Events by Institute of Development Studies Library

Unveiling the Mischief for the Festive Season The Elves Behavin' Badly Festive Trade Showcase is an exclusive B2B product exhibition held at our headquarters in Basildon, Essex. Designed specifically for retail buyers, seasonal merchandisers, and event organizers, this annual event brings the playful, cheeky world of Elfie and Elvie to life. Attendees will get a first look at our official Christmas product lineup, interactive props, and novelties designed to captivate high-street shoppers and online consumers alike during the holiday shopping rush. Exploring Novelty Innovations and Product Range During this full-day trade exhibition, visitors will explore an expansive gallery of new accessories, dress-up costumes, and novelty items added to the official Elves Behavin' Badly collection. Our product development team will host detailed walkthroughs showcasing new plush doll variations, prank kits, props, and holiday décor items. Retailers will learn how to leverage our high-margin, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to maximize seasonal sales and build compelling impulse-purchase displays in high-footfall retail zones. Strategic Visual Merchandising and Retail POS Solutions Creating an engaging floor display is crucial for driving seasonal retail conversion. This event features interactive visual merchandising workshops where attendees can examine complete Point-of-Sale (POS) display units, branded floor spinners, and custom window display concept kits. Experienced retail strategists will demonstrate how to construct eye-catching, mischief-themed product zones that boost impulse buys and encourage cross-category purchases across apparel, stationery, and novelty accessories. Navigating Brand Licensing and Character Appearances Protecting brand integrity while expanding commercial reach is essential for sustainable retail growth. In dedicated licensing seminars, our brand management team will present guidelines on official trademark usage, anti-counterfeiting measures, and co-branding opportunities. Additionally, event managers will discover how to book official licensed Elfie and Elvie costume character appearances for shopping centre activations, festive parades, and promotional family events. Networking and Direct B2B Supply Chain Ordering The showcase provides a direct collaborative space for wholesale buyers to meet directly with our account managers, logistics partners, and inventory specialists. Participants will receive early-bird stock booking options, flexible delivery scheduling, and tailored volume pricing structures ahead of peak Christmas demand. Connect with fellow retail professionals, exchange seasonal consumer trends, and secure your holiday inventory straight from the source.

Yorkshire Antiques & Collectors Fair 2026 is a specialist exhibition designed for people who appreciate history, craftsmanship, collecting and traditional decorative arts. Hosted in Yorkshire, this event brings together antique dealers, collectors, enthusiasts and visitors looking for rare and interesting items with character and heritage value. The fair provides an engaging environment where visitors can explore a diverse collection of antiques, vintage pieces, artwork, jewellery, furniture, ceramics, memorabilia and collectables. Yorkshire has a strong reputation for heritage events, fairs and countryside gatherings, making it an ideal location for an event celebrating traditional items and craftsmanship. Whether visitors are experienced collectors searching for specific pieces or newcomers interested in discovering the world of antiques, the event offers opportunities to browse, learn and connect with exhibitors. Yorkshire Fairs Yorkshire Fairs is known for organising events focused on antiques, collectables and specialist markets. The organisation supports independent dealers and collectors by creating platforms where unique items can be displayed and exchanged. The events organised by Yorkshire Fairs attract visitors interested in historical objects, vintage designs and collectible treasures. These fairs provide a valuable opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their expertise while allowing buyers to discover authentic and unusual products. The organisation contributes to preserving interest in traditional crafts and historical items by connecting knowledgeable sellers with passionate collectors. Extensive Antique Collections One of the main attractions of Yorkshire Antiques & Collectors Fair 2026 is the variety of items available. Visitors can expect to explore carefully selected collections featuring furniture, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, paintings, books, decorative pieces and memorabilia. Every item has its own story, making the experience different from ordinary shopping. Collectors can discover rare finds while visitors can simply enjoy viewing objects representing different periods of design and craftsmanship. Meet Specialist Dealers The event provides visitors with direct access to experienced antique dealers and collectors. Exhibitors bring knowledge gained through years of research and trading, allowing visitors to understand the background, history and value of different pieces. This creates an educational experience where attendees can ask questions, discuss restoration, learn about collecting and gain insights into antique markets. Discover Vintage and Heritage Treasures Vintage and antique items continue to attract interest among people looking for sustainable, distinctive and meaningful purchases. The fair offers an alternative way to shop by encouraging visitors to choose items with history rather than mass-produced products. From classic furniture pieces to decorative accessories, visitors can find objects suitable for homes, collections and personal enjoyment. Networking Opportunities Collectors, dealers, designers and enthusiasts can connect during the event. These interactions help build relationships within the antiques community and encourage knowledge sharing. The event creates a welcoming atmosphere where people with shared interests can exchange ideas, discuss collections and discover new areas of interest. Celebration of Traditional Craftsmanship The fair celebrates craftsmanship, creativity and historical design. Many antique objects demonstrate exceptional skill from previous generations, highlighting techniques and artistic approaches that remain appreciated today. Visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for handmade products and traditional manufacturing methods. Why Attend Yorkshire Antiques & Collectors Fair 2026? A Unique Shopping Experience Unlike conventional retail environments, antique fairs provide opportunities to find one-of-a-kind items. Each stall offers something different, creating an exciting browsing experience where visitors never know what they may discover. Collectors searching for specific pieces can benefit from meeting multiple dealers in one location, while casual visitors can enjoy exploring interesting historical objects. Perfect for Collectors Collectors attending the event can expand their collections with authentic and unusual finds. The fair provides access to specialist sellers offering items across different categories. Whether collecting antiques as a hobby, investment or passion, visitors can discover valuable information and potential additions to their collections. Inspiration for Interior Design Antique and vintage pieces are increasingly popular among interior designers and homeowners who want unique spaces. Furniture, artwork and decorative objects from different eras can add personality and character to modern interiors. Design professionals can explore ideas and source distinctive items for residential and commercial projects. Who Should Attend? Antique Collectors Collectors looking for rare objects, historical pieces and valuable additions will find the event especially useful. Vintage Enthusiasts People interested in retro styles, classic designs and heritage items can enjoy exploring the wide range of exhibits. Art Lovers Visitors interested in paintings, decorative arts and craftsmanship can discover creative works from different periods. Interior Designers Design professionals can find inspiration and unique items for creating memorable spaces. Families and Curious Visitors The fair provides an enjoyable educational outing where visitors can learn about history, craftsmanship and collecting. Exhibitor Opportunities Yorkshire Antiques & Collectors Fair 2026 offers opportunities for dealers, independent sellers and specialists to present their collections to a targeted audience. Exhibitors can benefit from: Meeting dedicated collectors Increasing brand visibility Selling specialist items Building customer relationships Connecting with the antiques community The event supports small businesses and independent traders by providing a platform focused on specialist interests. Visitor Experience Visitors can expect a relaxed environment where they can browse at their own pace. The fair encourages conversations between buyers and sellers, allowing attendees to understand the background of items before making purchasing decisions. Many visitors attend antique fairs not only to buy but also to enjoy the atmosphere, discover historical stories and appreciate traditional craftsmanship. The Importance of Antique and Heritage Events Antique fairs play an important role in preserving cultural heritage. They help maintain appreciation for historical objects while supporting businesses involved in restoration, collecting and traditional crafts. Events like Yorkshire Antiques & Collectors Fair create connections between generations by allowing younger audiences to discover the value of historical items. They also encourage sustainable purchasing by promoting the reuse and preservation of existing products. Yorkshire Antiques & Collectors Fair 2026 is an exciting destination for anyone interested in antiques, vintage treasures, artwork and heritage collections. The event combines shopping, education and community connection in a welcoming exhibition environment. From specialist collectors searching for rare finds to families discovering the fascinating world of antiques, the fair offers something for everyone. With expert exhibitors, unique collections and a celebration of craftsmanship, this Yorkshire event provides a memorable experience for visitors and participants alike.

