This year’s IJF, which begins tomorrow at the billion-dollar redeveloped International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour, has received a significant boost in exhibitor numbers compared to previous years.
Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director of fair organiser Expertise Events, said the number of exhibitors had now reached 200 – 50 of which had never exhibited before.
“This year’s fair is not a maybe, it’s must visit for retailers,” Fitz-Roy said. “With more than 50 first-time exhibitors, new pavilions, a host of product launches and the comprehensive roll-up of education sessions, there is definitely a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the air.”
Fitz-Roy added that there were some “very special” exhibition spaces developed by suppliers this year and that there would be a prize awarded to the best large stand and best small stand.
With no more time to waste, here is Jeweller’s run-down of final exhibitor news ahead of the three-day IJF.
Eleventh hour additions
Ice Australasia, the local supplier of Ice-Watch, has announced a deal with Melbourne-based watch business Uncle Jack. Ice Australasia CEO Larry Porter explained that he would manage the retail distribution for the unisex range in Australia and New Zealand, using the fair as a launch pad into the market.
Another late announcement is from exhibitor Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which has confirmed IJF visitors will be privy to an exclusive lucky prize draw.
The winner will receive a return flight to Hong Kong and accommodation to attend the International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the International Jewellery Show between 27 February and 5 March 2018.
In order to be in with a chance, retailers will need to leave a business card at the HKTDC stand as well as download the HKTDC Marketplace app.
Retail Edge Consultants will showcase a new software application called Podium that is said to make gaining and managing customer reviews simple, while Display Plus Imports (DPI) will introduce its ‘fashion forward’ men’s stainless steel jewellery collection Ore.
One of the IJF’s first-time exhibitors is Daylightman, which specialises in lighting suitable for jewellers. Its range of lamps that can be used for a variety of applications such as photography and workbench design will be on display.
Avaiki is based in the Cook Islands and will offer a range of black pearls from the region. The business is also a first-time exhibitor at the IJF and is one of several suppliers that will run special promotions over the course of the show.
Daily giveaways
The Cook Islands black pearl specialist will provide attendees with three chances to win one of its loose pearls. To participate, retailers will need to leave their business card at the supplier’s stand before one lucky winner is drawn at 3:00pm each day.
In addition, Ikecho Pearls is offering a free gift to any visitor who brings their pre-mailed invitation along with them to the fair, while long-time exhibitor Australian Designer Jewellery (ADJ) will use the IJF to carry out a ‘first come, first served’ stock clearance.
Supplier Stella Timepieces is conducting a mystery prize giveaway but is keeping mum on the details. Stella Timepieces national brand manager Krzysztof Jakubaszek said visitors could drop a business card at the stand and learn more.
Jakubaszek also confirmed the exhibitor would host an anonymous ‘brand expert’ who could answer retailer questions about the ranges on display.
Special guests
Just About Time, the local distributor of Japanese made and Scandinavian designed Hygge watches, has announced that a brand expert willl be in attendance at this year’s IJF as well.
Based in Japan, Hygge international sales executive Sebastien Ernu will be at the Just About Time booth to discuss the latest Hygge offerings.
Meanwhile, casting and refining house Chemgold has arranged live mould cutting demonstrations at its stand. Chemgold director Darren Sher said the live display would help to educate visitors who were ‘curious’ about the casting process.
“Our customers have requested visually seeing part of the process to manufacture their jewellery,” Sher explained.
“Having a mould cutter there would also create interest from those who are curious about how certain cast jewellery is reproduced. It gets people talking and provides some entertainment for visitors,” he added.
2017 Melbourne Cup
The 2017 Emirates Melbourne Cup is currently touring the country and will be on display throughout the IJF at the Pallion stand.
The 1.65 kg trophy, produced by Pallion subsidiary ABC Bullion, comprises 18-carat gold that has been mined, refined and manufactured in Australia and is valued at more than $200,000. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to take a picture of themselves holding the iconic Cup.
In addition, jewellers who take a picture with one of the Pallion team and use the hashtag #ThePallionWay on Facebook or Instagram will go into the running to win a $1,000 credit.
Hold up, there’s more
As previously reported by Jeweller, the three buying groups, organiser and a number of suppliers have made other announcements in time for the fair. Here is an overview:
Jewellery Design Awards – Finalists Revealed
Buying groups finalise Sydney jewellery fair plans
Sams Group takes on Samsung smartwatches in new deal
Timesupply lands another euro brand
High school student makes Sydney fair debut
Disney Couture jewellery announces relaunch
Tom Hope tipped for success in Australia
Cudworth secures exclusive men’s jewellery deal
The 2017 IJF will be held from Saturday 26 August to Monday 28 August at the International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour.
For the trade show directory and a preview of the latest and greatest products set to be on display, click here.
Opening hours are as follows:
Saturday 26 August, 9:30am – 6:00pm
Sunday 27 August, 9:30am – 6:00pm
Monday 28 August, 9:30am – 3:00pm
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