Clarion Events, organiser of the summer trade buying festival, Home & Gift, has confirmed its intention to return to a live show format in Harrogate for 2021. The event will take place on 18–21 July 2021 across the Harrogate Convention Centre and grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate.
In planning for the show, the Home & Gift team extensively surveyed its audience to see how they could best provide solutions for their needs; 87% of buyers said they would attend the physical show in July.
Exhibiting brands are also eager to return to in-person trade, with nearly all saying they are ready and willing as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
Commenting is Zoë Bonser, portfolio director. “From its beginnings more than 60 years ago, Home & Gift, just like the retail industry it serves, has always kept people and connection at the heart.
“The team and I take great pride and responsibility in delivering meaningful opportunities for our network of passionate buyers and brands to come together, do business, learn from one another, and be inspired.
“After a truly challenging year, our community is telling us that what they really want next is a face-to-face event, so it’s our privilege to deliver a safe, welcoming and successful show for them in July.”
Visitor registration for this year’s show will open earlier that usual.
With a significant increase in interest from buyers that have never visited Home & Gift before, the team plans to open registration early this year. More information on this, exhibiting brands, and safety guidelines and procedures for Covid, will be released in the coming weeks.
With safety remaining paramount, Abigail Quesnel, senior operations manager, adds; “Delivering a safe, secure event for everyone building, exhibiting at, and visiting Home & Gift in July, is our number one priority.
“From the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the team and I have been working closely with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) who are liaising with the government directly on live event guidelines.
“We will continue to work with both them and our suppliers over the coming months to monitor the situation as it evolves, adhering to guidelines in every way as, together, we plan for the summer event.”
Click here to visit the Home & Gift website.
