26 Spring and Autumn Fair announce new advisory board Spring & Autumn Fair has announced the creation of a new Advisory Board designed to drive the continuous enhancement of the two shows and ensure that UK retail has a thriving marketplace in which to do business. The board, chaired by Stephen Spencer, Ambience Director at Stephen Spencer + Associates, comprises 15 of the industry’s leading figureheads including John Halliday from British Independent Retailers Association, Sarah Ward of the Giftware Association, Karen Wilson from the Greetings Card Association, Ben Massey from the National Association of Jewellers, exhibitors including Stephen Illingworth from Widdop & Co, Nick Ronald from Casa Verde, Aylish Ellwood from Enesco, Tim Hollis from Talking Tables, Jason Bensohn from One Dot World, as well retailers Kay Hutcheson of Coopers of Stortford, Samantha Gibbs from Nest, and Maggie Thornton from Alligator Pear, who all provide valuable industry insight and advice assisting in the ongoing development and growth of Spring & Autumn Fair. Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director at Spring & Autumn Fair says: “The new advisory board is a very exciting development in the shows’ history. Spring Fair has brought the retail industry together for over 70 years and Autumn Fair for over 30 years they have become the nucleus of the industry and enabled so much great business to be done.” Laura Rae, Head of Community at Spring & Autumn Fair adds: “As we look ahead to Autumn Fair in September and our 75th Spring Fair, we know how important it is to garner support and insight from our key partners and community. Together we can offer the best experiences possible and continue to develop and safeguard the shows to fully meet the needs of the industry now and for many years to come.” With its futureproofing remit, the board is committed to guiding Spring & Autumn Fair to achieve a host of outcomes including proactively identifying trends and opportunities within the retail industry, identifying key visitor groups, expanding the regions they come from, and optimising visitor and exhibitor experiences. The Board will meet regularly to provide honest and constructive participation. h+h americas in top 50 Koelnmesse’s h+h americas show has been listed amongst the top 50 fastest growing 2023 trade shows in the US. Trade Show Executive’s (TSE) Fastest 50 Class of 2023 awards marked the trade show industry’s trade shows breaking TSE Fastest 50 records for growth by net square feet, number of exhibiting companies and total attendance - and h+h has come up trumps! Earning a ranking in two categories for fastest growth in net square feet and number of exhibitors was h+h americas by Koelnmesse Inc. h+h americas has quickly established itself as the largest US event in the North American Handicraft industry and will take place for the third time from 1st to 3rd May 2024 in Rosemont, IL. “The US trade show industry is clearly on its way back since nothing can replace the value of face-to-face interaction. We’re thrilled and honored to be recognised as one of the fastest growing events in the United States with our h+h americas event. Based on the current exhibitor registrations for the upcoming 2024 event we are well on track for another record-breaking level,” said Mette Petersen, President and Managing Director of Koelnmesse Inc. “Being listed among the fastest 50 came fast for us after organising only two events, therefore it is especially rewarding for our show team to be elevated in that category. The award will motivate us to work even harder for our future events,” added Darrin Stern, the Chicago-based Show Director of h+h americas. h+h americas is the sister event of h+h cologne, the world’s leading event for creative handicraft and hobby supplies, organised by the German show organiser Koelnmesse GmbH. The winners of the Trade Show Executive (TSE) Fastest 50 Grand Awards will be rewarded at a galaat the Resorts World in Las Vegas in May. Aylish Ellwood John Halliday Sarah Ward
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