Connect @ Autumn Fair is a new, large scale meetings programme designed to enhance the fair experience.

Autumn Fair has announced the launch of Connect @ Autumn Fair, an entirely new, large scale meetings programme to be held during the trade show which brings together more than 15,000+ visitors, 3,000 buyers and 600+ UK and international suppliers from across the retail industry.

All meetings are double opt-in meaning both people want to meet each other and are scheduled based on each individual’s availability. Meetings will be held at exhibitor stands so buyers can view and fully experience their whole range of offerings.

Suppliers are joining Connect @ Autumn Fair to: meet prospective customers, generate qualified leads and secure orders; to re-engage with existing contacts to identify new sales opportunities to work together and to launch and showcase their new season’s assortment to 3,000+ buyers.

Buyers are joining Connect @ Autumn Fair to use their time in the most efficient way possible: to quickly and easily meet the suppliers behind the products they need and to find the specific product features and supplier terms that their businesses need.

Julie Driscoll, divisional managing director of Autumn Fair organiser’s Hyve Group plc commented: “This tool 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.”

“This is the evolution of the trade show model that the retail industry needs and will help exhibitors and buyers get the most out of the fair,” added Sarah Ward, CEO of the Giftware Association.

John Halliday, director of membership & marketing at British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) added: “The new meetings tool will provide all exhibitors and visitors with a completely new experience and position the show as a sector leader. It will enable companies to search, meet and do business on their stands with the right people at the right time.”

For more information about Connect @ Autumn Fair, visit www.autumnfair.com.