The inaugural edition of the jewellery industry’s ‘Big Night Out’ event will take place on the evening of 23 August (Saturday).
The event is designed for the entire industry – including independent retailers, buying groups, suppliers, and associations – to network and unwind in a relaxed environment.
The cruise on the Sydney Harbour includes food, drinks, and entertainment, departing King Street Wharf (9) at 7.30 pm and returning after 2.5 hours. Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy said that the proposal for a cruise on Sydney’s picturesque waters ticked all the right boxes.
“When the planning for this event began, it was clear that we needed to do something that really was different. I firmly believe that Sydney has the best harbour in the world – so why not get out on the water?” Fitz-Roy told Jeweller.
“It was important to move away from the idea of everyone being in a single room and confined to seating. We want to encourage everyone to relax and talk. With an event like the cruise, you can talk to whoever you want, whenever you want, and it has a clear start and finish time – so people can comfortably plan around the event.”
The Big Night Out is supported by Australia’s three industry buying groups - Nationwide Jewellers, Showcase Jewellers, and the Independent Jewellers Collective. A committee with representatives from each buying group has organised the event, and BECKS has joined the occasion as a sponsor.
“BECKS has proudly supported the jewellery industry for nearly 50 years, with a strong focus on helping our retail partners grow and succeed,” CEO Gavin Baird said.
“We’re making a significant investment at this year’s Sydney Fair, with a large team attending across sales, marketing, production, precious metals, and customer service. It reflects our continued leadership in the industry and our commitment to being present, engaged, and ready to support our customers now and into the future.
“Sponsoring the Big Night Out is a natural extension of that commitment — a chance to give back, connect, and celebrate the industry together.”
Fitz-Roy said that it was an opportunity to do business in a new way, with an event designed for the entire industry to mix and connect in an open format.
“We’ve had excellent feedback from the industry so far. It’s cheaper than traditional functions and will be easy to plan around, and those two factors were an important consideration,” Fitz-Roy continued.
“It’s a chance to shake things up and try something new. There’s going to be plenty of great finger food, lots of mingling and laughs, and a few good sights along the way.”
Baird echoed this sentiment and said that relationships are the foundation of any thriving trade.
“Events like this are important because they build relationships — and relationships are the foundation of our industry. It’s also a chance to have a bit of fun, especially after the challenges of recent years,” he explained.
“We all work hard, and it’s moments like these that remind us why we love being part of the industry. Sharing ideas, connecting with others, and simply enjoying each other’s company strengthens the sense of community that makes the jewellery trade so unique.”
The Big Night Out is all-inclusive, featuring food, drinks, and entertainment during the cruise for $109 per person. The International Jewellery Fair is hosted at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, beginning on 23 August.
More reading
Bling It On: Special event confirmed for Sydney Fair
All the fun of the Gold Coast fair in a new location
Bench jewellers to be showcased at 2025 Sydney Fair
Duraflex announces new partnership with Connoisseurs
Familiar faces launching jewellery cleaning brand at show
DKNY Watches ready for the big stage
Nationwide Jewellers launches new Dashboard
New platinum technology making waves
Think outside-the-box at The Village