Reed Exhibitions cancels IJL 2020

The organiser for International Jewellery London (IJL), Reed Exhibitions, has announced that the September event has been cancelled. The trade show was initially scheduled to take place at Alexandra Palace, London, between 13 September and 15 September 2020, but will no longer go ahead due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The event would have marked the first time that the trade show took place at Alexandra Palace, in a move that would have celebrated the event’s 65th anniversary. Reed Exhibitions had previously said that it was creating a new show floor experience for the show, with “innovations” for both buyers and sellers, driven by the “core objective of delivering business opportunities for everyone”. In a newly-released statement, the organiser said: “Following UK government guidelines and comprehensive discussions with our customers, public health authorities and partner organisations, we do not believe that we are in a position to host a large scale gathering of the community in September without compromising the key valuable elements of IJL. “The health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors, partners and staff is our number one priority. Therefore, after careful consideration we feel it is in everyone’s best interests not to go ahead with this year’s event and wanted to give everyone involved as much notice as possible.” It added: “IJL has 65 years of heritage that we look to protect and maintain during this unprecedented time. “For now, and as we recognise the challenging time our industry has to face, both personally and professionally, we will continue to collaborate with exhibitors and visitors to support the global jewellery industry during this difficult period.” The organiser said it is now “working out these details” and will inform the community of further developments “at the relevant and appropriate times”. Reed Exhibitions had previously confirmed that the IJL would press ahead despite the current pandemic, announcing in April that submissions were still open for seminars, talks and ‘In Conversations’. At the time, show director Andy Ventrissaid: “IJL exists to support the industry and we welcome their contribution to ensure that the programme spans a diversity of topics that focus on the key issues and help incentivise business success. “Proposals are invited from everyone – from emerging design talents, designers and established brands to trade organisations, retailers, buyers and suppliers.”