Events & Awards

This New European Trade Show is Run by Exhibitors

Events & AwardsApr 10, 2018

This New European Trade Show is Run by Exhibitors

Happening this May in Geneva, GemGenève features small to mid-sized family companies dealing in loose stones, antiques and finished jewelry.

20180410_GemGeneve.jpg
Kashmir sapphires and natural pearls from Horovitz & Totah, the company of one of the co-founders of the new GemGenève trade show

Geneva--A new trade show is happening this May in Geneva, Switzerland, and it is aiming to fill what it feels is a gap in the market.

GemGenève, taking place May 10 through 13 at the Palexpo, is the brainchild of two trade show veterans—not organizers but exhibitors—Thomas Färber of Faerber Collection, specializing in rare antique jewelry and exceptional gemstones, and Ronny Totah of Horovitz & Totah SA, which deals in diamonds, gemstones and finished jewelry.

“Both of us have been exhibiting at many shows for many decades,” Färber explained to National Jeweler at a press conference held in New York last week, noting that he had exhibited at Baselworld for 44 years and Totah for 27 years. “We thought that we know better what our sector of the industry needs than the big organizers.”

That insider knowledge of trade shows has allowed Färber and Totah to form opinions about what works and what doesn’t, and form a consensus among their fellow exhibitors.

Totah said that the idea to create their own show was “fueled by a common dissatisfaction with every show.”

“All the shows are run by people who are very good at organizing shows but they don’t know, really, our needs,” he said. “An organizer would say a show is great because it’s full. We had a

feeling that something had to be done differently. We are not organizers, but still exhibitors are following us. That shows a need.”

Totah and Färber attributed the collective dissatisfaction among their peers to two causes: expenses and lack of concern about show conditions from organizers.

Färber explained, “Trade shows are very expensive. Their main target is to make a lot of money. The jewelry business is not so easy. We have expenses, we have to travel, we have insurance. The square meter prices at some of the trade shows are extremely expensive. A lot of smaller companies could not even afford it anymore.”

The launch of GemGenève comes at a time when the industry is grappling with what the future of trade shows will be, if some of them will be at all.

Färber said that GemGenève is by no means cheap, but it is geared toward independently-owned companies, and he and Totah will pay the same fees as all the other exhibitors at GemGenève.
“An organizer would say a show is great because it’s full. We had a feeling that something had to be done differently." -- Ronny Totah
“All our exhibitors are small- to mid-sized family companies. The ideas was to give these companies a platform to show what they can do, their knowledge, their know-how, their qualities and, of course, their products in a world of large companies today.”

Regarding their concern about a lack of care from traditional trade show organizers, Färber and Totah feel their perspective as exhibitors will allow them to “speak the same language” as their fellow vendors. 

“There are a lot of small things where you feel you are not listened to (at trade shows),” Totah said. “Organizers only care if you sign for next year and if you are not happy, another exhibitor will come (to fill your space).”

Totah explained that he and Färber intend to take into consideration all of vendors’ concerns and work to actively address them.

“We will listen,” Färber said. “We won’t be perfect, but we will listen.”

Färber and Totah have approximately 140 vendors from more than 20 countries signed on for the first edition of the show, with the majority coming from the United States and Switzerland. Among them are Yafa Signed Jewels, Robert Procop, Jogani and L.J. West Diamonds.

Educational programming will include speakers such as jewelry historian and author Vivienne Becker, who also has curated a gallery of nine up-and-coming designers for the show.

Four laboratories, including the GIA, will have booths at the show, which will be open to the public as well as the trade.

Färber and Totah had a difficult time estimating the number of visitors this May, but they were encouraged by the passion with which vendors accepted their idea to go out on their own.

“I find it abnormal that for a first show done by people who never organized a show, it’s fully booked and people are trying to reserve for next year and we have never performed anything so far,” Totah said. “It’s almost sad that people are so desperate that it’s enough that we say we are going to do it differently and they will go.”
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Weekly QuizMar 21, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

Helen McCluskey
MajorsMar 21, 2024
Signet Jewelers Names New Board Chair

Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.

Julia Roberts wearing a Chopard necklace
CollectionsMar 20, 2024
Julia Roberts Co-Designs New Chopard Jewelry Collection

“Chopard x Julia Roberts” showcases the first gems cut from the 6,000-carat-plus “Insofu Emerald."

Tanzanite white gold ring Jared
FinancialsMar 20, 2024
Signet’s Q4 Same-Store Sales Sink 10%

The jewelry giant also posted a double-digit drop in same-store sales for the full year.

Gold and diamond Baume & Mercier watch Elvis gave to Dodie Marshall
AuctionsMar 20, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier Gifted by Elvis Going Up for Auction

Elvis gave the watch to actress Dodie Marshall after filming “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

Stock image of a gavel and handcuffs
CrimeMar 19, 2024
Jewelry Factory Supervisor Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Precious Metals

The man was charged with money laundering in connection with the theft of gold, silver, and platinum over the course of three years.

×

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