Feature - Autumn Fair

Fall order

Autumn Fair runs from the 3rd to 6th September at the NEC Birmingham. New event director, Alejandra Campos, tells Toy World why the 2023 fair isn’t one to miss.

Autumn Fair bills itself as the leading wholesale marketplace for home, gift and fashion. It gives brands the opportunity to showcase their products and reveal new launches to the market, while retailers are able to look around for new ranges for their stores and talk one-to-one with exhibitors ahead of the all-important festive season.

There are several new exhibitors in the Kids, Toys and Play sector this year, giving retailers the chance to meet suppliers with a point of difference to refresh their offering. “Kids, Toys and Play is the source for so much – you’ll discover an eclectic mix of the latest board games, gadgets, games, electronic toys, licensed gifts, nursery toys and gifts, plush toys, puzzles, wooden toys and more,” explains Alejandra. “We offer a celebration of some of the latest toy trends and those elusive Christmas hits, and the show is the place to meet new and existing children’s gift exhibitors. An array of crafting brands will also showcase their new creations, with a focus on ethically and sustainably made crafts.”

Alejandra has high hopes for the upcoming show. She adds: “There is a real buzz around this year, I expect it to be a successful event, as there will be a lot of new ranges being showcased for retailers.”

Earlier this year, Connect @ Autumn Fair was announced, a programme which connects leading UK buyers and retailers with all 600+ Autumn Fair exhibitors prior to their arrival at the show.

Over 6,000 meetings are anticipated to take place at Autumn Fair. Each meeting is 15 minutes long and all meetings are double opt-in, meaning both parties have agreed to meet. Meetings take place on the stand, so buyers can explore the full product range. Buyers can participate in as many double opt-in 15-minute meetings as they’d like, limited only by availability and mutual interest. If more than 15 minutes is required, a follow-up meeting can be arranged at or after the show. With Connect @ Autumn Fair, exhibitors will be able to discover and connect with buyers, based on over 100 datapoints. Alejandra says this is the biggest investment the company has ever made in Spring & Autumn Fair’s history.

“The scheme is receiving a very good response,” Alejandra tells us. “Connect @ Autumn Fair will give exhibitors more visibility than ever before, and buyers the opportunity to plan and pre-book meetings before the show. Thousands of buyers from leading retailers including Harrods, Card Factory, John Lewis, Robert Dyas, Walt Disney Co, Marks & Spencer and Moonpig have already registered.

“When we launched Connect @ Autumn Fair, we knew it was the obvious and much-needed next step to revolutionise the trade show experience, and we’re delighted to see that so many retailers agree. Visitors can save time, skip the queues, plan ahead and enjoy the convenience of scheduled meetings rather than waiting around for representatives to become available. They can also receive exclusive perks, including access to the new Connect VIP Buyers Lounge at the show. Connect @ Autumn Fair also gives buyers the opportunity to see special offers, discounts or announcements exhibitors are making ahead of arriving onsite at the show.”

Retailers can still register before 9th August to be a part of Connect @ Autumn Fair. Plus, with valuable time saved by managing time and prioritising pre-scheduled meetings, they will have more time to shop the show for unexpected new product finds, trends and inspiration. Buyers are invited to register at www.autumnfair.com/connect-autumn-fair-buyers.