After beginning on Sunday, the Australian Jewellery Fair concluded at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Monday afternoon, and feedback from buyers and suppliers alike has been positive, with widespread approval for everything from product ordering to food, drinks, and networking.
Expertise Events took a ‘calculated risk’, shifting the event away from the Gold Coast, where the event had enjoyed a surge in popularity after adopting a more informal tabletop structure. Expertise Events managing director, Gary Fitz Roy, told Jeweller that it was pleasing to see the industry embrace the opportunity to try something new.
“We had two great years on the Gold Coast; we loved those shows. But the objective is to keep things interesting and more engaging, which I think, after the success of Adelaide, has been proven to be the right move,” he explained.
“At the time, there was a bit of uncertainty around the move to Adelaide, but we can confirm that the numbers, particularly on day one, increased from the previous year. The industry truly embraced Adelaide and everything it has to offer.”
This strategy will continue next year, with attendees informed that the 2027 Australian Jewellery Fair will be hosted in Cairns, Queensland.
“The plan at this stage is to rotate between more ‘regional’ locations and capital cities from year to year,” Fitz-Roy explained.
“Visitors will get the chance to see new destinations, the show will remain engaging and fresh, and our focus will remain consistent – doing what’s right for the industry,” Fitz-Roy added.
As is usually the case, the opening day was a hive of activity, with buyers rushing onto the show floor to see the latest products and offerings from industry suppliers.
The second day began on a positive note, with the industry’s three buying groups – Nationwide Jewellers, Showcase Jewellers, and the Independent Jewellers Collective – hosting a seminar about upcoming changes to financial reporting requirements that impact the jewellery trade.
Despite the early start time after a busy opening day, the seminar was attended by more than twice the anticipated number of visitors, a welcome sign that the industry is taking these important changes and their impact on their respective businesses seriously.
Jeweller’s complete Wrap-Up of the 2026 Australian Jewellery Fair will be published later this week.
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