Following the success of the 2024 Australian Jewellery Fair held on the Gold Coast, event organiser Expertise Events has announced that the 2026 edition will be moving to a new and surprising location—Adelaide.  Managing director Gary Fitz-Roy explained that the decision comes after two highly successful years on the Gold Coast, and with strong industry support indicating a clear need for a trade fair early in the year to align with retailers’ restocking cycles post-Christmas and New Year. While the Gold Coast was known for its holiday-like atmosphere that added to the event’s charm and appeal, the move to Adelaide signals a bold new chapter for the fair without departing from its unique identity.

The relocation was made in consultation with the three major buying groups who have consistently backed the AJF and integrated their conferences with the event. Fitz-Roy emphasized that the change is part of a broader strategy to keep the fair dynamic and engaging, rather than tied to one permanent location. He believes Adelaide will offer a fresh energy while still maintaining the vibrant, relaxed tone that has defined the AJF experience. Echoing the rejuvenation seen in Adelaide through events like the AFL’s Gather Round, the fair aims to bring a mix of tourism and business to the heart of South Australia. The Adelaide Convention Centre, a world-class venue, will provide new opportunities for wholesalers, particularly those who don’t usually have access to large-scale events, by making the fair more geographically accessible to retailers from Victoria, Tasmania, and Western Australia.

Fitz-Roy also pointed out the practical benefits of the move, noting Adelaide’s greater connectivity through a wider range of cost-effective, daily flights from all major cities on the East and West coasts compared to the Gold Coast. This improved accessibility is expected to drive increased attendance and create new business opportunities, while the central location allows the fair to serve a broader cross-section of the industry. Despite the shift in setting, the fair will retain its boutique-style tabletop format, which has been key to its appeal. Designed to foster meaningful, up-close interactions between retailers and wholesalers, the AJF will continue its strategy of offering a more intimate and personal experience—not competing with larger international shows like the Sydney event, but carving out its own distinct role in the industry calendar.

The 2026 Australian Jewellery Fair will take place on April 19–20 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. As part of a long-term vision to keep the event fresh and destination-driven, Expertise Events has hinted that Adelaide may be a temporary home, with the 2027 fair likely to move again to another tourism-focused city. The emphasis on combining business with leisure remains central to the AJF’s formula for success, ensuring the event continues to offer value not just as a trade platform but also as an enjoyable and memorable experience for all involved.