Get inspired at the Autumn Fair

Gifts Today spoke to Nicola Meadows, divisional managing director at Hyve Group, to discover everything you need to know about the next Autumn Fair

There have been some big changes for Autumn Fair - can you tell us more?

Yes, we’ll be bringing you a show like never before with the launch of Connect @ Autumn Fair: retail’s largest meetings programme ever.

Offering a new way to shop the show, it will help buyers find the right brands their customers will love, and help Autumn Fair exhibitors create leads, orders and opportunities in an incredibly efficient and effective way, by fuelling thousands of pre-arranged buying meetings and valuable networking opportunities before the show even opens.

Designed to be the most efficient pre-show planning tool, it’s never been easier for buyers to find what they are looking for. Buyers will have access to detailed information on all exhibitors before the show opens, with the ability to search and filter them by the criteria that is most important to their businesses. This includes searching by product type, sustainability accreditation, minimum order value, carriage-paid, and much more.

All meetings take place during the show on exhibitors’ stands, so buyers can view, touch, and ask questions in person, providing the perfect opportunity to launch new products. By managing their time efficiently and prioritising important meetings, buyers will have more time to shop the show for unexpected new product finds, trends, and inspiration.

Plus, the new programme is completely free for buyers to use, and there is no minimum meeting requirement.

What can visitors expect from the Gift destination at this year’s show?

The Gift destination offers everything you want to gift and be gifted with. You’ll find best sellers from contemporary designs to unique, personalised and licensed gifts; sought-after beauty and wellbeing products; the most creative, fun and colourful greeting cards, wrapping papers, stationery and paper decorations; as well as the finest, most magical children’s toys, gifts and gadgets.

Many of retail’s most-loved brands will be presenting their newest collections including Lesser & Pavey, Sass & Belle, Kikkerland, Joe Davies, Powell Craft, Langs, Chalk UK, Bomb Cosmetics, Fizz Creations, Abysse Corp, East of India, Gift Republic, The Art File, Paper Salad, Emotional Rescue, The Little Dog Laughed, Cardology, The Seed Card Company, Five Dollar Shake, Upper Canada UK, The English Soap Company, Heathcote & Ivory, Sevin, TY, Keel Toys, and Inside Out Toys.

Returning to the show are Locomocean, Bubblegum Stuff, La De Da Living, and The Eclectic Lifestyle Company with a host of home fragrance and giftware brands including CHPO, WXY, Denik, Shoe Shame, and Zestt.

We will also welcome some exciting new brands and designers including Moult England with its collection of cashmere, wool and Alpaca scarves, throws and socks; and luxury hand-crafted scented candles from Birmingham-based Candles Bloom - this is its first time at a trade show. Also look out for Zoe Lan, luxury lifestyle brand Burton Blake, and licensed gifts from Grupo Erik.

What else should visitors plan into their schedule?

Autumn Fair will have an exciting new line-up of live content available across three stages: the Inspiring Retail Stage, Moda Catwalk, and Source Home & Gift. The Inspiring Retail Stage and Moda Stage return with insightful discussions covering the latest trends, sustainability, wellbeing, and the future of retail. The Moda Catwalk will kick off the new season in style bringing the latest clothing, footwear, accessories and jewellery trends to life. Visitors can also make a beeline for the New Products Showcase for a curated edit of this season’s must-have best sellers.

Anything else you’d like to add?

We look forward to welcoming you to Autumn Fair in September and helping you discover your next best sellers.

What: Autumn Fair

Where: NEC Birmingham

When: September 3-September 6

Register: www.af23-registration.personatech.com