#backtobling at September’s Vicenzaoro – an event recap

Let’s get straight to it: I can’t fathom any other way to kick off September than with a trip to Vicenzaoro. Everywhere else it’s #backtoschool, #backtooffice, but for editor-in-chief Agata, it’s all about #backtobling! Every VO visit brings discoveries and surprises, yet traveling to Vicenza feels like coming home – all thanks to the amazing familial ambiance and the power of the community built by the #GoldenTeam led by Marco Carniello.

Prepping for Vicenzaoro involves liaising with the organizers, crafting my #mustsee brand list to visit, exchanging dozens of emails with potential partners because… connections made at the expo always give birth to fresh projects. VO’s creative energy circulates year-round – between editions of Italy’s golden community gatherings, we bring to life ideas that sprouted right in Vicenza. Finally, it’s packing time and planning the fashion game for each expo day and event. #backtobling? Make it fashion! On September 8th at 5:00 am, I hop onto the plane in a pink sequined suit – my look instantly capturing the hearts of the flight attendants and fellow travelers! Touchdown, a quick coffee, swap my sneakers for golden heels, and I’m off on a blogger tour.

Golden Streak of Success

The exhaustion quickly fades as I greet familiar faces at the jewelry bloggers’ meet, including Aneta from Bliss From Paris, Tracey Ellison aka the Diamond Girl, and Bebe aka Champagne Gem. With such sparkling company, we begin our expo exploration, and oh boy, there’s a feast for the eyes – Vicenzaoro September 2023 showcased a staggering 1200 jewelry brands! As a VO regular, I quickly sense that the #GoldenTeam has once again outdone themselves. Post-event stats confirm it with the event’s attendance marking a further increase of a whopping +6%! Stands buzz with almost every language imaginable – Vicenza has drawn industry representatives from 132 countries, attesting to the event’s prestige and business clout. And, if you’re wondering how presence at VO translates to brand growth, the numbers speak for themselves. Italy’s jewelry sector has seen significant turnover growth in the first half of the year, boosting exports by over 9% – Vicenzaoro’s mission to promote Italian excellence in jewelry design and craftsmanship is evidently thriving.

Three words

If you ask me why so many business successes initiate within the halls of Vicenza Expo Centre, my answer is: people, relationships, friendships. Every VO promo and recap I’ve done hammers home the incredible energy permeating these glittering gatherings. Every visit feels like a grand #reunion with treasured pals. In mini-interviews I held with the #GoldenTeam on Instagram @blingsiscom, I asked them to describe the Vicenzaoro atmosphere in three words. Michela Amenduni swiftly replied with “sparkling, energizing, and welcoming”. “Elegant, Glamorous, Exciting” is how Matteo Farsura summed up the VO vibe. And I couldn’t leave out Vicenzaoro’s CEO, the ever-gracious Marco Carniello. “Brilliant, elegant, friendly” he enthusiastically stated. I try to encapsulate my own sentiments. Warm, refined, brimming with optimism. I invariably return from Vicenza with an overflow of cherished memories and emotions. Among them is pride, as I excitedly note that I’ve become a recognized face in the glittering industry! Evidence of this is the frequent “hellos” in the expo halls and the delightful chats with those who’ve approached to greet me, appreciating the editorials of Blingsis. Good job, Agata – I whisper to my reflection in the plane’s window on my journey back.

Goodbyes with fellow bloggers, the #GoldenTeam, and brand representatives always end with a cheerful “see you in January”. The sparkling community is counting down the weeks to the next special edition: January will mark Vicenzaoro’s 70th anniversary! It’s Europe’s oldest jewelry expo, but its strength lies in its freshness, magic, and ambiance. To give you a feel, beyond the “three words”, I have thousands of images – head over to Instagram where, in posts and saved stories, you’ll find my glittering Vicenza diary! #staytuned, in the next installment, I’ll unveil my jewelry discoveries from #VOS!