Trade show International Jewellery London (IJL) has appointed Katie Morris as its new event director effective immediately.

[NEWS: London, 16 January 2019]: Morris will replace Sarah Kitley-Spencer who stepped down from the role in October 2018.

An experienced events professional, Morris has worked on numerous shows for IJL’s parent company, Reed Exhibitions since joining in 2010. From head of marketing on The London Book Fair she progressed to event manager in 2015 and became head of buyer programmes in April 2018.

As IJL head of buyer programmes, Morris increased the international buyer presence by 15 % in 2018 and has brokered partnerships across other jewellery shows.

The newly appointed exhibition director will report to Jacks Thomas, who also has responsibility for The London Book Fair, which she has headed up for over four years.

Commenting on the appointment, Stella Layton, non-executive chair of the IJL Advisory Boardsaid: “Katie’s contribution to IJL in the short time that she was head of buyer programmes was very impressive and I am delighted that the show will now have the benefit of her experience and expertise as director of IJL.

“Our industry has so much to offer while also undergoing a period of great challenge and opportunity; I am looking forward to working with Katie and the IJL team on taking the show to its next exciting phase.”

Katie Morris, IJL event director, added: “IJL is the top jewellery trade show in the UK and a world-leading international jewellery event. Having worked on the show last year, I am excited about learning more about jewellery and in bringing even more international buyers and exhibitors together. I am looking forward to meeting many more people across the UK trade and to collaborating on building greater opportunities for the industry going forward.”

In 2018, IJL welcomed 500 exhibitors from 39 countries. The show will return in 2019 taking place at London’s Olympia from September 1-3.

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