Dedicated gift, coast and home show Giving & Living will be taking place online from May 10-12, with the event product focused and image led. GiftandHome.net asked Mike Anderson, managing director of Hale Events, which organise the show, for the latest update, before the digital doors open next Monday.
Mike, with just five days to Giving & Living Online, how are things going?
“This an image led event, so the daily highlight for me is seeing the amazing product images provided by exhibitors. I’m really chuffed to be part of this creative industry. It’s truly incredible how diverse and unique some of our exhibitors’ products are. We welcome a strong contingent of British makers from the South West and beyond, alongside our regulars who supply tourism related gifts, jewellery, accessories, home and garden, and souvenirs for the holiday trade. Overall, we have more than 100 companies signed up, with new exhibitors signing up daily. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if we are still taking bookings for the show opening day!”
With staycationing the name of the game this summer, and visitor registrations so strong, what’s the feedback been like?
“We’ve been delighted with the wide range of companies who have signed up. At our physical Exeter show, we can pretty much tell you exactly who is going to come along, but online means no geographical boundaries! We have had buyers register from all over the UK, and as far afield as the Falkland Islands!”
Can you tell us about the show highlights?
We are delighted to welcome the Giftware Association to this show. However, we are focusing on products and keeping additional content to a minimum. This experience has been carefully designed as a least click, non-techy, image led, product focused experience for buyers. We want them to be able to browse – as they would at a physical show – through the thousands of products on display. Buyers can search by a range of categories, and request a chat by text, telephone, or video with the exhibitors. They can also add ‘favourite’ companies to a shortlist, download exhibitor catalogues and view exhibitor videos. Plus, we have a ‘hangout’ space for networking, that will be staffed throughout.”
Are you feeling confident about the summer months for coastal retailers?
“As well as the gift industry, my company organises events for the food and drink sector, so we’re always in touch with South West hospitality and it’s going to be busy this year! With all the uncertainty over foreign travel, bookings in the region are extremely high.Accommodation providers, whether campsites, self-catering, hotels or glamping, are booked solid. We expect a very busy year that will help retail, tourism and holiday business begin the bounce back in the South West region.”
Giving & Living will take place physically at Westpoint, Exeter, from January 16-18 January, 2022.
To register, visit online.givingliving.co.uk or tel: 01934 733433.
Top: Among the products that visitors will be able to view at the Giving & Living Online show. From left to right: wave design pendants from Beach Art Glass; Blue Lily 925 silver spiral earrings, and a lobster themed range from Iona Buchanan.
