Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia and each year hosts many domestic and international trade and industry events which cover most business sectors. For many years the largest and most successful, in terms of attendees and exhibitors, is the combined Reed Gift Fair and GHA Home and Giving Fair held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Centrally located in the heart of Melbourne these two business trade events attract many thousands of exhibitors and retailers each year. Exhibitors have the opportunity to meet up with existing clients and to write new business and retailers have the opportunity to discover new and exciting products and services.
Hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and running for four days at the end of each January and then returning in August with an even larger format and number of exhibitors, the Melbourne Gift Fairs are the main trade event for Melbourne retailers, wholesalers, agents and product distributors. Of course many wholesalers and retailers from interstate also attend the Melbourne fairs. The Melbourne Gift Fairs are undoubtedly the most effective one stop location in Australia for retailers to identify new products and to meet new wholesale suppliers. Reed and GHA Gift Fairs are perfect platforms for wholesale suppliers to launch news trends and products from national and international manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers. The trade shows in Melbourne give visitors access too many new sales and service ideas and strategies by attending the various seminars held by industry experts who offer advice on various business aspects.
To attend either of the the Melbourne Reed Gifts Fair you must be a registered guest. This can be done online or on the day but pre-registration is recommended. Exhibiting wholesalers have on display a large range of products including glassware, napery, men’s gifts, woodcrafts, kitchenware, home decor, giftware, jewellery, religious products, furniture, clothing, electronics, books, Australian made products, fashion accessories, foodstuffs, framed pictures, ceramics, clocks, photo frames and furniture, collectables, souvenirs, aromatherapy, leather goods, jewellery, party goods and shop fittings.
It is wise to pre-plan your time at the Melbourne Gift Fairs and adopt some suitable strategies for dealing with such a large event. There are some simple rules to make your buying experience pleasant and less burdensome. The first of all rules is to not try and compete with the glamour seekers in their high heels and impractical clothes, arrive for comfort albeit professional comfort. There are many aisles at the trade fair and you will be doing a lot of walking and talking to exhibitors so wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Wear clothing that is readily added and removed as the temperature varies under the spot lights and in the cooler locations. Take advantage of the many café locations and drink vendor stations at the trade fair and stay fuelled and properly hydrated. For those that have forgotten to pre-register to enter the Melbourne Reed Gift Fair or the GHA Gift Fair be sure to arrive early as the queues can be long. Finally, if you are from out of town and planning on staying in Melbourne for several days book your Melbourne accommodation early. Apartments and Melbourne hotels close to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre are in strong demand for the duration of the trade show.
For all retailers that are focused on the growth and success of their business the combined GHA Home and Giving Fair in Melbourne and the Reed Gift Fair are the must do events of the year. If you can only attend one of the trade fairs then choose August as it is the larger Melbourne trade events and attracts significantly more exhibitors keen to sell there products in the months running up to Christmas and the holiday shopping seasons.
