I’ve been advised by several suppliers today that the AGHA Melbourne gift fair scheduled to start later this month has been cancelled.
This from Giftguide online:
“Following a survey of all exhibitors and the ongoing uncertainty of random border closures and lockdowns by various state governments, the board of AGHA has made the very difficult decision to cancel the AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair to have been held at the MCEC 31 July 31 to 4 August 2021,” AGHA CEO Wayne Castle and president Michelle Lawson said in a joint statement.
The upcoming Melbourne Gift Fair was a sell-out and there was great excitement by everyone at the prospect of face-to-face meetings once again, they said.
“While there was a possibility that the gift fair could proceed, or potentially be postponed to September or October, the uncertainty of the ongoing spread of Covid-19 together with a strong reluctance by all participants to travel meant this was not viable or supported by the exhibitors and visitors.”
Castle and Lawson add that while this is very disappointing news, they are looking ahead to the 2022 AGHA Sydney Gift Fair, which has already garnered a great deal of interest.
“We look forward to the industry meeting again at the AGHA Sydney Gift Fair at Sydney Olympic Park in February 2022.”
Giftguide has contacted Reed Gift Fairs but there has been no comment so far on their Melbourne event.