Australia Loves a Gift Fair

Wherever you are in Australia, one of the most popular trade show events for both exhibitors and visitors alike are the gift fairs. Probably the most popular of these is the ‘Reed Gift Fair’. Its popularity is evident in the fact that it is held five times a year, twice in Sydney and Melbourne and once in Brisbane.

The gift and homewares fair is a great launching pad for any new products on the market and the latest best sellers and trends in giftware. The entire industry comes together starting in February of each new year – after the end of the Christmas bumper season, to start again with new, fresh ideas for the new season. It is a good source of information and feedback for the sellers – they can get a good indication as to whether new ideas and products are likely to be a success in the market and which way the trends are leaning.

Not only is the fair a source of information, but it is also a source for inspiration, providing ideas from some of the best and most successful suppliers in the marketplace.


This year, the show will kick off in Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on the 30th January, then on to Sydney at the Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour on the 27th February until the 3rd March. Some of the statistics for the 2009 exhibition show that over 16500 people visited the Gift Fair with many of those coming back for a second look. From these visitors, over 85% had authority to purchase.

The 2009 exhibitions also saw the introduction of a new category; ‘Designer’. This is intended to showcase the more unique, creative and contemporary merchandise. So for something a bit different and more ‘high-end’ this will be of interest to you. (For anyone wishing to exhibit, there are still a few places left so you would need to contact the organizer for details)

The Reed Gift Fairs expect to attract buyers from across the retail spectrum, from some of the largest national chains and department stores to the smallest boutique, one-outlet businesses.

Come and meet your target buyers face to face and reach thousands of potential customers in just a few days. Whether you plan to launch a new product or just show your existing customers that you are still a ‘player’, this is one of the best platforms in which to do it. Exhibiting will help you achieve your sales and marketing goals sooner!