Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - Page number 17 - May/June 2021

17 NEWS & EVENTS EXCLUSIVELY OFFERS LIVE ‘LAUNCHPAD’ FOR SMALLER SUPPLIERS The 2021 Exclusively Show is to feature a live ‘Launchpad’ initiative showcasing products from suppliers in the housewares, small electricals and gift industries, including start-ups. The concept was trialled successfully at Exclusively Digital in 2020; but has never run as a live element of the show. Exclusively has a proven track record for enabling established brands to get in front of buyers and the media and the idea of the Launchpad is to do the same for companies who have not previously had such an opportunity. Stands for the Exclusively Show in general, which returns to The Business Design Centre, Islington on 24 th and 25 th August, are now 95% sold following a positive industry response from exhibitors and visitors with renewed confidence following the Government’s ‘roadmap’ announcements. The curated Launchpad area has 18 stands. Each favourably-priced stand comes with inclusive carpet, table and chairs, lighting and electrics, and benefits from the same promotional package which is available to all exhibitors. Will Jones, chief operating officer at BHETA and chair of Exclusively, said, “One of the unique aspects of the Exclusively show is that it has always provided a level playing field for large and small brands. The Launchpad initiative allows the newest and the smallest businesses to get in front of some of the industry’s most significant buyers as well as the Show’s many media visitors. Equally the Launchpad is an opportunity for buyers, journalists and influencers to find something that little bit different, which they are unlikely to have been seen before elsewhere.” Contact +44 (0)7946 078 566 or visit www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk Harr ogate Christmas & Gift cancel led for 2021 Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2021, which had been postponed from its original date in January to May, has now been cancelled for this year. The next event will now be from 16 th -19 th January, 2022, at the Harrogate Convention Centre. Simon Anslow, show organiser, explains, “Following the government’s announcement that the UK will not be able to resume events until 21 June, it has been decided to now focus on the 2022 show. It is very disappointing for everyone involved – but hopefully life and business will be back to normal by January next year and we can all look forward to another bumper show.” Further news and updates are on the website at www.harrogatefair.com Home & Gift to return to Harrogate for 2021 In response to overwhelming industry demand and in-line with government guidelines, Clarion Events, the organisers of the summer trade buying festival, Home & Gift, has announced their intention to return to a live show format in Harrogate for 2021. Taking place from 18 th -21 st July across the Harrogate Convention Centre and grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate, the show will offer the retail industry the first and largest face to-face opportunity for buyers and brands to unite and do business in over a year. In planning for the show, the Home & Gift team extensively surveyed their audience to see how they could best provide solutions for their needs. An astounding 87 per cent of buyers said they would attend the physical show in July. Echoing the same sentiment, exhibiting brands are also eager to return to in-person trade, with nearly all saying they are ready and willing as soon as the opportunity presents itself. This only reaffirms that retailers are missing the opportunity to see and feel products, and make those all-important personal connections that are so unique to a trade show setting. Zoë Bonser, portfolio director, said: “From its beginnings more than 60 years ago, Home & Gift, just like the retail industry it serves, has always kept people and connection at the heart. The team and I take great pride and responsibility in delivering meaningful opportunities for our network of passionate buyers and brands to come together, do business, learn from one another, and be inspired. After a truly challenging year, our community is telling us that what they really want next is a face-to-face event, so it’s our privilege to deliver a safe, welcoming and successful show for them in July.” With safety remaining paramount, Abigail Quesnel, senior operations manager added: “Delivering a safe, secure event for everyone building, exhibiting at, and visiting Home & Gift in July is our number one priority. From the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team and I have been working closely with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) who are liaising with the government directly on live event guidelines. We will continue to work with both them and our suppliers over the coming months to monitor the situation as it evolves, adhering to guidelines in every way as, together, we plan for the summer event.” With a significant increase in interest from buyers that have never visited Home & Gift before, the team plans to open registration early this year. Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk