Gifts & Greetings Review interviews Daan van Trigt, organiser of the most important contemporary home and gift exhibition taking place in The Netherlands, showUP.
Tell us about the Spring/Summer 2020 theme for the fair.
We do not work with specific themes per edition, although we are using the motto, ‘Get Summer Ready’ for the forthcoming event (February 2 – 3 at Haarlemmemermeer, Amsterdam), as there will be so much fresh new product on display for the seasons ahead. The February edition of showUP focuses on spring and summer so there is extra attention for outdoor living and cooking, summer gifts and holiday related items, including fashion accessories and jewellery. There is a usually a different focus at our September edition, which is naturally more oriented towards Christmas.
What is remarkable right now is the importance of sustainability, fair trade and environmental friendly products. This theme is present in all product groups and segments. Sustainability is not only about production processes and waste reduction. Sustainability also means durable products that survive trends and time. So high quality and long-lasting goods. All this comes alive in the Upcycle//ZEROwaste section where products are shown that stimulate sustainable behavior and consciousness.
Will there be any special areas or feature events at the show?
As always, the exhibition will have some special zones. In growUP you can find a nice selection of 40 brands and products for Kids; startUP@showUP is our selection of eight band new labels and cookingUP is the place where new and innovative items related to food are shown. Trendy drinks, kitchen tools etc. (by the way, food and drinks have always been important at showUP. Food Trucks, barristas and themed catering contribute to the special atmosphere of showUP).
Offering inspiration is important in the DNA of showUP. We asked Jan Agelink to visualise the trends for the upcoming season in an immersive installation. He further elaborates on the trends in listenUP. This is the lecture programme in which experts and trend-watchers fill you in on all the current topics and developments.
What makes Show Up stand out from other fairs and what characterises the fair?
showUP was initiated as an alternative for the huge trade fairs in Europe. By now we have become a major player with more than 350 exhibitors, but we still feel fresh and new and we want to do things differently.
The setup of showUP and the layout is still remarkably open and inviting. The layout if the show, the spacious feeling. Seeing big international brands side by side with young designers and starting labels remains unique. The booths of exhibitors are spacious and uniform, all the attention goes to the products. In a comfortable and clear way, you can spot new products for your store and meet existing suppliers. It’s how professional buying, stimulating creativity and getting inspired come together.
Any UK visitors thinking of attending showUP in February can get in touch with GGR, as our roving reporter, Denre Bruins, will be in attendance throughout the event, making sure it is ready for summer!
Images from top to bottom: PiccaLouLou; Davidsfonds; Piet Design, Muja Juma; Harm en Elke; Fablewood; Fabryk Design
