Italy Aligns With the US, Hong Kong, Germany and Others for Australia’s IJF 2026 in ICC Sydney: Here is Everything You Need to Know Now

Written By: Minal Aditi Lakra

Minal Aditi Lakra

I graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of Calcutta and further strengthened my financial expertise by pursuing both the Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) programs. Over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to building a career aligned with my long-term professional aspirations, combining analytical thinking with strategic communication. Currently, I work as a Public Relations Strategist at Travel And Tour World (TTW), a global travel media platform that connects industry leaders with travelers worldwide. My role involves translating the vision, insights, and innovations of tourism stakeholders—including governments, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality brands, and event organizers—into compelling stories that inform, inspire, and influence global travel audiences. Through strategic storytelling and media engagement, I help bridge the gap between industry leadership and evolving traveler expectations.

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July 12, 2026 9:24 AM

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Australia is preparing to welcome one of the Asia-Pacific region’s most significant trade gatherings for the jewellery and watch industry as the International Jewellery Fair (IJF) 2026 returns to the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) from 22 to 24 August 2026. More than a showcase of fine jewellery, gemstones and luxury timepieces, the event reflects Sydney’s growing importance as a destination where international commerce, business events and tourism intersect.

For Australia’s visitor economy, the International Jewellery Fair represents far more than a specialist industry exhibition. It attracts jewellery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, designers, importers, exporters and buyers who travel to Sydney to source new collections, establish commercial partnerships and gain insight into evolving market trends. Their presence generates demand across hotels, restaurants, transport services, retail precincts and visitor attractions, reinforcing the role of business events as a key contributor to tourism spending.

Hosted at ICC Sydney, the country’s leading convention and exhibition venue located within the Darling Harbour precinct, the fair benefits from world-class infrastructure designed to accommodate international exhibitions, conferences and corporate gatherings. Since opening in 2016, ICC Sydney has become one of Australia’s premier MICE venues, recognised for its flexible exhibition halls, advanced technology, sustainability initiatives and accessibility. Its central location also enables delegates to experience Sydney’s waterfront attractions, cultural institutions and hospitality offerings while attending business meetings.

The International Jewellery Fair has established itself as Australia’s largest trade-only jewellery buying event, bringing together suppliers from across the jewellery supply chain under one roof. Exhibitors span fine jewellery manufacturers, fashion jewellery brands, gemstone specialists, diamond merchants, pearl suppliers, watch companies, jewellery technology providers, packaging businesses, display manufacturers and security solution specialists. The diversity of participating businesses allows retailers to compare products, identify emerging consumer trends and negotiate directly with suppliers.

Among the companies already featured by the organisers are Worth & Douglas, Cultured Jewellery Designs, Steel & Barnett, Mark McAskill Jewellery, Global Jewellery Concepts and Paterson Fine Jewellery. While the final exhibitor directory for 2026 will continue to evolve ahead of the event, the organisers emphasise participation from both Australian and international suppliers, underlining the exhibition’s global commercial reach.

Education and professional development also remain central to the exhibition’s appeal. Rather than functioning solely as a buying event, the programme incorporates industry presentations, Floor Talks, product demonstrations and networking opportunities that encourage knowledge sharing throughout the jewellery sector. The popular Industry Big Night Out and the Mystery Box Bench Challenge further strengthen community engagement while providing informal settings for business relationship building. At the time of publication, the organisers have not yet announced the official speaker programme for the 2026 edition.

Although the organisers have not released an official list of participating countries, the International Jewellery Fair has traditionally attracted suppliers representing major jewellery manufacturing and trading centres across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Australia’s proximity to key production markets, combined with Sydney’s extensive international air connectivity, positions the exhibition as an effective meeting point between regional manufacturers and global retailers seeking new sourcing opportunities.

From a tourism perspective, the event demonstrates how specialised trade exhibitions contribute to year-round visitation outside traditional leisure travel peaks. Delegates frequently extend their business trips to explore Sydney’s harbour, beaches, dining scene and nearby destinations, creating additional economic benefits across the wider visitor economy. This pattern of combining work with leisure—often referred to as “bleisure” travel—continues to influence destination marketing strategies worldwide, and Sydney is well positioned to capitalise on this growing trend.

The exhibition also supports Australia’s wider ambitions within the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Government agencies, destination marketing organisations and convention bureaux have increasingly invested in attracting international business events because of their higher visitor spending and long-term economic benefits. Trade exhibitions such as the International Jewellery Fair generate commercial opportunities that extend beyond the exhibition floor, encouraging future investment, supplier relationships and cross-border trade.

Sydney’s accessibility further strengthens the event’s appeal for international delegates. Visitors can arrive through Sydney Airport, Australia’s busiest international gateway, with extensive connections across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and Oceania. Efficient public transport links, including light rail, trains, buses and ferries, provide convenient access to Darling Harbour and ICC Sydney from across the metropolitan area.

Accommodation options surrounding the venue include internationally recognised hotel brands and boutique properties catering to a wide range of business travellers. Combined with Sydney’s renowned culinary scene, harbour attractions, shopping districts and cultural landmarks, the destination offers delegates opportunities to extend their stay and contribute further to the local economy.

The International Jewellery Fair also illustrates the continuing evolution of exhibition events beyond traditional product displays. Increasing emphasis on education, networking, innovation and specialised business services reflects changing expectations among exhibitors and buyers seeking greater value from face-to-face events. Dedicated areas such as the Security & Safety Zone respond directly to contemporary industry needs, demonstrating how exhibitions continue adapting to emerging challenges and technological developments.

As Australia continues strengthening its position within the global business events industry, the International Jewellery Fair 2026 stands as an important example of how specialised trade exhibitions generate benefits well beyond their respective sectors. By bringing together suppliers, retailers and decision-makers in one of the country’s leading convention venues, the event supports international commerce while reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as a premier destination for exhibitions, conferences and high-value business tourism. For travel professionals, hospitality providers and destination marketers, the fair represents another opportunity to showcase Australia’s capability to host internationally significant events that stimulate tourism, investment and long-term economic growth.