As the countdown to Autumn Fair (3-6 September, NEC) begins, among the highlights will be a focus on home and gifting trends, with presentations and workshops delivered by global future agency TrendBible, and sustainability sessions presented by Products of Change’s founder and ceo Helena Mansell-Stopher.
In addition, there will be trade show advice for new businesses to include how to navigate through challenging economic times, alongside motivational masterclasses, and high energy, trend-led catwalk shows. Talks will take place on the Inspiring Retail Stage and the Moda catwalk in Hall 8.
Naomi Pollard, head of publications at TrendBible, will present 2024 Home & Interior Lifestyle Trends (Monday 4 September, morning) revealing how householder behaviours and lifestyle choices are set to underpin product and design trends for the home over the next 12 months and beyond.
In the afternoon, Naomi will also be presenting the 2024 Gifting and Celebration Trends offering visitors insight into the key trends impacting consumers and the opportunities for celebration. From ideas for Valentine’s Day through to Christmas, the presentation will set out to elevate gift and greetings ranges for seasonal retail occasions.
Additionally, Autumn Fair will be continuing its collaboration with Products of Change (POC), which aims to bring actionable change to the ongoing Power of One campaign, with Tuesday 5 September hailed as A Day of Purpose. POC’s founder and ceo, Helena Mansell-Stopher, will be presenting two sessions focused on sustainability, educating visitors by highlighting small daily actions and opening the conversation on systemic business transformation.
Using the comprehensive Pathway to Sustainability whitepapers launched early this year, visitors will be able to access bite-size sections of the papers and scan a QR code to download the full papers at the show from the Products of Change Hub.
In addition, Therese Oertenblad, from Small Business Collaborative, will be presenting a practical workshop on How to Approach your First Trade Show, with Ami Rabheru from the Retail Business Hub presenting Maximising Revenue During Tough Economic Times.
With over 500 exhibitors across Autumn Fair, which incorporates Moda, Jewellery & Watch and Source Home & Gift, there will be a wealth of brands and products showcased to inspire buyers.
“Newness and innovation abound with everything, to include contemporary designs, personalised and licensed gifts, beauty and wellbeing products, creative and greeting cards, stationery, and children’s toys, gifts and gadgets,” comments Nicola Meadows, divisional managing director, Hyve Group plc.
For the full line-up of speakers, and more information on Autumn Fair, visit www.autumnfair.com
To read the full Autumn Fair article in the September issue of Progressive Gifts & Home, click through to page 55.
Top: Daily fashion shows will be taking place on the Moda catwalk.