Visitor attendance at this year’s JAA International Jewellery Fair in Sydney was “reasonably consistent” with previous years, according to fair organiser Expertise Events.
The Fair attracted 5567 visitors (1.6 per cent less than in 2012) but, according to the Expertise Events’ Event Report, “the mix and quality of visitors created a more qualified buyer on the show floor with more than 68 per cent being corporate buyers, decision makers, owners or key buyers”.
“Despite the downward trends in retail spending and consumer confidence, the 2013 event saw a confident and positive atmosphere with a number of exhibitors reporting on quality visitors and good volume orders,” the report said.
“The Fair boasted many new attractions in 2013, with more than 50 new exhibitors, more than 10,000 new products released, 210+ exhibitors, and more than 500 new product ranges on show.
“Visitors enjoyed the new Spotlight Learning Exchanges, on-floor demonstrations, new specialty pavilions, a new online registration system, and three lucky visitors took home an original artwork from our resident artist Chris Roy.
“The new media morning tea was attended be various fashion media editors, and the ‘Kiwi’ cocktail party was a special treat for our New Zealand visitors.
“All in all the Fair held its place as the industry’s key trade buying and networking event,” the report concluded.
“With the recent change in government and the present shift in consumer confidence, we are excited to roll into 2014 and work has already begun on building an even greater event in the Fair’s new home at Glebe.”
This year’s Fair was the last JAA International Jewellery Fair to be held at the existing Darling Harbour venue.
In 2014 the Fair will move to the new exhibition centre at Glebe Island while the Darling Harbour centre is demolished and rebuilt.