Exhibition Coverage for Watch and Jewellery Dealers: What Your Insurance Actually Covers at Trade Shows in 2026

You're packing SGD 200,000 in watches for a trade show in Bangkok. You've booked the booth, printed the cards, and confirmed meetings with three serious buyers. But have you checked whether your insurance actually covers your stock at the exhibition?

Most jeweller's block policies exclude public exhibitions by default. If you don't have a specific exhibition extension, your stock is uninsured from the moment you walk into the venue.

This guide covers:

• Why standard JB policies exclude exhibition coverage
• How exhibition extensions work and what conditions apply
• Security requirements you must meet at the show
• Transit, hotel, and off-premises risks during exhibition travel
• Every major watch and jewellery event in Asia in 2026
• A pre-exhibition insurance checklist

Why Your Jeweller's Block Policy Probably Excludes Exhibitions

Jeweller's block is an all-risk policy, but "all risk" doesn't mean "all situations." Most JB policies contain a specific exclusion for loss or damage to insured property while at any public exhibition promoted or financially assisted by any public authority or trade association. That exclusion covers virtually every major watch and jewellery trade show.

The reason is risk concentration. At an exhibition, you're moving high-value stock outside your secured premises, displaying it in a temporary booth with unfamiliar security, and surrounded by thousands of strangers. The risk profile is fundamentally different from your shop.

Risk Factor	At Your Premises	At an Exhibition
Security infrastructure	Your rated safe, monitored alarm, HD CCTV	Exhibition hall security; varies by venue
Access control	You control who enters your shop	Thousands of visitors, limited screening
Overnight storage	Your vault or strong room	Hotel safe, exhibition safe room, or personal custody
Transit exposure	Minimal; stock stays on site	Multiple transits: shop to airport, airport to hotel, hotel to venue
Staff familiarity	Your trained team in a known environment	Unfamiliar layout, temporary setup, possible fatigue
Territorial limits	Within your policy's declared territory	May be in a different country entirely

The exclusion exists because the insurer assessed your risk based on your premises, your security, and your location. An exhibition changes all three variables at once. That doesn't mean you can't get covered. It means you need a specific extension.

How Exhibition Coverage Works Under Jeweller's Block

Exhibition coverage is an extension or endorsement added to your jeweller's block policy. It extends the all-risk protection to your stock while it's at a specified exhibition or trade show, subject to conditions. Without this extension, your stock is completely uninsured at the venue.

The extension typically covers the full exhibition cycle: transit from your premises to the venue, the exhibition itself, overnight storage during the show, and transit back. But each phase has its own requirements.

Phase	What's Covered	Key Condition
Transit to venue	Loss or damage during personal conveyance	Stock must be in close personal custody and control at all times
During show hours	All risks while displayed or being shown	Minimum two persons in attendance at all times; stock in locked showcases
Overnight at venue	Loss or damage while in secure storage	Must be in locked safe, vault, or guarded security room
Hotel overnight	Loss or damage at hotel	Must be in hotel's principal locked safe or vault if unattended
Transit back	Same as outbound transit	Close personal custody; no unattended vehicles

The critical point: every phase has conditions that must be met for coverage to apply. Break any of them, and a claim can be denied even if you have the exhibition extension. For a full overview of how jeweller's block works, see our Singapore JB guide or Malaysia JB guide.

Exhibition Security Conditions You Must Meet

Exhibition coverage comes with warranty conditions. These aren't suggestions. They're requirements that, if breached, can void your coverage for any loss that occurs during the breach. Insurers take these seriously because exhibitions are inherently higher-risk environments.

The Three Core Exhibition Warranties

Warranty	What It Requires	Practical Implication
Two-person attendance	A minimum of two persons shall be in attendance of the insured stock at all times during show hours	You can't run a booth solo. If one person steps away for a meeting or toilet break, someone else must remain with the stock. Plan your staffing accordingly.
Locked showcases	Insured stock must be displayed in locked showcases at all times, except when actively being shown to a visitor	Open trays on the booth counter won't comply. You need lockable display cases. Items come out only when a specific buyer wants to handle them, then go back in.
Secure overnight storage	Stock must be kept in a locked safe, vault, safe deposit vault, bank vault, or guarded security room when not being displayed and not in your custody	You can't leave stock in the booth overnight. Either lock it in the venue's safe room (if available and adequately secured), take it to a hotel safe, or use a bank vault.

