Bumper show issue - Gift Focus magazine

autumn fairNourThe highlight of Accessories at Autumn2010 will be a brand new Catwalk Caféfeature area in hall 4, which will provideseasonal direction on new trends.Produced by Rah Productions, whichcreated the Pandora Catwalk Café for TheJewellery Show at this year’s Spring FairInternational, the Autumn catwalk is set toprovide a showcase for the full spectrum offashion accessories. All exhibitors in the sectorwill be centrally located around the catwalkarea, to make it easier for visitors to find themand to create a lively focal point.Leading custom jewellery designers Pilgrimare sponsoring the Autumn Fair Catwalk Café.“The growth in fashion accessories at SpringFair International and in the market generallyhas led us to launch the Accessories atAutumn feature. Our fashion accessoriesand handbag exhibitors had a phenomenalSpring Fair and are clamouring for us to helpthem grow this thriving market at Autumn,”comments event director Julie Driscoll.The initiative has also been warmlywelcomed by the British Travel Goods andAccessories Association (BTTA).Divine RocksChief executive Diana Fiveash adds: “Buyerswill love the catwalk because it will help themto buy on trend and it will give exhibitors afantastic chance to show off their best ranges.The BTAA will certainly be supporting thisexciting venture.”SpotlightThe Spotlight initiative has more than doubledin size since its launch at last year’s show andprovides a special focus for buyers looking tosource some of the latest products.“One of the most exciting developments atAFI 2009 was Spotlight on Design Led Giftsand I am delighted that for the 2010 showit well be even bigger and is to incorporatezones in hall 4 as well as hall 3,” explainsevent manager Sarah Charlton. “Spotlight is abespoke area created for smaller companiesand designer-makers and is a must for buyerslooking to source the latest trends in quirky,stylish gifts, home accessories, children’s giftsand clothing.”Product trailsFor targeted buyers there are a number ofdistinctively signed product trails to homein on. These include – New Product, EthicalProduct (including fair trade and eco-friendlygoods), Licensed Product, Creative Britain and,with overseas visitors in mind, the Exportertrail to facilitate international trade.Customer initiativesAs well as improvements to make the showeasier to shop, moves to enhance the visitorexperience include free water stationsthroughout the show, product finding pointsat the entrances to each hall, a mobile website(m.autumnfair.com) and free breakfast pastriesfor early bird arrivals. Parking at the NECis still free of charge and full-sized showcatalogues will also be available free.An informative programme of seminarswill once again run throughout the four days,covering topics like consumer buying trends,multi channel retailing, style forecasts, how touse social media, protection against copyingand key environmental issues.Read on for a taste of what’s to come in ourbumper preview unveiling some of the latesthot products to be launched at the show.giftfocus 75