Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director Expertise Events, said that it was a cautionary move given that NSW had recorded 97 new COVID cases on 14 July, and because the current restrictions will remain in place until Friday 30 July, with stay-at-home orders and home schooling also being maintained.
“We have not acted in a knee-jerk way; we created a Plan B and secured the later dates at the ICC [International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour] many weeks ago. We have to cover ourselves and clients against unexpected events and we have moved the dates forward to 25–27 September.
“So it’s simply prudent and professional management to plan for things outside of our control, and we have prepared for and had this matter under control for many weeks,” Fitz-Roy said.
In an email to exhibitors, Fitz-Roy explained: “We have moved the Fair dates back by one month, from late August to the last weekend in September. This now provides an 11-week breathing space, which we are confident is enough time for all the relevant authorities to gain control.”
He also said that the September event will be the first local jewellery industry event in two years and that, “The new dates also give us the best opportunity to re-establish the New Zealand [travel] bubble.”
Colin Pocklington, managing director Nationwide Jewellers, which has a large New Zealand membership base, supports the move.
"Putting the IJWF back to the last weekend in September is a wise decision and ensures a high probability for a successful event.
“This should allow enough time for both exhibitors and visitors to regain their confidence to travel, with a significant period between border re-openings and the fair,” Pocklington said.
The advice to exhibitors also explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Expertise Events had been “committed to only running events where the safety of all stakeholders is prioritised, overlayed with the needs of exhibitors to gain a commercial return.
"For that reason, an important consideration is the timing of our decisions to provide all stakeholders sufficient notice of any changes and to build ongoing confidence.”
Fitz-Roy acknowledged that it had been a tough time for everyone, including his own staff, but thanked all the people who had sent emails and called offering encouragement and positive feedback during these challenging times.
He added that Expertise Events would continue to monitor the situation "with respect to various Government restrictions" and “promptly communicate" any updates. "In advance, I’d also like to thank you for your understanding in working with our team on this,” he added.
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