Originally scheduled for 12–14 September, Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director Expertise Events took the decision in July to postpone the fair to 10–12 October in the hope that the extra four weeks would ‘buy some time’.
Fitz-Roy told Jeweller, “We had already moved the date back [from September to October] to what we thought would be the maximum time in order to get new products showcased before Christmas. But the reality is Victoria – as much as it's had a huge improvement – has seen case numbers go up and down, and I can’t see that changing so this year’s show cannot proceed.
"I feel, personally, for the people who have been affected. I think there needs to be a balance of safety precautions and business, and we would never want to do anything to compromise either of those things.
We've gone through the process of organising the fair twice, which comes at both a financial and an emotional cost; this was not an easy decision, but it’s the best one.”
Trade Days solution
To overcome the ongoing health crisis, Fitz-Roy is now firmly focused on the future, and is developing a series of state-based Trade Days early in the New Year, beginning February.
“We recognise that in 2021, not everyone will want to or be able to travel, nor have the time to do so. Starting at the beginning of February, we will have a compact Trade Days format – two days of trade, plus networking opportunities.”
He explained that they will be similar to buying days held by buying groups, but with a twist: “They will roll out across the country in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, South Australia and Western Australia."
“People want to get back to reconnecting and rebuilding, and this format [state-based Trade Days] is cost-effective for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Trade Days will give an opportunity to the industry to be united. That is the positive to come out of the negative of having to concede today.”
Fitz-Roy added that the four buying groups would be encouraged to participate: “While buying groups might have had their own events in February or March pre-COVID, I think it's now in the interest of the industry to have a united event that goes into each state. It would be a good way for the groups to see all their members in each state as well.”
Further details of the Trade Days will be announced next week.
No date clashes
The 2021 IJWF will resume back to its traditional late August dates (28–30 August), which not only allows suppliers time for Christmas ordering, but also avoids clashing with Hong Kong jewellery fairs.
“Because we will rollover exhibitors to next year, suppliers now have assurance about their stands and location, and that allows them, and us, to proceed with planning for 2021,” Fitz-Roy said.
“Our market research indicated that 80–93 per cent of businesses wanted face-to-face events to return – and while there is a lot of discussion about digital events, no-one has got a platform that really works and creates a true virtual show.
“We will continue to support the industry and are working on strategies to help our clients through the coming months and into next year.”
Fitz-Roy said the past six months have been incredibly difficult for his staff and the company given that various government decisions and restrictions have completely closed the events industry. However, he has been heartened by the industry support he has received throughout the pandemic.
“I have been astonished by the number of calls and emails in support of our handling of the crisis and to the many people who made contact enquiring about our wellbeing, I say ‘thank you’,” he added.