Sydney set for biggest fair

Posted July 13, 2010 |

The full seminar line-up has been released for this year’s International Jewellery Fair in Sydney, which is set to be the largest yet with more than 300 exhibitors.

Fair organiser Gary Fitz-Roy said “30% of exhibitors are new to the fair for 2010. It’s the best chance retailers have to plan their buying for the busy Christmas season, with a great mix of fine and fashion jewellery suppliers to suit all types of retailers, under one roof.

“When you visit the fair you can do in a day what normally take weeks. Everyone is busy and time out of the business is precious, that’s why the fair is a must-attend on every retailer’s calendar.”

The timetable is as follows:

• Selling Diamonds: Sunday, August 29, 2pm-3pm World-renowned diamond expert Janice Mack Talcott will discuss sales techniques including Understanding the diamond buying cycle based on 5 customer types, The selling cycle and Clienteling.

• Succession Planning in the Family Business: Monday, August 30, 3pm This year’s keynote speech will cover the difficult challenge of succession planning, identifying the key issues to ensure a smooth transition from one generation of managers to the next. The speech will be delivered by succession planning expert Jon Kenfield, CEO of The Solutionist Group.

• JAA Seminars, Monday August 30

> Modern Award – what does it mean?: 1pm-1.30pm A session tackling the main issues affecting jewellers and their employees in 2010, including the new Modern Award and National Employment Standards. Presented by EMA Consultants principal Rod Reid.

• GAA Express Sessions, Monday August 30

> 11.30am-12.15pm The latest news on ruby and sapphire treatments with Bangkok-based gem expert Ted Themelis
> 12.15pm-1pm An update on the identification of synthetic pink diamond melee & natural pearls with Dr Ahmadjan Abduriyim, chief research scientist for the Gemmological Association of all Japan
> 2pm-2.30pm A session on laser inscription of diamonds and other gemstones with Ronnie Bauer of Bauer Laboratories

• JAA Australian Jewellery Awards Throughout the fair the shortlisted awards entrants will be showcased at the JAA stand. The winners will be announced at a gala ball on Monday August 30.

This year the fair will also feature the JAA XYLO Business Lounge, a new space for visitors to conduct business that will provide four computer terminals with free internet access. The lounge will also be home to foreign exchange boards so attendees can check the latest prices on gold and currency to aid stock buying.
For more information, and to register for the fair, visit: International Jewellery Fair.

> See the September issue of Jeweller magazine for a full profile of all the shortlisted JAA Australian Jewellery Award finalists.