ICA participated in two Hong Kong trade shows this year, on a much lesser scale compared to previous years, because of Covid safety precautions.
Held in June 2021, Informa’s Market Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show was the first to be held in Hong Kong 2021. It was therefore anticipated to herald back the jewelry industry but, instead, the four-day event targeted local buyers and endconsumers. There was no ICA pavilion, and the majority of exhibitors were finished jewelry companies or designer houses.
Held in June 2021, Informa’s Market Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show was the first to be held in Hong Kong 2021. It was therefore anticipated to herald back the jewelry industry but, instead, the four-day event targeted local buyers and endconsumers. There was no ICA pavilion, and the majority of exhibitors were finished jewelry companies or designer houses.
Informa took all the necessary precautions to deliver a safe show to the public. Exhibitors had to be vaccinated or prove a negative Covid-test result prior to the Show. Visitors were required to scan the QR code of the LeaveHomeSafe app (the digital contact tracing app launched by the Hong Kong Government on November 16, 2020) upon entering the Hall. The aisle width was expanded to ensure there would be enough room for social distancing.
The first two days were quiet since the Show targeted B2C business and international travel bans remained in place. The final two days attracted retail customers and local buyers who were looking for “good deals.” Local buyers and jewelry designers attended to source loose stones, and despite the B2C format, loose gemstone exhibitors did surprisingly well.
The March show, the 37th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 7th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, were postponed until July 25. Held at a single venue, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the shows concluded successfully, attracting more than 13,700 industry buyers and, for the first time ever, over 17,000 public visitors, according to HKTDC.
Members commented that the March shows were ok, but not as good as June for three reasons: there were few if any international buyers coming to Hong Kong in July; the economy had slowed, and the majority of buyers went straight to the finished goods section. However, the new normal included a virtual tradeshow, at the conclusion of the physical show and this the online platform enabled global jewelers and traders to engage in business talks via video conferencing.
