Quashing the rumours and speculation, the Spring Fair organisers have issued a statement confirming that it is still full steam ahead for the February show in the original dates – 6-9 February – at Birmingham’s NEC.
“We are confidently planning for the show and are very much looking forward to seeing all of you there,” stated Julie Driscoll, divisional managing director for retail, engineering and manufacturing at Hyve Group plc, which owns and organises the Spring and Autumn Fair.
The well-timed announcement, which offers clarity and reassurance to exhibitors and visitors alike comes hot on the heels of the news that Frankfurt’s Paperworld (that was due to take place at the end of January) has been cancelled this year, due to the Omicron variant while Top Drawer and Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, both of of which were due to happen this month (January) have been postponed. (Top Drawer has shifted to February 20-22 at London’s Olympia while the Scotland show will now happen 27-29 March at Glasgow’s SEC).
With Spring Fair being such a significant exhibition for a number of sectors, especially gifts and homewares, there is a lot riding on it taking place.
“As well as our responsibility to Health & Safety, we also have a huge responsibility to the many thousands of businesses that rely on us as a key part of their buying and selling calendar. We saw a renewed energy and excitement at both Autumn Fair and Glee among the thousands of exhibitors and attendees. Everybody who attended the event, came to do business,” says Julie. “What 2021 has highlighted is the importance of reliability and retailers being able to see and touch what they are buying; one thing is clear they cannot afford another year of virtual buying. Spring Fair has been a vital cog in the retail supply chain for sourcing products and reinforcing those face-to-face relationships for many years and in 2022 it is vitally important for our industry that Spring Fair opens its doors to allow retailers to restock and buy for the year ahead.”
However, ensuring the health and safety of exhibitors and buyers will be a top priority at the show.
“As we always have done, we take our responsibilities around Health & Safety at our events incredibly seriously,” stressed Julie.
Anyone entering the NEC for Spring Fair (including those during build-up and breakdown) will need to show their valid Covid-19 Pass, or a negative result to a Lateral Flow Test taken within 48 hours.
“In addition, aligned to Government guidelines, all attendees will wear a face covering during the show,” elaborated Julie.
Register to attend Spring Fair at https://www.springfair.com/visitor-registration
Top: The last physical Spring Fair was 2020, so there is an appetite for the 2022 to go ahead as planned.