Reimagining Global Trade and Governance for Sustainable Futures The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) Library in Brighton, UK, hosts an impactful academic seminar examining how contemporary global trade policies influence economic justice and international governance. As global markets adapt to rapid geopolitical shifts, supply chain vulnerabilities, and environmental challenges, traditional frameworks of international trade face intense scrutiny. This event convenes leading scholars, policy analysts, and international development experts to discuss critical research on trade inclusivity, fair distribution of economic resources, and policy mechanisms designed to support low- and middle-income nations in navigating global market structures. Cutting-Edge Academic Research and Analysis Participants will gain direct insights into recent research projects published and catalogued by the Institute of Development Studies Library. Key topics will address the practical impacts of global trade regulations on vulnerable populations, fair trade corridors, and sustainable supply chain initiatives. Panelists will present evidence-based studies illustrating how inclusive trade mechanisms can reduce inequality, empower local economies, and promote environmental accountability. Attendees will explore how international trade agreements can be transformed from drivers of inequality into catalysts for equitable social and economic progress across regions. Engaging Interactive Discussions and Networking Designed as a collaborative forum, the seminar emphasizes interactive dialogue and knowledge sharing. Attendees will participate in a structured Q&A session following the panel presentations, providing opportunities to challenge prevailing trade models and propose fresh analytical perspectives. Following the formal presentations, participants are invited to an informal networking session within the IDS Library convening area, facilitating engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic partnerships among researchers, policy practitioners, and students. Resource Access and Knowledge Dissemination In addition to live discussions, the IDS Library will provide attendees with specialized reading lists, curated policy briefs, and access to digital research databases. These curated resources equip participants with actionable insights and academic references to support their ongoing work in international trade, economic development, and global policy formulation.

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS), in collaboration with the School for Progressive Futures, is proud to host a landmark seminar titled "Researching Progressive Futures: Generating Human Flourishing." This session is part of a flagship series designed to challenge traditional development paradigms by centering the concept of "flourishing" as the primary metric for global progress. Set within the world-renowned academic environment of the IDS campus in Brighton, this event brings together leading researchers, policy analysts, and doctoral students to explore how interdisciplinary research can foster environments where individuals and communities thrive. The seminar will delve into the intersection of social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. Participants will engage with cutting-edge methodologies used by IDS researchers to track qualitative improvements in wellbeing across diverse geopolitical contexts. The session will open with a keynote presentation followed by a curated panel discussion featuring experts in international development. A significant portion of the event is dedicated to a "Knowledge Exchange" session, where the IDS Library’s extensive archives and digital resources will be highlighted as tools for contemporary research. This is a unique opportunity to network with global thought leaders and gain insights into the future of international policy and grassroots activism. Whether you are looking to refine your research focus or understand the shifting landscape of global development, this seminar provides the critical space for such intellectual evolution.