After a tough and challenging 2020, many people are looking forward to the new year, especially now that the gift fairs will be back in 2021.
Following government advice, large scale exhibitions will return to ICC Sydney, subject to one person per four square metres of space.
Reed Exhibitions managing director, Brian Thomas, says this feels like a pivotal moment in Australia’s post-pandemic recovery.
“Trade events and exhibitions have always been places where entire industries come together in one place to celebrate what they do, build connections and, of course, trade,” he says.
The annual economic impact of Life Instyle and Reed Gift Fairs exceeds $30 million and these two events remain pivotal to the future success of retailers, wholesalers, product designers and manufacturers.
“Now more than ever, Australia’s key industries need that spark, that catalyst for growth that exhibitions are known for, from which a strong and speedy recovery can begin. And we’re delighted that Australia’s gift and homewares industry will be one of the first to benefit from exhibitions reopening in New South Wales.
“The flow-on benefits of this are substantial and we hope this update will be the catalyst for the recovery of other industries,” Thomas adds.
Indeed, Reed Gift Fair and Life Instyle will be held at the ICC from Saturday 20 February till Tuesday 23 February. ICC Sydney CEO, Geoff Donaghy, says the venue is delighted to restart its exhibition calendar and welcome back Reed Gift Fairs and Life Instyle.
“We are very pleased to welcome back the Reed Gift Fair and Life Instyle retail shows to ICC Sydney early next year, following updated advice from the New South Wales Department of Health,” he enthuses.
“These will be the first exhibitions we have staged since the coronavirus pandemic and resultant government restrictions came into place in March. The exhibition industry plays a fundamental role within our business and we are looking forward to rebuilding this important market segment so that it is once again a thriving sector.”
Each event still has to submit their own Covid-safe plan, says Donaghy, but he’s confident that more exhibitions will run next year.
Reed Gift Fairs and Life Instyle will have a multitude of Covid-specific safety precautions in place, offering much-needed piece of mind to both exhibitors and their customers.
“We are delighted to be reopening our doors, but we will only do so with the most stringent safety precautions in place supporting the experience of doing business at an event,” says Thomas.
“This will include working closely with the ICC on the key areas of focus―physical distancing, participant wellbeing, hygiene and cleaning and tracing and record keeping. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our exhibitors, their customers and our staff.”
Registration for Reed Gift Fairs and Life Instyle opens 23 November.
