Attire Accessories - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 77)

32 Are there any specific events linked with the accessories section? The 2019 ShopTalk lineup has some amazing speakers, sure to inspire fashion-focused buyers. Reality star and jewellery designer Rosie Fortescue will give her top 10 tips for a successful marketing and digital strategy, while entrepreneur and former Dragon Piers Linney will share exclusive insight for future-proofing your business with e-commerce. We’re also thrilled to welcome author and fashion designer Pearl Lowe, who will offer her five secrets to finding your niche and building a successful brand. Visitors won’t want to miss exclusive retail insight, with trend reports and presentations from the likes of Emma Edmondson, deputy store director at Anthropologie, Sophie Conran, The Galvin Brother’s Matthew Galvin and a bevy of lifestyle bloggers, including the multi-award- winning Apartment Number 4, Peony and Grace, Jessica Rose Williams and many more. How can visitors and exhibitors best get involved with the new Match initiative? We want to give visitors and exhibitors every opportunity to connect with one another before, during and after the show. The new Match platform makes it easier than ever before for visitors to explore suppliers on the Home & Gift website and plan pre-arranged on-site meetings through the website’s Visitor Login portal. A new VIP Hosting programme will also run within Match, encouraging those who may not be familiar with Home & Gift to visit the show and explore the great brands and products on offer while enjoying the unique Home & Gift buying experience. What are you most looking forward to at this year’s event? 2019 is set to be a great year for Home & Gift, and what I’m looking forward to most is seeing wonderful business being done every day throughout the show. The team has been working hard over the past 12 months to deliver an extraordinary event experience for visitors and exhibitors. From the brand selection, product offering and improved layout to new on-site networking and meeting tools, a hosted buying programme and the inspirational ShopTalk lineup, everything has been crafted to help buyers and suppliers make valuable, meaningful connections. What was your favourite part of last year’s show? Last year’s show will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was my first as show director. I love Home & Gift for the same reasons our exhibitors and visitors do; it’s an event environment like no other, and nothing quite compares to seeing the marquees, halls and grounds of the Majestic Hotel abuzz with activity as orders are being placed, stockists are being discovered and new relationships are being forged. As much as Home & Gift is a crucial buying opportunity for visitors ahead of the Christmas period, it’s also a celebration of our beloved industry. Bringing the perfect balance of business and socialising for nearly 59 years, the show has a unique spirit. Is there anything else visitors should explore while visiting Harrogate? Harrogate is such a beautiful town, and we feel honoured to call it the home of Home & Gift. From picturesque walks and the iconic Turkish Baths to the famous Bettys Tea Rooms and the great array of restaurants to spots for a late-night drink, there is something for everyone. Visitors should keep an eye out on the Home & Gift website, as special deals for local restaurants, bars and attractions are revealed closer to the show.