The Gift Fair

There is a brand new trade show in town! However, there is one difference: its online! The Gift Fair is the first of its kind taking place between 8th January – 28th February. Clare Turner speaks with show organiser Fabian Santoro to find out more…

What was the inspiration behind your decision to launch this new trade show platform?

We’ve all noticed the rising costs of, well, everything. The pressure on businesses, especially independent retailers, is mounting – and attending physical trade shows, either as a buyer or an exhibitor, is no exception.

We’ve all become more ‘tech savvy’ since Covid. Those who barely used computers now rely on them to order online for their stores, or conduct meetings over Zoom or Teams. This is why now is the perfect time to embrace a new perspective on trade shows! 

So, are you aiming to replace traditional trade fairs?

No, this platform is not here to replace traditional trade shows. They are great, and will always have their place! The Gift Fair is here to accompany them – much like e-commerce does to bricks-and-mortar retail. 

What are the benefits of The Gift Fair?

There are many, so let’s go through them. 

Benefits for exhibitors: 

• Our stands are a single flat fee – there are no extras, no hidden costs, and no commissions.

• We offer the opportunity to present your brand to a global audience.

• Setting up a stand literally takes minutes – you won’t believe how easy it is.

Benefits for visitors:

• The platform is incredibly easy to use; even your grandmother could use it.

• You can visit when it’s convenient to you, whether you’re in your office or on the move. 

• You, as the buyer, initiate contact. So, there are no cold approaches, allowing you to maintain your privacy.

Benefits for the planet:

• The platform drastically reduces the amount of waste plastic, paper, metal, and rubble produced at a physical trade show. 

• The carbon footprint is reduced; transport and shipping are a huge contributor to the carbon footprint of physical trade shows. 

Benefits for the industry:

• Democratising trade shows: everybody has an equal opportunity to shine.

• The Gift Fair is designed so the best products win, not the people with the biggest marketing budgets.

• It’s an open and transparent platform that offers empirical information on how many people are coming and engaging with your stand, and therefore the industry. 

As you can see, there are many pros to an online trade show. Other benefits that affect everyone include a better work-life balance. The burdens or inconvenience of an in-person trade show are removed. Also, one of the major factors is the cost benefit to all involved. Your money can be spent where it matters, not on transport, shipping and hotel rooms! This truly is a trade show that works around you, not the other way around. 

Who are Xpo Fairs?

Fabian Santoro
Fabian Santoro

Xpo Fairs launched in 2024, but the concept had been developing in the background for a while. With over 70 years of combined experience in attending and exhibiting traditional trade shows, the company’s founders knew that many have been wrestling with the challenges of the industry for years. 

Fabian Santoro, formerly from Santoro London, started Xpo Fairs after talking to hundreds of companies and buyers, alongside reflecting on his own experiences. Being from the gift industry themselves, the founders understand the unique challenges this sector faces, particularly for small independent businesses. 

While Xpo Fairs is a new concept, it has been developed with a deep understanding of trade shows, grounded in personal experience. The platform retains the valuable aspects of trade shows, such as fostering opportunities to collaborate with new brands, while eliminating many of the common challenges associated with them. 

Even though it’s a digital platform, the Xpo Fairs team is always available to assist with any questions and will support you throughout the entire event. With extensive trade show experience, the team truly understands what they’re doing and can offer expert guidance. 

Dan and Aarun can give you a demonstration on how the software works, while Bethany and Khushi can answer any questions you may have and can help with promoting your company throughout the show. 

Call: +44 (0)208 781 1106

Email: info@xpofairs.com

Visit: www.thegiftfair.com

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