Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW), previously known as the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, is anticipated to give a positive energy boost to the jewellery industry as it combines the power of physical events with the global connectivity of a digital platform.

This year’s fair officially marks JGW’s transformation into an omnichannel marketplace for the jewellery community with the physical show returning to the city from 17 – 20 September following a one-edition hiatus.

Complementing the physical event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is JGW Virtual, a digital sourcing platform exclusively for trade buyers, which will run from 13 – 30 September. The virtual show will enable trade participants to either prepare for JGW’s live days if they were already in Hong Kong or do business remotely with their shortlisted suppliers from anywhere in the world.

Pre-registration for free admission will open in early August.

Although attendance to the live event is expected to be predominantly regional in origin due to COVID-19-related international travel restrictions, JGW could very well be one of the significant trade shows of the industry this year as it inspires the community to jumpstart their return-to-business strategies by optimising the benefits of the fair’s omnichannel experiences, said David Bondi, Senior Vice President of Informa Markets in Asia.

“JGW Physical is returning in September with a modified format and in a secure environment where one can do business with confidence,” Bondi said. “Although the show will look and feel different compared with previous September fairs, we believe it will inspire a level of engagement that is unique to face-to-face interactions.”

The magic that only happens at in-person events was captured at JGW’s sister fair, Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA) in June, which drew more than 9,000 attendees who made over 10,000 visits throughout the show’s four-day run. JGA was the first physical jewellery event held in Hong Kong this year.

“Enthusiastically supported by the jewellery community, JGA’s special edition had been refreshingly positive for an industry that needed a lift following months of inactivity,” shared Celine Lau, Director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery. “We hope to build on the momentum sparked by JGA by connecting buyers and suppliers again this September.”

JGW’s in-person edition is opening its doors for the first time to social buyers and jewellery lovers, alongside the show’s target audience, the B2B visitor. The fair will revert to its original arrangement in 2022, still complemented by a digital platform that will enhance suppliers’ discoverability as buyers prepare for the physical show.

Safety precautions will be in place at the show venue in line with Informa AllSecure, a detailed set of enhanced measures that provides the highest levels of hygiene and safety at Informa Markets events.