All the fun of the fair

Posted August 19, 2019 |

Find out what’s on the agenda for this 2019 International Jewellery & Watch Fair – including talks, workshops and the jewellery design awards – as the industry comes together for the biggest event of the year.

WHAT’S NEW?

For the first time, this year’s International Jewellery & Watch Fair will host educational, hands-on learning workshops on the Fair floor. Those lucky enough to secure a spot will get the opportunity to develop marketable skills for their businesses in time for the Christmas season.

Learn to sketch like a professional:

Samantha Kelly will share her techniques to make sketching beautiful designs for your customers quicker and easier in this draw-along workshop. When: Saturday 24 August and Sunday 25 August, 1:00pm, 180 mins

Appreciating gemstones:

George Palos will help attendees gain experience identifying, appreciating and selling natural gems. When: Saturday 24 August and Monday 26 August, 11:00am, 120 mins

Watchmaking basics – the must-have skills:

Discover the technical aspects of a basic watchmaking service with Grant Menzies and Jason Valinotti. When: Sunday 25 August, 11:00am, 90 to 120 mins

NEED TO KNOW DETAILS

Venue: Hall 3 & 4, ICC Sydney, Exhibition Centre. 14 Darling Drive, Sydney

Opening times:

Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 August – 9:30am to 6:00pm

Monday 26 August – 9:30am to 3:00pm

FAIR FAVOURITES ARE BACK

Jewellery Design Awards 2019

The biennial JDAs return to the Fair in 2019, with 44 finalists represented across 10 categories. Visitors will have the opportunity to view all the pieces vying for the $20,000 prize pool, with the winners announced at a canapé reception on the show floor on Sunday 25 August at 4:30pm. Click here to preview this year’s stunning pieces showcasing the best of Australian jewellery talent.

Melbourne Cup

The 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup, arguably the nation’s most iconic trophy, will be on show at the Pallion stand. Produced by Pallion subsidiary ABC Bullion, the trophy weighs 1.65kg and is crafted from 18-carat gold mined, refined and crafted wholly within Australia. It is valued at $250,000. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the ‘Loving Cup‘ design and of the trophy being given as the race prize.

Networking

One of the Fair’s most popular events, Happy Hour is back once again. Join your fellow industry members at 5:00pm on Saturday 24 August to raise a glass and celebrate. Supported by the three buying groups, Happy Hour is a chance to network, connect and catch up with old friends.

MUST-SEE SEMINARS

How to leverage your online reputation

Consumers who live in the digital world are much more savvy. So how can you ensure your jewellery store is found online and has a positive reputation?

Taylor Cutler and Steve Garcia from Podium will share their key strategies for success, including claiming business listings, search optimisation, and collecting more reviews. When: Saturday 24 August, 11:00am

Connecting with your customers through retail design
What is the jewellery retail sector going to look like tomorrow? How is your business going to survive and thrive? Quite simply, by design. In this seminar, international brand and communication strategist Ian Cunningham from ID Solutions will discuss how to create retail environments and experiences that encourage your customers to discover, connect, interact and purchase. When: Saturday 24 August, 2:00pm and Monday 26 August, 2:00pm

Driving sales by understanding the numbers

If you’re serious about improving your bottom line, it’s time to get back to the fundamentals.

This feature session is presented by the ‘Number Guys’, Joshua Zarb, general manager Expertise Events, and Colin Pocklington, managing director Nationwide Jewellers. When: Sunday 25 August, 2:00pm

TRAVEL DETAILS

Here are some tips for getting to and from the ICC Sydney venue.

1. Ferry: Cruise into Darling Harbour on a ferry with direct services from Circular Quay, alighting at Barangaroo Wharf or Pyrmont Bay Wharf.
2. Sydney Light Rail: The Light Rail, which starts at Central station in the CBD, stops at both the Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre.
3. Train: Town Hall station is a 10-minute walk. Central is a 15-minute walk.
4. Bus: Bus stop Harris Street at Allen Street is a 10-minute walk from ICC Sydney. It is serviced by bus routes 389 and pre-pay only 501.
5. Parking: ICC Sydney operates two 24-hour paid on-site car parks with 826 spaces, including disabled, motorcycle and electric car charging. There are also several other secure car parks in the Darling Harbour precinct.
6. Taxi: Iron Wharf Place and Zollner Circuit, both accessed via Darling Drive.