The Gift Fair, which was previously run by Reed Exhibitions Australia, has been renamed the Spring Gift & Lifestyle Fair. It will be held at the same time as the IJWF, 12–14 September 2020, in a neighbouring space at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director Expertise Events, told Jeweller, “It was our vision that we needed to make it easier [to attend fairs] for retailers who carry both gift lines and jewellery ¬– especially country stores – as well as exhibitors. It’s about having a solution that is time- and cost-effective, convenient, easy and more effective for all.”
He explained that many retailers carry fashion and fine jewellery, which meant that they often had to “choose one show over the other” – the gift fair with fashion jewellery, or the IJWF with fine jewellery. Many suppliers who offer both categories also had to choose.
“The truth is the retail landscape has changed and we are simply moving with the change and new retail environment. We can now offer a one-stop shop for both buyers and sellers ” he added.
While the two fairs will have separate halls and entrances, visitors who qualify to attend both events will only require one badge and registration – though strict measures will still be in place to ensure the security of the jewellery trade show.
“This year, we reviewed our procedures and made things more simple – but with that said, visitors will still need to qualify for the IJWF,” Fitz-Roy explained. “The goal is to provide more value and ensure that retailers who carry fashion jewellery don’t have to choose one show over the other – it’s now a one-stop shop.”
Alongside its name change, the Spring Gift & Lifestyle Fair will also be relaunched with a new logo. Fitz-Roy added that Expertise Events is exploring potential specialised education sessions, and that the focus is firmly on retailers’ needs.
Registrations for the 2020 IJWF are now open, while registrations for the Spring Gift & Lifestyle Fair will commence next year.
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