Hyve, the organiser of Autumn Fair and co-located Jewellery & Watch and Fashion (JWF), has announced the cancellation of both events this year.
In light of the ongoing pandemic, the four-day Autumn Fair will return to the NEC Birmingham on 5 September 2021. The Spring Fair, however, will still be held between 7 February and 11 February 2021.
Hyve said it is now “working closely” with its partners and clients to deliver a virtual forum in September, featuring exclusive seminar content and practical advice designed to “educate and inform participants”.
More information on the virtual forum will be available on the website “in due course”, Hyve has confirmed.
Jessica Dawnay, event director at the Spring and Autumn Fair, said: “We have been listening to both our exhibitors and visitors, and the feedback from the market has been incredibly supportive of Autumn Fair.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to take a fresh approach and launch a virtual forum this September.”
She added: “We are also looking forward to when the industry can meet again in person and will focus all efforts and resources on helping the industry bounce back in 2021, both at Spring Fair in February 2021, and Autumn Fair taking place 5th-8th September 2021.”
Peter Lockey, from the Puppet Company, said: “Autumn Fair is consistently one of our favourite and important exhibitions of the year.
“That said, the idea of a virtual show is inspired, and I look forward to getting fully involved in showcasing our latest puppet and soft toy collections online.”
Co-located with Design and Source and JWF, the Autumn Fair is a trade show catered towards retailers, designers, contractors, architects and interior decorators to gain insight into the latest product trends.
