As NSW continues to grapple with the Covid outbreak and both VIC and SA in the midst of lockdowns, Gold Coast Gift & Lifestyle has been moved to October.
Originally scheduled for 11 to 14 August, the fair will now be held from 9 to 11 October and return to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre for the 2021 edition.
Expertise Events managing director, Gary Fitz-Roy, says it is a cautionary move given NSW has ongoing new cases, restrictions in the other two states as well as stay-at-home orders and home schooling now mandatory, meaning many exhibitors wouldn’t be able to travel to the Gold Coast.
“We have not acted in a kneejerk way, we created a plan as Queensland deserves a fair and secured the later dates at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC),” he explains.
“We have to cover ourselves and clients against unexpected events and we have moved the dates back to 9 to 11 October.”
He adds that it is clear this year’s fair will be very state based, with not many retailers traveling interstate to do their buying.
“Putting the Gift & Lifestyle fair back to early October and changing back to a bigger retail base of Brisbane is a wise decision and ensures a high probability for a successful event. It’s funny how an announcement such as the Olympics can lift the whole mood of a city.
“The new dates and location should allow enough time for both exhibitors and visitors to regain their confidence, with a significant period between border re-openings and the fair,” he says.
The October fair will be the first gift event in more than two years and will also provide the best opportunity to re-establish the NZ bubble, Fitz-Roy adds.
He acknowledges that it has been a tough time for everyone including his own staff, but he thanked all the people who had sent emails and called offering encouragement and positive feedback during these challenging times.
“We have given a commitment to continually monitor the situation with respect to various government restrictions and promptly communicate with you about any updates. In advance, I’d also like to thank you for your understanding in working with our team on this.
“I can advise this will be the last date change in 2021 for the Queensland event and we believe the new timing really supports the changed buying patterns of retailers who will want to restock the shelves for the busy retail Christmas trade.”
