The fair had been postponed to 9–13 November from its original September dates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with an “uncertain” outlook and continuing international travel restrictions, the organiser has now cancelled the physical event in favour of the digital format, scheduled for 27–29 October.
Informa Markets described Jewellery & Gem Digital World as a “virtual show experience that seamlessly integrates digital product meetings with a rich programme of industry forums, discussions and practical gemmology workshops”.
It will also include “custom digital catalogues, assortment management solutions and personalised showroom technology” for exhibitors.
David Bondi, senior vice-president Informa Markets Asia, said, “We know how important our Jewellery & Gem fairs are as powerful platforms where our community can come together, create strong business relationships and discover leads to drive up sales.
“Our overriding priority has always been to provide our stakeholders with a safe, secure and the highest-quality sourcing experience possible, which is simply not feasible given the current circumstances. New challenges, however, afforded us new opportunities to work for creative solutions that will bring our community together in a new way: Jewellery & Gem Digital World.”
A series of webinars focused on the Asian jewellery industry will be held in the lead up to the event, while the winners of the JNA Awards will be announced in a virtual presentation on 27 October, the first day of Jewellery & Gem Digital World.
The next Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong trade fair will take place in September 2021, with Bondi revealing that it will take a “hybrid” structure that combines physical shows with digital features.
The news follows the cancellation of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair – organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) – whose exhibitors will instead be included in the HKTDC Autumn Sourcing Week Online event.
More reading:
Hong Kong trade show cancelled; replaced with digital event