The Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) in conjunction with Fair Events has introduced an educational element to this year’s Jewellery Trade Days, which begins in Victoria’s capital city before continuing in Perth and Adelaide.
Two consecutive, one-hour-long education sessions – both presented by JAA director and code of conduct chair Colin Pocklington – will be held from 10:00am, prior to the opening of the event at noon.
The first session will focus on consumer law and the JAA Code of Conduct, including information on topics such as consumer rights, appropriate handling of consumer complaints and two-price advertising.
“The JAA feels it’s important to continually educate its members and the wider industry regarding Australian Consumer Law and the Code of Conduct,” JAA marketing and membership executive Megan Young said. “Additionally, attending and completing a questionnaire allows attendees to receive accreditation points.”
The second session will cover the new national retail tenancy database the JAA has developed with Leasing Information Systems.
“The soon-to-be launched JAA retail tenancy database will greatly assist businesses to negotiate their rental agreements, potentially saving them thousands [of dollars],” Young stated.
Fresh offerings and locations
Similar presentations were hosted by the JAA at the Sydney International Jewellery Fair (IJF) held at the end of August, and the new feature seemingly expands on the Trade Days’ purpose of catering to the jewellery retailers who were unable to attend the larger trade event.
JAA president Selwyn Brandt explained, “While the Trade Days series is specially aimed at regional jewellery retailers, it is also a great event for anyone in the industry. Running for only one day in each city, the event is a one-stop shop where retailers can get the tools they need to optimise their businesses, particularly in this ever-evolving market.”
He added, “If you are coming along, be sure to bring your team too as it’s an excellent opportunity to inspire staff about new trends and expose them to expert advice. The Trade Days is also a wonderful networking opportunity and a chance to meet members of different industry facets.”
Fair Events managing director, Gary Fitz-Roy said the new education sessions would provide visitors with a better understanding of several important industry issues, as well as the benefits of completing the JAA’s accreditation course.
In addition, Fitz-Roy explained that the roadshow-style Trade Days were an ideal way for jewellers located in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth to access new product releases.
“Given the success of the IJF and the number of new releases there, the Trade Days are an opportunity for retailers who may not have been able to visit the show in Sydney to view these products,” he said. “Or if they did attend the show, they may want to have a more intimate conversation with certain suppliers in an environment that’s a little bit slower paced and one-on-one.”
He added that Victoria was making its debut on the Trade Days destination list.
“It’s the first time the event has been held in Melbourne, and I think it’s a great opportunity for the Victorian market,” Fitz-Roy commented. “It’s also a great prelude to next year’s Australian Jewellery Fair (AJF).”
As previously reported by Jeweller, the 2016 AJF will be held from 27 to 28 February at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. The AJF was previously held in Brisbane before moving to the Gold Coast in 2014.
Expertise Events announced in March this year that due to industry feedback, the location of the AJF would alternate between Queensland and Victoria from 2016.
The first of the Jewellery Trade Days will be held today at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, with subsequent events to take place on Tuesday 13 October at Duxton Hotel, Perth, and on Sunday 18 October at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Adelaide.
Each Trade Day runs from 12:00pm to 8:00pm.
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