4 minute read
from the ceo.
Welcome to the Spring Edition of the AGHA Industry Magazine!
Can you believe that Spring is already here?
With the chill of Winter almost behind us, there’s an exciting energy building across the industry — and we felt it in full force at the AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair. What an incredible few days! The feedback from members, exhibitors and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, and it was so heartening to see our industry come together in such a vibrant, successful way. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a standout event, and especially our award winners who worked so hard to create such wonderful stands.
As we step into the new financial year, there’s a growing sense of optimism and renewed energy across the industry. According to recent insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute, published by The Australian, Australian households are expected to increase spending on discretionary items in 2025 — particularly in categories like homewares, gifts, and lifestyle products. This uplift is being driven by rising wages and easing cost-of-living pressures, setting the stage for a stronger and more confident trading environment. For wholesalers and suppliers, it’s a timely window to prepare for growth and take full advantage of the lead-up to the peak retail season.
Bookings are now open for our upcoming trade events. Whether you’re a long-time exhibitor or considering joining us for the first time, this is your chance to connect with thousands of engaged buyers. This year, we're also offering multi-fair discounts to help you maximise your exposure — so be sure to speak with our Sales Team.
Key dates are listed to help you plan ahead.
2025 Events
• AGHA Member Connect | Sydney (September 2025): An informal networking event for members to connect and share insights.
• AGHA Member Connect & Showcase | Perth (29 October 2025): A networking and tabletop exhibition event for members in WA. Regional formats to follow.
2026 Events
• AGHA Gifted Melbourne (31 January - 2 February 2026): Now managed by AGHA, this trusted earlyseason fair continues under new leadership.
• AGHA Sydney Gift Fair (14-16 February 2026): Relocated to Halls 5 & 6 at Sydney Showground and streamlined to a 3-day format.
• AGHA Global Gateway (29-30 May 2026): A new international sourcing event connecting Australian wholesalers with global suppliers.
• AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair (August 2026): Returning in its established format as a key national buying and selling event.
• AGHA Gifted Brisbane (16-18 October 2026): A new buying event timed for the pre-Christmas season at BCEC.
Global Gateway, announced in May and launching in 2026, is a particularly exciting development in our trade calendar. Specifically designed for wholesalers, this bold new initiative will bring international suppliers to Australia — creating new opportunities for sourcing, growth, and global connection, all without the need to leave the country. We’re proud to be opening up new avenues for our members and will share more in the lead-up to its launch.
We’ve always believed in supporting our members beyond trade events — and our HR support service is a key part of that. We’re here to help you navigate workplace challenges with ease and confidence. Members can access free HR advice, along with the option to purchase professionally developed policies, procedures, and training videos at a special member rate — a practical resource that saves you time and helps you stay compliant.
To wrap up, we’re looking forward to welcoming you at our final member events of the year: AGHA Member Connect in Sydney, and AGHA Member Connect & Showcase in Perth These events are all about connection — and we can’t wait to see many of you there.
Thank you for being part of the AGHA community — your ongoing support and engagement continues to inspire and drive everything we do.