These warranties apply throughout the entire exhibition period. A single lapse, even for fifteen minutes, can be enough to void a claim if a loss occurs during that window.

Transit and Travel Conditions During Exhibition Trips

Getting your stock to and from the exhibition is often the riskiest part of the trip. Transit coverage under a JB exhibition extension typically requires close personal custody and control at all times. That term has a specific insurance definition: the stock must be held by, attended to, or within sight and arm's length of the carrier at all times during transit.

Situation	Covered?	Why
Hand-carrying stock in a bag through the airport	Yes (if within arm's length)	Close personal custody maintained
Stock in checked luggage on a flight	No	Not in your custody; handed to a third-party carrier
Stock in your carry-on bag on a flight	Generally yes	Within your immediate proximity (but confirm with your policy)
Left in a parked car while you grab lunch	No	Unattended vehicle exclusion applies
Shipped via DHL, FedEx, or courier to the venue	No	Sendings exclusion: goods transported by courier or delivery service are excluded
In a hotel room with you present	Yes	In your personal custody
In a hotel room while you're at breakfast	Only if in the hotel's principal locked safe	Hotel/motel clause requires safe storage when unattended
In a taxi from the hotel to the exhibition venue	Yes (if on your person)	Close personal custody maintained

The courier exclusion catches many dealers off guard. If you're planning to ship stock to the exhibition venue in advance rather than hand-carrying it, your JB exhibition extension almost certainly won't cover it. That shipment needs separate marine transit coverage, or you need to carry the stock yourself.

For more on transit risks, see our transit risk guide for fine jewellery. And for trade show security best practices, our trade show security checklist covers the operational side.

What Exhibition Coverage Typically Does Not Cover

Even with the exhibition extension active and all warranties met, certain exclusions still apply. These are inherent to the JB policy structure and aren't removed by the exhibition endorsement.

Exclusion	What It Means at an Exhibition
Mysterious disappearance and unexplained losses	If a watch goes missing during the show and you can't explain how, the claim may be denied
Damage while being worked upon	If you're demonstrating watchmaking or repair at your booth and damage a piece in the process, it's excluded
Employee theft or dishonesty	If a staff member you brought to the show steals inventory, the base exclusion still applies unless you have a fidelity extension
Counterfeit payment fraud	If you sell a piece at the show against a fraudulent payment (bad cheque, fake transfer, invalid credit card), that loss is excluded
Goods entrusted to third parties	If you leave stock with another exhibitor, a customer, or a broker at the show, the outward entrustment exclusion may apply
Natural disasters (earthquake, typhoon, volcanic eruption)	Loss or damage from natural catastrophes while on land is excluded
War, terrorism	Standard exclusion applies regardless of location

The mysterious disappearance exclusion is particularly relevant at exhibitions. With high foot traffic, temporary setups, and the distraction of conversations, items can go missing without a clear explanation. If this is a concern, discuss it with MINT when arranging your exhibition extension.

Territorial Limits: Does Your Policy Cover the Exhibition's Country?

Your JB policy has declared territorial limits. A Singapore-based policy typically covers Singapore. A Malaysia-based policy covers Malaysia. If the exhibition is in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Geneva, or Jakarta, your base territorial limits may not extend there.

Exhibition extensions often include a temporary territorial expansion for the specific event. But this needs to be arranged in advance. You can't fly to Bangkok and then call your insurer to ask for coverage.

