The new large scale meetings programme is designed to transform how business gets done in the retail community.
Connect @ Autumn Fair will help the community to connect and do business via individual meetings. More than 3,000 buyers and 600 suppliers are expected to participate in over 6,000 high value meetings onsite at Autumn Fair from the 3rd – 6th September at the NEC Birmingham.
To ensure they are valuable, all meetings are double opt-in – both people want to meet each other – and scheduled based on each individual’s availability. Meetings will be held at exhibitor stands so buyers can view and fully experience the range.
Julie Driscoll, divisional managing director of Autumn Fair organiser’s Hyve Group, said: “Connect @ Autumn Fair is a game changing new meetings programme crafted to fundamentally shift the future of buying and sourcing within the retail industry and represents the biggest change to Autumn Fair in its 30-year history.
“The meetings programme will supply extensive information on each supplier from country of origin and sustainability credentials through to price points and minimum order values enabling retailers to pre-select meetings with companies whose products most suit their buying needs. the pre-scheduled double opt-in meetings enable suppliers to generate extremely high value qualified leads.
“This tangible return on time and return on investment is globally unique and reinforces Autumn Fair’s market leading seasonal event status.”
John Halliday, director of membership & marketing at British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), added: “BIRA are delighted to see Hyve further investing into the Spring & Autumn Fair programme. The new meetings tool, Connect @ Autumn Fair, will provide all exhibitors and visitors with a completely new experience and position the show as a sector leader.
“The technology behind this new platform will fundamentally transform the event experience, enabling a far better return on time, investment, and value. This is a no brainer and will enable companies to search, meet and do business on their stand with the right people at the right time.”
