Exclusive interview with Mr. Marco Carniello, Global Exhibition Director (Jewellery & Fashion) of Italian Exhibition Group
How satisfied are you with the recent success of Vicenzaoro January edition – the 70th anniversary being classified among the top 3 Jewellery exhibitions worldwide?
Vicenzaoro January 2024, the edition that inaugurated the celebrations of the 70th anniversary since the first gold & jewellery fair held in Vicenza, exceeded all the most optimistic expectations and set a new record in attendance, overcoming the previous VOJ23 record. Of course, the Italian Exhibition Group continued to drive the growth of the exhibition, focusing on the variety and quality of the product offerings, the panels proposed, and the accuracy in business matching between buyers and exhibitors, which characterize our unique 'Jewellery Boutique Show.' It was our aim to develop an international hub to serve as a reference point for the global jewelry community, and now it is indeed gaining worldwide recognition as a universal catalyst for business, training, networking, and information.
To celebrate the 70th anniversary in style, you announced a major reconstruction and expansion plan with a 20% increase in exhibition space. Can you shed light on this plan and added value to the show?
We are about to embark on the renovation of our Vicenza expo center, a venture anticipated to start in February 2024 and extend until 2026. This significant project, spearheaded by Studio GMP of Hamburg, entails the demolition of the oldest structures: pavilions 2 (the ancient “pyramid”) and 5, paving the way for the construction of a new building spanning approximately 22,000 m2 over two levels. The investment for this endeavor, totaling around 60 million Euros, will be entirely funded by Italian Exhibition Group.
The new construction not only aims to augment the available exhibition space but also seeks to optimize the layout of connecting routes between various pavilions, thereby enhancing the overall navigability of the area. Exhibitors and visitors alike can anticipate the benefits of a contemporary and functional environment provided by a state-of-the-art building. This modernization effort extends to improving the internal microclimate, enhancing the aesthetic quality of interiors (ranging from pavilion height to lighting and structural finishes), and enhancing exhibition and general services, including facilitating easier setup and dismantling operations. The ongoing construction will have minimal impact on upcoming editions of Vicenzaoro. We are committed to ensuring that our exhibitors and visitors continue to enjoy the same exceptional business experience they are accustomed to.
Leading jewellry brands are increasingly expanding their manufacturing operation in Italy and particularly within the Valencia region. How does Vicenza Oro benefit from this industry expansion?
This market dynamic once again confirms the global leadership of Made in Italy jewellery. An element of which Vicenzaoro is an expression, having been born from one of the most renowned gold districts in the world, and at the same time a proud ambassador.
How will Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) plan to promote Vicenza to be a “Market hub for the next 70 years”? Will you further expand on related Jewellery categories such as Watches. We conceive the show as a flexible platform capable of welcoming the contents, the voices of the protagonists, the new products and the trends indicated from time to time by the market. For this reason we constantly listen and engage in fruitful dialogue with trade associations, institutional representatives, companies, the media, etc. and we work closely to fuel the virtuous circle of jewellery.
While VO is a B2B show the VO Vintage with a record increase in 2024 of 22%of the offer as B2C activity. How do see this B2B mix with B2C concept working together? What does the VO Vintage offer to the consumer and watch/Jewellery collectors?
Watchmaking is undoubtedly a strategic focus for IEG, and we will continue to invest in this segment in the future. Thanks to the efforts of the past few years, we have launched several new event formats dedicated to watches, establishing Vicenza as a point of reference in Italy for professional operators, collectors, and timepiece enthusiasts. The latest edition (number 5) of the B2C event VO Vintage saw a +13% increase in attendance, attracting a growing audience thanks also to the fact that vintage watches are an excellent investment.
We believe this success, coupled with the confirmation of VO’Clock Privé for contemporary watches (scheduled for September), is driven by an extensive program of talks, seminars, technical workshops, and meet-ups that draw the watchmaking elite, brands, experts, and opinion leaders to the town. These two B2C formats are unparalleled in the country's calendar of sector events and are entirely rooted in watchmaking culture and passion.
Both of these B2C events have helped us understand the specific needs of the watch segment, including on the B2B side
JGT Dubai show is now moved to 12-14 of November 2024 instead of the usual February edition. What are your plans for capturing more audience and exhibiting companies for this upcoming edition?
The new dates and venues are part of the strategy to strengthen JGTD as a sourcing platform. Serving buyers within a six-hour flying distance from Dubai, Halls 1 & 2 South of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) will provide a versatile meeting space featuring state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, convenient transportation and easy connections to the city’s major attractions. The November show dates allow for inventory restocking in time for the peak season last-minute orders from trade buyers, ensuring a timely replenishment of their inventory. Regarding the offering, the third edition of the show will debut six new national pavilions, further enriching the sourcing experience. Additionally, the fair has already received strong support from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s leading industry organisation and can anticipate the presence of buying groups from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as well as from diverse regions across Africa.
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