Clarion Events, organiser of the buying exhibitions Top Drawer, Home & Gift, January Furniture Show and Manchester Furniture Show, has confirmed new appointments within its Retail portfolio leadership team.

The appointments and expansion of the existing Retail team mark a new era for the shows; especially for the growing number of clients who visit and exhibit at events across both trade and consumer sectors.

The team most recently delivered successful digital versions of Home & Gift, Top Drawer, The Baby Show and Spirit of Christmas, which were accessed by hundreds of thousands. Now, the team is evolving its offering of in-person and online products even further.

 

 

Daniel Nwaokolo has over 20 years’ experience of shaping and leading award-winning events across both trade and consumer. He now expands his role as managing director, encapsulating both Clarion’s Enthusiast and Retail portfolios.

Nwaokolo comments; “In a year of great change, the sectors of the retail industry we serve have shown incredible resilience and dynamism. Both how products are sourced and consumed has been accelerated by the influence of online. I’m looking forward to working with the team to provide innovative buying opportunities and solutions, both in-person and digitally, that meet our customers’ evolving needs.”

 

 

Zoë Bonser further strengthens the team as portfolio director, having previously been event director for Spring and Autumn Fair. Plus, most recently, show director for The Baby Show at Clarion Events. Bonser brings more than 15 years of events and exhibition experience. This is alongside a deep understanding of the needs, opportunities and challenges of the retail and gifting market.

Bonser says; “It’s a real honour to be leading the Retail portfolio, whose shows are so loved by the industry and are such crucial opportunities for brands, designers and buyers to unite. At its core, retail is an industry all about people, passion and connection. These are elements that the long-standing event teams and I will continue to harness as we evolve our offering even further, creating new opportunities for success through both live events and exciting new virtual outputs.”

Uniting the retail community for more than 60 years, the team is excited for this next chapter of innovation.

With over a decade of multi-function event experience, Russell Rule also joins the Retail portfolio’s gift events as show manager. Rule previously held the position at the UK consumer event, Spirit of Christmas. With an intimate knowledge of both the retail market and all key operational event functions, Rule will harness his experience to create stimulating buying and networking experiences; both in live formats and online.

“2020 has been such a year of change,” he says. “Adapting at every turn, the Retail team has used this time to strengthen their understanding of the market, finding new ways to connect their audience and serve its needs. I’m thrilled to be joining the team. I look forward to working with them to apply these learnings further as, together, we shape an exciting, holistic offering of live and digital opportunities for the retail industry to thrive.”

With a breadth of experience delivering shows of varying sizes and styles, Abigail Quesnel (top image) is now senior operations manager for the portfolio. She comments; “An industry based on creativity and design, I’m looking forward to working with the team across our Retail shows to create welcoming, unique environments that facilitate networking, inspiration and space to do meaningful business.”

For further information on Clarion Events, please click here.