Just days away from the opening of the International Jewellery Fair, organisers Expertise Events is anticipating a remarkable increase in visitors.
While visitor attendance is always subject to last-minute changes for a number of reasons, Expertise Events has confirmed a 45 per cent increase in registrations compared with 2022.
“We are thrilled with the number of visitors who have registered for this year’s Sydney Fair,” managing director Gary Fitz-Roy told Jeweller.
“It’s not something we are celebrating just yet, because any number of things can happen that impact visitor availability. With that said, registrations are incredibly positive – a 45 per cent increase is something very significant and shows that retailers want to be across everything on offer this year.”
For suppliers and buyers alike, events such as the Sydney Fair are an important opportunity to both strengthen existing arrangements and forge new partnerships.
“During our preparation for the Sydney Fair, we are very conscious of the balance we need to strike between local and international exhibitors,” he said.
“This is still Australia’s fair and our local exhibitors are proudly front and centre; however, with that said, we know that retailers want options and variety. International suppliers play an important role in meeting that demand.”
This year’s visitors will have the chance to meet face-to-face with a variety of international exhibitors, with overseas suppliers occupying around 25 per cent of stands.
Approximately 10 per cent of suppliers at this year’s fair will be first-time exhibitors.
Fitz-Roy added: “All the major jewellery industry suppliers will be together in one place – Darling Harbour. The other added benefit when there’s a strong international exhibitor presence is that retailers can save themselves an expensive journey overseas! Everything they need, they’ll find in Sydney.”
What’s happening?
Some of the things on offer are:
- New Products: In terms of products, there will be a wide range of new collections available for the first time. These include recent releases from Thomas SABO, Daniel Wellington, Sif Jakobs, and Diamonds by DGA. Additional information about these new collections is available in Jeweller’s Show & Tell emag, while exhibitor details can be found in the International Jewellery Fair Directory.
- Apprentice of the Year: There’s been a renewed focus on the industry’s emerging jewellers and at the Nationwide Jewellers’ Apprentice of the Year competition, the prize money has reached a record high.
- Visitors: Among the new faces at the Sydney Fair will be members of the US-based Independent Jewellers Collective (IJO). The IJO is a founding member of the Global Jewellers Network, a collaboration with Nationwide Jewellers and The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ).
- Education: For those interested in learning more about the technical side of the trade, Arya Opal Cutters will host a live opal cutting demonstration, while SABA Co will showcase live jewellery making.
- Promotion: Publicist Karen Eck will host a special presentation titled ‘The Power of Visibility’ with a focus on navigating a competitive retail environment.
- Boost your business: Nationwide Jewellers managing director Colin Pocklington will lead the ‘What’s My Business Really Worth’ session, addressing the importance of understanding the value of your business.
- Legal reform: Finally, Alex Engel – assistant secretary of the transnational crime branch of the Attorney General’s Department – will give a presentation on proposed reforms to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism legislation, and how this impacts the jewellery industry.
- Giveaways: As is often the case at the Sydney Fair, there will be a wide range of giveaways and prizes up for grabs.
- Show bags: The first 500 visitors each day will receive a ‘to have and to hold’ bridal pen and visitor show bags have been sponsored by AV Diamonds.
- Happy Hour: The traditional happy hour cocktail party will go ahead on Saturday from 5PM to 6PM.
- Karin Adcock: Former Pandora Australia CEO Karin Adcock will host a Winmark wine-tasting session beginning on Sunday at midday.
- 2023 Melbourne Cup: There will also be the opportunity to take your photo with the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup at the Palloys stand.
- Free Caricatures: Sydney cartoonist Brett Bower will provide free caricature drawings for visitors.
Many exhibitors are also offering additional giveaways and promotions, and Fitz-Roy said he was pleasantly surprised by the number of innovative prizes on offer.
“I’m not sure where it’s come from – but I’ve never seen so many prizes and giveaways up for grabs at the Sydney Fair before,” he said.
“It’s pleasing to see so many exhibitors embracing new ways to capture the attention of retailers.”
The Sydney Fair begins at the ICC in Darling Harbour on 19 August. Registration, event times, and other information are available at jewelleryfair.com.au.
WhAT’s on at the fair?
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