Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, spent much of January and February visiting seven UK gift trade shows, plus two shows in Europe.
“While most retailers in the gift industry visit the key January and February shows – notably Top Drawer and Spring Fair – in my role as ceo of The Giftware Association, I always like to spread my net much wider, taking in the regional shows too, as well as one or two gift shows in Europe. I do it go gain knowledge and insights that I can then share with GA members, and, to engage with our member and non-member exhibitors – especially newcomers showcasing their products for the first time. It’s also a good opportunity to meet up with show organisers.
1. Trendset, Munich
Trendset was my first show of 2024, and what stood out was the artisan German brands that wouldn’t have looked out of place at a UK trade show. Along the walkways there were glass cabinets filled with product, immersing visitors in the show before they got into the halls.
2. Giving & Living, Exeter
My main objective at Giving & Living – and at Scotland’s Trade Fair too, see below – was to support the companies navigating their first trade show. I see huge value in that. We also had a small Gift of the Year stand, which was incredibly successful, attracting masses of attention from visitors.
3. Top Drawer, London
Once again, I was delighted that our Gift of the Year shortlist board helped to drive business and footfall to the stands of so many of the companies exhibiting at the show.
A personal highlight was the GA Women in Gifts panel, where I made my debut as a facilitator. The event attracted a packed auditorium with lots of follow-up from delegates.
4. Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Harrogate
This warm, welcoming, twinkling festive exhibition is very much a grown-up order writing show and important for companies wanting to unveil their Christmas launches. Stands such as Gisela Graham and Heaven Sends seemed to be busy every second of the day.
5. Maison & Objet, Paris
You can’t not be ‘wowed’ by Maison & Objet! As you step off the train the experience begins, with everything bigger, better, and bolder. Known for identifying trends, it also clearly fan fared its newcomer area this year with some excellent signage.
6. Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, Glasgow
Hotfoot from Paris I flew to Glasgow to help judge the Best Product Awards, which the GA sponsors. It was good to see many of our members, to include Meg Hawkins – who had her best show ever there – as well as the small, independent brands in Launchpad. The quality of products overall was exceptional.
7. Showcase Ireland, Dublin
Held in a beautiful building in a lovely part of Dublin, the branding for a regional show was the strongest I have seen yet. Impressively, one complete hall was given over to newbies, and it was a joy to see people so delighted to tell me about their business.
8. South Wales Show, Pontyclun
Organised by two agents, the show took place in a new venue, the Miskin Manor Hotel, with some 30 exhibitors showcasing predominantly Welsh/Celtic brands. Next year, I look forward to getting involved in collaborations with both exhibitors – new and established – as well as the show organisers.
9. Spring Fair, Birmingham
There were many highlights at this show, but for the GA, it represented a massive leap forward for the Gift of the Year shortlisted products to be judged in full view of visitors, with everyone able to walk around the stands and see the products. It certainly helped to drive footfall to companies stands throughout the show, hopefully leading to business and the opening of new accounts.
I was also delighted to welcome over 70 people to the GA’s networking dinner, held in a non-formal setting at the Metropole. There was a business purpose attached to it, but also a social aspect, making it a very convivial and lively event!
Going forward, I will be taking on board everything I learned from my Spring show safari and look forward to building on that knowledge as we move onto other shows this year and into 2025.”
Top: The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward.
