Staying safe at your next trade show: practical guidelines for jewellery and gem professionals

With Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong fast approaching - taking place from 15–19 and 17–21 September 2025 - it's the perfect time to review key risk prevention practices for exhibitors and visitors alike. Whether you're preparing to showcase your collection or attending as a buyer, these practical guidelines will help you stay alert, protected, and professionally prepared on-site.
 

Practical guidelines to consider when attending and/or exhibiting at a trade show

From experience we know that these are important points to take along:

• Stand setup and closure: Clarify the procedures for receiving stock from the armoured transport company. If transporting goods personally, ensure movements are direct and uninterrupted - avoid stops such as for meals or errands.
• Exercise caution with new visitors at your booth: Always request references and verify their background before engaging in business.
• Conduct daily stock checks with all your staff present and undertake a full inventory check when you return to your premises after an exhibition. 
• Consider installing your own CCTV system: it can be an invaluable tool for reviewing incidents if needed.
• Where are your goods stored outside of exhibition hours? If they remain at your stand, what security measures are in place? If stored in a central secure area, how are they transported to and from that location before and after show hours?
• Gather the necessary contact details beforehand: Know who to contact in case of incident at the expo – e.g. Head of Security, Police etc.
• Awareness: Stay vigilant when leaving the exhibition. Thieves may have been observing the trade show and assessing your team’s movements. You could be targeted outside show hours, when defences are down and the opportunity is right.
• Hotel check-in: Avoid stating or confirming your name and room number aloud at reception - it could compromise your privacy and security.
• Labelling: Do not put your company or personal name on your cases and baggage.
• Staffing: Try to have an extra member of staff available during exhibition hours.
• Parking: When transporting stock to or from trade shows, avoid using public car parks to reduce the risk of theft.
• Taking taxis: If catching taxis, pre-book and don’t queue up.
• Consider your stand’s location: Near an entrance or on a corner can attract maximum footfall from prospects - but may also make it easier for someone to disappear into the crowd.
• Surroundings: Check if there is seating directly opposite your stand — it could be used by individuals to observe or discreetly film your activities.
• Understanding your policy: Read and understand your exhibition clauses.
• Adequate cover: Make sure that you fully insure your own stock and any stock entrusted to you for exhibitions.
• Communication: Tell your Broker IF you feel anything is not right, no matter how small the issue.

Following the above guidelines can significantly reduce the chances of loss. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

And if the unexpected does occur, that's when insurance like a Jewellers’ Block Policy proves its value, offering the financial protection and peace of mind you need.

Expert insurance support for your next exhibition

Trade shows bring opportunity, but also risk. At S.W.I.S. Insurance, we specialise in helping gem and jewellery professionals find the right protection. From evaluating your exhibition clauses to tailoring your Jewellers’ Block Policy, we ensure your coverage meets the realities of today’s global trade.

Planning your next show? Let’s discuss the policy that travels with you.