Exhibition Location	Covered by SG/MY Base Policy?	What You Need
Singapore (e.g. SIJE)	Yes, if SG-based policy	Exhibition extension only
Malaysia (e.g. MIJF in KL)	Yes, if MY-based policy	Exhibition extension only
Bangkok (Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair)	No	Exhibition extension + territorial expansion to Thailand
Hong Kong (HKTDC Watch & Clock Fair)	No	Exhibition extension + territorial expansion to Hong Kong
Jakarta (JWX)	No	Exhibition extension + territorial expansion to Indonesia
Geneva (Watches and Wonders)	No	Exhibition extension + territorial expansion to Switzerland
Doha (DJWE)	No	Exhibition extension + territorial expansion to Qatar

The key takeaway: for any exhibition outside your policy's declared territory, you need both the exhibition extension and a territorial expansion. Speak to MINT well before the event to arrange this.

2026 Watch and Jewellery Events Across Asia and Beyond

If you're a watch or jewellery dealer in Singapore or Malaysia, these are the major events worth knowing about in 2026. Some are trade-only; others have public days. All of them represent opportunities to network, source stock, and meet buyers, but also represent off-premises insurance exposure if you're bringing stock.

Event	Dates	Location	Notes
Jakarta Watch Exchange (JWX-7)	Jan 15-18	Jakarta, Indonesia	Collector and dealer event
Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (73rd)	Feb 22-26	Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok	Asia's leading jewellery trade show
Watches and Wonders Geneva	Apr 14-20	Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland	The industry's flagship event. 66 brands including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, AP. 55,000+ visitors expected. Trade days Apr 14-17, public Apr 18-20.
Jewellery & Gem ASEAN Bangkok	Apr 22-25	Bangkok, Thailand	Regional trade fair
Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE)	Apr 28 - May 3	Doha Exhibition & Convention Center, Qatar	21st edition. 30,000+ visitors from 175+ countries.
Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong	Jun 27-30	HKCEC, Hong Kong	Major jewellery trade fair
Malaysia International Jewellery Fair (MIJF)	Jun 27-30	KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	Regional jewellery and gem trade fair. Relevant for MY-based dealers.
Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE)	Jul 9-12	Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore	230+ exhibitors, 16,000+ visitors. Jewellery and watches.
HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair	Sep 1-5	HKCEC, Hong Kong	World's leading watch trade fair. Features "Pageant of Eternity" premium watch section and "Salon de TIME" with 130+ international brands.
Geneva Watch Days	Sep 2-6 (approx)	Geneva hotels and showrooms, Switzerland	Independent and mid-size brand focus. More intimate, collector-oriented format.
Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (74th)	Sep 8-12	Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok	Second annual Bangkok fair

Note: Dubai Watch Week is biennial and not scheduled for 2026 (next edition is November 2027). Watches and Wonders Shanghai has no confirmed 2026 edition as of this writing.

Which Events Are Most Relevant for Singapore and Malaysia Dealers?

If You're Based In	Closest Major Events	Insurance Consideration
Singapore	SIJE (Jul, home turf), JWX Jakarta (Jan), Bangkok Gems (Feb/Sep), HK Watch Fair (Sep)	SIJE needs exhibition extension only. Others need territorial expansion too.
Malaysia	MIJF KL (Jun, home turf), SIJE Singapore (Jul), Bangkok Gems (Feb/Sep), HK Watch Fair (Sep)	MIJF needs exhibition extension only. Others need territorial expansion.

Pre-Exhibition Insurance Checklist

Use this checklist at least four weeks before any exhibition where you plan to bring stock. Don't leave it to the last minute; territorial expansions and exhibition extensions take time to arrange.

Timeline	Action	Details
4+ weeks before	Check your policy for exhibition exclusion	Look for "Public Exhibition" in the exclusions section. If it's there, you need an extension.
4+ weeks before	Check territorial limits	If the exhibition is outside your policy's declared territory, request a territorial expansion.
4+ weeks before	Contact MINT to arrange exhibition extension	Provide: event name, dates, location, value of stock you're bringing, number of staff attending.
3 weeks before	Confirm exhibition security arrangements	Contact the venue: do they have a safe room? What security do they provide overnight? What are the hall's opening/closing procedures?
2 weeks before	Plan transit logistics	Hand-carry only (no courier). Plan the chain of custody from your premises to the venue and back.
2 weeks before	Book hotel with adequate safe	Confirm the hotel has a principal locked safe large enough for your stock. In-room safes may not qualify.
1 week before	Prepare stock inventory and documentation	Photograph every piece, record serial numbers, and prepare a manifest. This is your evidence base if a claim occurs.
1 week before	Brief your staff on warranty conditions	Two-person attendance at all times. Locked showcases. Secure overnight storage. No stock in unattended vehicles.
Day of travel	Confirm coverage is active	Verify your exhibition extension and territorial expansion are confirmed in writing before departing.

