Taking out the entire Exhibition Hall at the Showgrounds and entering a new partnership with Small Business Victoria paid off for Reed Gift Fairs, with the number of gift fair attendees up 23 per cent to 18,914.
Held from 4 to 8 August, Reed Gift Fairs also occupied two more halls at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), increasing its footprint across the whole show.
“We are thrilled by the Melbourne show results, especially in what is currently quite a challenging market,” says event director, Vicki Rossi.
More than 600 brands showcased their latest products for the upcoming summer and festive season, including new international exhibitors such as Guzzini Spa.
A number of traditional indigenous artists displayed their works as part of the event’s partnership with Small Business Victoria, which also saw Minister Natalia Suleyman visit the Showgrounds to launch the Small Business Festival.
“Our partnership with Small Business Victoria was a highlight for many of our visitors, and is evidence that Reed Gift Fairs strive to provide an environment and forum that enables retailers to immediately better and benefit their businesses,” adds Rossi.
The partnership highlighted the importance of the fair for many in the small business space, and provided the opportunity for visitors to get free expert advice onsite via the small business mentoring service from Small Business Victoria’s Small Business Bus.
Reed Gift Fairs will return to Sydney with Retail Quarter Sydney, 8-11 September, at the ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre.
