i2i Events to re-brand its Jewellery Show portfolio
BIRMINGHAM/LONDON, September 2013 – Jewellery trade shows, The Jewellery Show Birmingham and The Jewellery Show London, organised by i2i Events Group, are to be re-branded as Jewellery & Watch Show Birmingham and Jewellery & Watch Show London in order to reflect the growing importance of the watch sector.
Effective immediately, the first show to carry the new name will be the Birmingham event, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from February 2-6, 2014.
According to show organisers, i2i Events Group, the re-brand brings the two shows together under one umbrella reinforcing their position as the leading events in the jewellery and watch buying calendar.
I2i Events portfolio director Julie Driscoll said: “This name change demonstrates that we are listening to the industry and responding to the growth in watch sales. Although jewellery and watches are distinct categories in the sector, we are providing a platform for buyers to view both at two very important times of year in the jewellery buying calendar.
The February show in Birmingham provides a unique opportunity for buyers to source new collections while the London event in June is perfectly placed for top-up orders and Christmas buying.”
As a result of the re-brand there will be an increased prominence of watches on site at both events with watches also used on the catwalk in the marketing campaign in the run up to the shows.
Industry research commissioned by market research firm Mintel found that there was an 11.5% year-on-year increase in watch sales in the full-year to February 2013, while the average amount spent on a watch has risen by 11% since 2007.
Simon Rainer, chief executive of the British Jewellers’ Association, added: “The BJA is pleased to support the Jewellery & Watch Show Birmingham and look forward to what is sure to be a great show in February.”
As well as the new name for the shows, i2i Events will also focus on securing a great brand mix across the two events with the likes of Pandora, Bering Time, Lars Larsen watches, Carat, Dower and Hall, Fable Trading and Alexis Dove and Sophie already signed up for the Birmingham show.
Parure Paris, Bigli, Martin Ross, Arcadia diamonds, Alfred Terry, Chavin, Parure Paris, Nomination and BQ watches are set to show in London in June.
A Jewellery Show panel of experts and influential industry leaders is also currently being recruited to give advice on the content and direction for the two shows, with more details set to be unveiled in due course.
“We are committed to delivering the two best possible shows in the jewellery and watch buying calendar and will do this through a fantastic mix of the best jewellery and watch brands combined with must-have market-leading content from expert speakers and a selection of the best buyers in the business,” added Driscoll.
The Jewellery & Watch Show Birmingham takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from February 2-6, 2014 while The Jewellery & Watch Show London will be held at London’s iconic Somerset House from June 1-2, 2014.
