BrilliAnt fair in Antwerp delayed

BrilliAnt fair in Antwerp delayed

reorganization planned. 
After eight consecutive shows held in late January-early February, the organizers of the BrilliAnt fair in Antwerp have announced the postponement of the ninth edition little more than a month before it was due to be held.

The show, which went under the title of the Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair in its first six editions, was scheduled to take place from January 28 to 30.

It is a major trade event that is planned months in advance, with a gala dinner and other events in the city. The show is likely undergoing a major reorganization, said one industry observer who has attended the show since its inaugural edition.

The lateness of the announcement is likely an indication of the tough competition the fair is facing from the Carat+ show which held its inaugural edition at the Antwerp Expo last May.

Next year's Carat+ is scheduled to be held from May 6 to 8, and the BrilliAnt fair may be held closer to that event's dates. Organizers of the fair have not provided new dates for the bigger fair.

Organizers of the fair, where diamond companies from Antwerp display their goods to jewelry retailers from across the world in three of Antwerp's four diamond exchanges: the Kring, the Diamond Club of Antwerp and the Antwerp Diamond Bourse, say a bigger fair is being planned.

Some exhibitors have complained at previous shows about the high cost of participating at the BrilliAnt fair which runs into thousands of euros for a small booth and table. The booths are usually about 2 meters wide and a meter or so in depth.

Although the organizers say there are advantages to holding the show within the halls of three of its bourse, some exhibitors have called for it to be held in a larger external venue and to invite a wider range of potential buyers

The show was initially aimed only at jewelers based in Europe, but every year more buyers from across the world are invited.