Melbourne Gift Fair – Important Update


The Australian Gift & Homewares Association (AGHA) has been closely monitoring and considering the current situation and the impact of Covid‐19 pandemic on the upcoming 2021 AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair.

Following a survey of all participants and with the ongoing uncertainty of random border closures and lockdowns by various State Governments, the Board of AGHA has made the very difficult decision to unfortunately cancel the AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair to have been held at the MCEC July 31‐August 4, 2021.

As the leading industry body in this sector it is incumbent on AGHA to do what is best for it’s Members and the Industry as a whole and to make this decision now is important. While there was a possibility that the Gift Fair could proceed, or potentially be postponed to September or October, the uncertainty of the ongoing spread of Covid‐19 together with a strong reluctance to travel meant this was not an option supported by the exhibitors or visitors.

The safety and well‐being of all exhibitors, visitors, staff and contractors are paramount concerns to the Association and we believe that this is the only responsible course of action given the current circumstances.

The upcoming Melbourne Gift Fair was a sell‐out and there was great excitement by everyone at prospect of face‐to‐face meetings once again. It is disappointing for everyone concerned that this is now the third consecutive Gift Fair to be cancelled.

The Melbourne Gift Fair Industry Catalogue is by far the best ever produced and despite the Fair being cancelled it will still be distributed to over 60,000 retailers, stylists, designers, hospitality buyers and corporate buyers over the next 2 weeks.

On a positive note, there is already a great deal of industry interest for the 2022 AGHA Sydney Gift Fair particularly now with the understanding that a large proportion of Australians will be vaccinated by then and life can return to some normality.

AGHA would like to thank all our members, exhibitors, visitors and staff for your ongoing understanding and support in these challenging times.

We look forward to the industry meeting again at the AGHA Sydney Gift Fair at Sydney Olympic Park in February 2022.


Michelle Lawson President


Wayne Castle CEO


Australian Gift & Homewares Association