Events & Awards

Vicenzaoro Dubai Moves to November, Launches B2C Event

Events & AwardsJan 26, 2017

Vicenzaoro Dubai Moves to November, Launches B2C Event

The newly formed Italian Exhibition Group will launch a business-to-consumer event to complement the Vicenzaoro Dubai trade show this fall.

20170126_VicenzaoroDubai.jpg
The Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) is the result of a merger between Fiera di Vicenza, the previous owner of Vicenzaoro, and Rimini Fiera. From left to right: IEG Vice President Matteo Marzotto, IEG President Lorenzo Cagnoni and IEG Director of Marketing Corrado Facco

Vicenza, Italy--Vicenzaoro January 2017 marked the first trade show since its owner, Fiera di Vicenza, merged with Rimini Fiera, creating the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG).

Of completing the deal late last year, IEG President Lorenzo Cagnoni (the former chairman of Rimini Fiera) said while speaking to press at the show, “We are used to much lengthier times, even Biblical times, but we were able to finalize our merger in a reasonably short time.”

“Things are possible in Italy,” said IEG’s Vice Chairman Matteo Marzotto, who previously served as Fiera di Vicenza’s president and CEO. “We have proven that things do happen in Italy when you have a vision and you are sensible enough.”

With new ownership, there comes change.

Of the IEG’s portfolio, which encompasses 216 events held across five locations, Vicenzaoro Dubai is receiving the biggest overhaul.

In 2017, the show is being pushed back from April to Nov. 15-18 to coincide with the Dubai International Motor Show, fostering a luxury buying atmosphere.

As in the past, since its launch in 2015, the show will be organized by the IEG (formerly Fiera di Vicenza) and the Dubai World Trade Centre, which is the site of the show.

In addition to the trade show, IEG and Dubai World Trade Centre will introduce a business-to-consumer fair to run concurrently.

IEG Director of Marketing Corrado Facco said, “It is one event with two souls.”

The direct-to-consumer retail aspect will capitalize on the strength of Gulf-area customers, famous for their high-spending practices.

There is even talk of possibly introducing an eyewear element, to capitalize on the “luxury week.”

Vicenzaoro Dubai is “the shining star of our portfolio,” Facco said.


The exterior of the Vicenzaoro January 2017 trade show

Cagnoni, Marzotto and Facco went on to talk about the IEG’s “ambitious budget expectations” for all of its shows throughout fiscal 2017.

“We feel positively about meeting our budget for January,” said Cagnoni, “which makes us feel positive for the year ahead, despite being aggressive with budgets.”

Italy’s position as the No. 1 exporter of gold in Europe (in 2016, the country exported approximately $4 billion, IEG said) is a contributor to IEG’s positive outlook in 2017, though global gold demand was down in the first nine months of last year.

Marzotto stressed that independent factors, such as the price of gold, will always be out of the control of a trade show but are not directly correlated to success or failure.

“We
are actors in the market, at the service of the value chain but we can contribute by doing our jobs well,” he said.

In 2017, IEG is continuing its focus on sustainability. The theme of Vicenzaoro January 2017 was “Responsible Gold.”

“The time has come to focus our efforts on corporate social responsibility,” said Marzotto. “Customers ask for traceability. Standards are being developed that will cause a split between people who will comply or won’t with total traceability throughout the entire supply chain.”

Prior to the 2017 January event, Vicenzaoro renewed its accreditation at the United Nations for promoting corporate social responsibility, which is granted in tandem by CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. It’s the only trade show to hold such accreditation.

The IEG executives also spoke of the possibility of going public, saying they would likely launch an IPO in the spring of 2018 at a predicted price of between 125 and 135 million euros (or approximately $133,595,000 to $144,279,000).

While Vicenzaoro’s media relations team wouldn’t confirm 2018 Vicenzaoro dates, the T-Gold, or jewelry technology section of the show, website lists the 2018 Vicenzaoro January show as occurring from Jan. 19-24.

Next up for Vicenzaoro is its March show in Hong Kong, held March 2-6.

On June 5-8, the show will be represented by 150 vendors in Las Vegas. From Aug. 1-30, Vicenzaoro will have a presence in Mumbai.

Sept. 23-27 will mark the Vicenzaoro September show, the dates of which have been realigned to overlap with Milan Fashion Week and Nov. 15 to 18 will be the revamped Vicenzaoro Dubai show.

For more information on the IEG, visit IEGExpo.it.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEO

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

White and yellow rough diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

Pandora lab grown diamond rings
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Heuer Monaco Le Mans
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby's

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Met Gala 2026 Beyonce, Lisa Manobal, Hailey Bieber
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Doug Hucker
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

New York City FC winning the Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup Trophy in 2021
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports History

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

Exhibitor at JIS
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure Program

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

Melanie Georgacopoulos Eclipse Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ Collection

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show Buying

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy