Autumn Fair 2016 NEC Birmingham, trends and brands you can't miss!

As outside is getting darker, and days are getting colder, we all know what it means; Autumn is knocking on our doors. As much as I love summer, I just love those cosy nights where I can cuddle up in my living room on my sofa with hot chocolate in my fancy mug, watching Factor or other cheesy shows on TV. This is also the time for Autumn Fair! I am incredibly excited I will be joining the show next week! It’s FREE to register and only 3h away typical journey! Book your train, plane or boat, as this show is one you can’t miss if you into interior design! (left Bombay Duck tea cups)

Located at the NEC Birmingham, Autumn Fair home trade show is well known for gathering the best online and independent retailers showcasing beautiful trends, new home-ware and gifts from 1400 retailers! I am excited as an interior blogger and as an interior designer, to see all the amazing new products collections and trends. The trade show runs for a few days from 4-7th of September. NEC Birmingham is also so easy to get to as, the train gets to Birmingham International which is only 5min away, and you can just walk under the covered bridge.

Autumn fair 2016 trade show NEC birmingham

I find trade shows like that so inspiring. I love joining seminars and talks, where experts from designers, SEO to bloggers are sharing their most amazing tips and their successful stories, so you can learn anything from trends, how to run a retail business to social media masterclasses. It’s a place to be for any interior designer, new business or anyone who is connected to e-commerce or retail somehow, as you can find the most amazing products all in one place, which can be pretty hard if you try sourcing via internet only. It’s a great opportunity to actually see the products but also to chat with brand representatives and start your trade accounts with often great deals and discounts.

By Boo cosy stools

This year, the key speaker is Jo Malone and you can join her on Monday 5th of September but also Martin Holland, who you probably remember as a winner of The Great Interior Design Challenge. I have checked the seminar timetable and decided to go on Tuesday, mainly because I want to meet a fellow blogger, Jen from Love Chic Living who will take the stage talking about Pinterest, which I really want to learn about! On Wednesday, you can also join another blogger Kate Watson-Smyth, Mad About the House with whom I shared the stage in Amara Interior Blog Awards! She is awesome!

Pacific Lifestyle Collection

All seminar and talks are divided into 4 categories; E-Commerce, Trends on Fashion Theatre, Brands of China Theatre and Inside Retail.

Shepherd of Sweden Collection

Planning My Day!

I want to arrive at 9am on Tuesday the 6th of September bright and early, not to miss anything from the show! So, here is my timetable; From 9-10.30am I want to explore the Gift Hall and check the Brands of China then move slowly toward Retail Solutions as I really want to learn a little within this sector, and who knows, maybe one day I’ll open my own shop!:)

E-Commerce Theatre is right next to it, so then I want to join Amy Hobson and her ‘Making SEO work for you and your business’ as SEO it’s a big part of any website and I am really interested and keen to learn more!

As Fashion Theatre is right next, I want to join Henri Davis and her ‘BREXIT- What can you be doing now?’ Her seminar inside at 11.40 so I want to then explore the Hall Fashion, Jewellery & Accessories including the Body, Bath & Home Fragrance. I am really intrigued by her talk, but also check the catwalks as well! You know I am so into Fashion!

Then, I want to go to Contemporary Gift & Living and The Summerhouse sectors until 14.25pm when Jen will be talking about ‘’Getting the most out of Pinterest for your business: Driving traffic, engagement and sales’’ back at the E-Commerce Theatre.

Right after her talk, I want to take a break and grab a lunch at the Volume Cafe right in Volume & Housewares Hall, so I can get straight to exploring.

I also want to join Lisa White on fashion Trends Briefing and David Marsden on ‘Sourcing in China’, so I will try to squeeze these in between. The Light Show and Home Show, I am leaving for between 16-18pm. Loads to explore!

ChicAntique Taepper

I had a look at the brands showcasing and spotted few amazing and well known by interior designers, Chic antique, Hubsch (a Danish brand) The Lighting and Interiors Group or lb Laursen Abs and their bedding, Edge company gifts, Suck UK, Haven Scents (and their beautiful candles!) Donkey products (awesome stuff) so is Bombay Duck. I literally fell in love with Shepherd of Sweden, cozy rugs and By Boo awesome products! I don’t want to miss Pacific Lifestyle either! I am also looking forward to the Fashion and Accessories! Apart from these brands, I am really excited to meet new brands I’ve not heard of yet, as I am currently building my brand database. Check out the entire list of exhibitors but remember, is so worthy to actually go and speak to them directly! Saving you so much time, of web searching, tons of calls etc.

Hubsch Sofa Collection 2016

ChicAntique Sofa Collections 2016

I am going with extra memory card and spare camera battery, so expect a post-show blog with 1000 images! Gosh, I am excited! I will be Tweeting & Instagramming so keep your eye on my social media and say hi if you see my pink hair!

*Collaborative post but opinion as always my own,girl gotta eat you know 🙂