Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 76)

Spring is in the air Spring Fair’s Julie Driscoll tells Andrea Ashfield why the 2020 re-edit will make February’s show the best yet springfair.com Taking place from 2 nd -6 th February at the NEC, Birmingham, the 2020 edition of Spring Fair promises five packed days of products, trends and need-to-know education across two distinct areas, Gift and Home & Living. With a brand-new theme expected to take things up a notch, the event will also feature 17 show-stopping sectors, 2,500 brands and plenty of opportunities to connect and do business. The strapline for 2020 is Hello New!, a carefully considered theme that’s intended to chime with buyers’ desire for something different. “One of the things our retailers want is newness,” explains Julie Driscoll, regional director for Spring and Autumn Fair. “This campaign will be evident around the show, enabling visitors and exhibitors to embrace a sense of discovery and innovation.” The event will be divided into two huge areas, Gift and Home & Living. “This change is incredibly important,” continues Julie. “We have carried out research with exhibitors, who wanted a better flow so they can shop the show in a style that’s more akin to the way they like to buy.” SUSTAINABLE TARGETS The Power of One campaign will make a welcome return, encouraging visitors and exhibitors to make a sustainability pledge in support of responsible consumption and production. “We are leading the charge within the exhibitions industry on this issue,” says Julie. “We are very much the place where our communities can get together to debate the issues. It’s not easy to be sustainable or have a transparent supply chain – we’re all on a journey. Power of One will help companies make one small and achievable lifestyle or business change to reduce their environmental footprint and boost sustainability credentials.” The show will feature a trail that enables buyers to find exhibitors offering sustainable products or a transparent supply chain. “Everyone is looking at this issue, so it’s really important that we create a debate,” continues Julie. MAKING CONNECTIONS The need to make meaningful connections is also set to be a major theme at the show. “Features for 2020 will include speed networking and a VIP programme where we work with buyers to ensure they meet exhibitors that are right for their value proposition,” says Julie. “Speed networking enables visitors to meet with a selection of well-matched companies within the space of an hour. We’ve trialled this before and it provides really good return on investment for retailers. We hope that the Department of Trade and Industry will make sure its offices around the world bring key buyers to Spring Fair – this really is a European event.” After the success of the re-edited Autumn Fair 2019, it is hoped that February’s show will prove equally popular. “I’m looking forward to seeing the re- edit come to life. It’s one of those things where it makes complete sense, enabling us to rediscover the show through new eyes,” adds Julie. “Fresh thinking is one of our company values and we’re looking forward to seeing the fruit of our labour come to life. With so much innovation, it’s set to be a really exciting five days.” 80