The news follows the buying group’s announcement in July 2016 that stated it would “exclusively support” the Jewellers Association of Australia’s (JAA) 2017 JAA Jewellery Tradeshow.
Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy said the decision was important because it not only meant Showcase members would visit the fair being held at the newly-developed Darling Harbour convention centre but many had also entered the inaugural Jewellery Design Awards (JDA) program that was taking place in conjunction with the IJF.
”I am pleased to have a united fair with all the buying groups present,” Fitz-Roy stated.
Showcase joins the local industry’s two other buying groups, Nationwide Jewellers and Leading Edge Group Jewellers, which confirmed support for the IJF in September last year.
Fitz-Roy added that Showcase general manager Carson Webb had always had an open mind and a commitment to act in the best interests of the group’s members and suppliers.
“Over the past six months we have kept him [Webb] updated about the progress of Darling Harbour and the Jewellery Designs Awards,” he said.
“I have known Carson for some time and he has always been sensible and upfront and I appreciate that he has allowed Expertise Events the opportunity to include the group in this year’s fair. I think it’s a win-win for everyone and I know that many Showcase members who have entered the Jewellery Designs Awards will be particularly pleased.”
Commenting on the decision to support the IJF, Webb stated: ”We are pleased to announce Showcase will once again have a major presence at Darling Harbour.
“We have taken feedback from our members and suppliers to re-assess which was the best location for our group for both ease of attendance and greatest number of exhibitors, and whilst it was a tough decision, my priority is always what’s in the best interests of our industry, which obviously and importantly for Showcase is made up of both our members and suppliers.”
All buying groups present
Fitz-Roy explained that Showcase would have a designated lounge area at the fair, adding that the three buying groups had agreed to sponsor a Saturday Happy Hour on the show floor as well as support the JDA function.
”It’s terrific to have all three buying groups support our very popular networking Happy Hour drinks and to also help celebrate the creative design talents and aspects of the fair,” Fitz-Roy said.
“We know the industry is currently going through a tough time; it’s the in-between cycle where sales are difficult but I think we are starting to see some economic and business rays of sunshine coming through and this should have a positive flow-on effect to the jewellery industry,” he added.
“That’s why it’s more important than ever for the Australian jewellery industry to be united and come together to celebrate many things. It’s important for us to keep to our strategic plan and make this year’s fair a huge success – having already staged another event in the new Darling Harbour centre, the industry will love the prestigious new setting and atmosphere.”
The IJF will take place at the International Convention Centre Sydney from 26 August to 28 August. The JAA Jewellery Tradeshow will be held at the Moore Park precinct in Sydney from 26 August to 28 August.
* Jeweller has contacted the JAA for comment and an update on its event, which will be included in a follow-up report next week.
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