Hyve organised shows were both due to take place at Birmingham NEC in September.
Confirming what everyone had anticipated yesterday lunchtime (July 2) came the official announcement that Autumn Fair 2020 (due to take place September 6-9 at Birmingham’s NEC) has been cancelled for this year by its organisers, Hyve.
A day later came the news that Glee, the garden and outdoor living show (also owned by Hyve) that was due to take place September 15-17 will not be going ahead either.
With restrictions still in place to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the real concerns over personal safety from exhibitors and visitors alike, the Hyve team took the tough, but responsible decision to cull these and several of its other exhibitions for this year.
Jessica Dawnay, event director of Spring & Autumn Fair explained to sister title PG Buzz that she and her colleagues had been in dialogue with exhibitors, visitors and trade associations to gain their feedback prior to yesterday’s announcement.
“We would only ever run an event if the community really wanted it. Safety and the wellbeing of others of course is of paramount importance,” she said.
Jessica revealed that Hyve is now underway with “a fresh approach” for Autumn Fair’s September timeslot with its plans to launch a virtual event spanning a few days, including headline presenters and sector specific elements.
“We are looking forward to when the industry can meet again in person and will focus all efforts and resources on helping the industry bounce back in 2021.”
Its Spring Fair 2021 show will take place February 7-11, and the next Autumn Fair will be held September 5-8, 2021.
Adding his endorsement, Charlie Cracknell, event director of Spring & Autumn Fair reassured that the Hyve team’s commitment is “to support the market, getting UK retail flowing, setting up for success post Brexit and getting us all on track.”
A new ‘blueprint’ has already been drawn up for the Spring Fair including precautionary measures, such as three metre wide aisles and stands being a minimum of two metres deep.
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