temporary Glebe Island venue for the second year running – has been assigned the theme of ‘Discover the next big thing’ by organiser Expertise Events.
Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy said the theme was fitting considering the number of new exhibitors that had signed on for the event. Of the almost 200 jewellery suppliers showcasing products at the IJF, 51 will be first-time exhibitors – including many major international brands.
Fitz-Roy also emphasised the focus wasn’t limited to overseas suppliers as there was definitely an “Australian bent”, with particular attention placed on Australian manufacturing.
“There’s a really positive vibe about the fair this year, and most importantly, the numbers for exhibitors and product releases are the highest we've seen in three years,” he added. “With this in mind, retailers in today’s market can’t afford to not be at the show. It would normally take three to four months to meet with that many reps.”
Over the past month, Jeweller has also reported on the many activities and product releases scheduled for the upcoming show, and with so much happening, retailers would be wise to plan ahead.
Without further ado, here is a final run-down of what to expect at the 2015 IJF.
Ultimate bench challenge
An Australian jewellery industry first is set to take place at the Sydney fair with the launch of the inaugural Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Championships (JDMC).
The initiative provides local jewellers with the chance to showcase their manufacturing skills while competing against fellow industry participants within a set timeframe. Organised by the Young Jewellers Group (YJG), with the support of Expertise Events, the competition involves four categories: jeweller, setter, CAD technician and hand engraver.
YJG founding member Ewen Ryley said the response to the JDMC had been overwhelming, adding that Jimmy Butts, a jeweller who won a similar US bench challenge in 2013 and 2014, had been confirmed a guest judge.
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Spotlight learning
A comprehensive free education program will be conducted on the fair floor, offering jewellers an opportunity to gain valuable business advice.
Among the presentations scheduled are those by high-profile international guests like Endless Jewelry founder and former Pandora CEO of Central Western Europe Jesper Nielsen and Julie Sandlau president Dennis Sandlau-Jacobsen.
The Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) will also host several sessions as part of the fair activities, including a seminar by JAA Code of Conduct chair Colin Pocklington who will speak about consumer law and explain the impacts on jewellery store owners – many of whom are said to be unaware of consumer rights.
Live demonstrations and masterclasses, such as those hosted by Pallion and the YJG are also expected to add to visitors’ educational experience.
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Designers on show
The biennial JAA On Show exhibition will return this year to celebrate the skills of young jewellery designers, manufacturing jewellers, apprentices and students.
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Designers on show
The biennial JAA On Show exhibition will return this year to celebrate the skills of young jewellery designers, manufacturing jewellers, apprentices and students.
JAA executive director Amanda Hunter said the feature provided a chance for up-and-coming industry talent to gain exposure, adding participants would also have the opportunity to win the People’s Choice award, based on votes from fair attendees.
Elly Cernohorsky of Mandurah, Western Australia, is another young designer whose work will be on display throughout the trade event.
Cernohorsky’s bangle, The Pinnacles of Ha Long Bay, was recently awarded second place in the Emerging Jewellery Artist category – which recognises the skills of designers 21 years of age or younger – at the international Saul Bell Design Awards in New Mexico. It was also exhibited at this year’s JCK Las Vegas jewellery show.
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Treasure trove
Retailers arguably deserve to be rewarded for a busy few days of work so why not take part in some competitions? Several exhibitors have confirmed they will be conducting special contests and promotions over the course of the show.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to win a treasure chest filled with jewellery-related items valued at almost $20,000.
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Mix n’ mingle
The fair primarily acts as a way for suppliers and retailers to conduct business but this doesn’t mean there won’t be opportunities to socialise as well.
Buying groups Leading Edge Jewellers, Nationwide Jewellers and Showcase Jewellers will all host gala dinners for their members in addition to sponsoring a social event, in association with Expertise Events, on opening day of the fair.
The IJF Happy Hour will take place on the trade show floor on Saturday 29 August at 5:00pm, providing a chance for retailers and suppliers to network in a less formal setting.
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But wait, there’s more
As previously reported by Jeweller, several suppliers have also made additional company announcements in time for the fair.
View the details here:
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