Common Exhibition Insurance Mistakes

These are the errors dealers make most often. Every one of them can result in an uninsured loss.

Mistake	Why It's a Problem	What to Do Instead
Assuming your JB policy covers exhibitions	Most policies specifically exclude public exhibitions	Read your exclusions section. Request exhibition extension if needed.
Shipping stock via courier to the venue	Courier/postal sendings are excluded from JB transit cover	Hand-carry your stock. If shipping is unavoidable, arrange separate marine transit coverage.
Running the booth alone	Two-person warranty breached; any loss during single-person attendance may be denied	Always bring at least two people. Plan break schedules so someone is always with the stock.
Displaying watches on open trays	Locked showcase warranty breached	Use lockable display cases. Remove items only when actively showing to a specific buyer.
Leaving stock in the hotel room (not in the safe)	Hotel/motel clause requires principal locked safe when unattended	Always use the hotel's main safe (not just the in-room safe). Get a receipt.
Not notifying insurer about the exhibition	No cover if extension wasn't arranged in advance	Contact MINT at least 4 weeks before any exhibition where you're bringing stock.
Leaving stock in a parked car at the venue	Unattended vehicle exclusion applies	Never leave stock in any vehicle, even briefly. Carry it with you or put it in a safe.

What Happens If You Need to Make a Claim at an Exhibition

If something goes wrong at a trade show, your response in the first hours matters. JB policies typically require notification within 7 days, but acting fast strengthens your position significantly.

Step	Action	Why
1	Secure remaining stock immediately	Prevent further losses; demonstrate due diligence
2	Report to local police and get a written report	Required for any theft or robbery claim; local police jurisdiction applies
3	Notify exhibition security and management	They may have CCTV footage; creates an official record at the venue
4	Notify MINT immediately	Early notification starts the claims process; insurer may send an adjuster
5	Document everything: photos of the booth, CCTV requests, witness statements	Evidence gathered at the scene is far stronger than reconstructions weeks later
6	Cross-reference your stock manifest against remaining inventory	Confirms exactly what's missing with serial numbers and values

Having a detailed stock manifest prepared before the exhibition is essential. If you can tell the police and your insurer exactly which items are missing, with serial numbers, photos, and values, your claim moves faster and is harder to dispute.

FAQ

Does jeweller's block insurance cover exhibitions?

Not by default. Most JB policies contain a specific exclusion for property at public exhibitions promoted by any public authority or trade association. You need a separate exhibition extension added to your policy. This must be arranged before the event, not after.

How far in advance should I arrange exhibition coverage?

At least four weeks before the exhibition. If the event is in a different country from your policy's territory, you'll also need a territorial expansion, which takes additional processing time. Contact MINT as early as possible once you've decided to attend.

Can I ship my stock to the exhibition venue via courier?

Your JB policy almost certainly excludes goods transported by post, courier, public carrier, or delivery service. If you ship via DHL, FedEx, or similar, that shipment is not covered under your JB transit coverage. You either need to hand-carry the stock yourself or arrange separate marine transit insurance for the shipment.

What does "close personal custody and control" mean?

It means the stock must be held by, attended to, or within sight and arm's length of you or your employees at all times during transit. If you put the bag down and walk three metres away, you've broken custody. If you place stock in checked luggage, it's no longer in your custody. This applies throughout the entire trip, not just at the venue.

Can I leave stock in the hotel room overnight?

Only if it's stored in the hotel's principal locked safe or vault. Leaving stock on the desk, in a drawer, or even in the small in-room safe may not meet the policy condition. Always use the hotel's main safe at reception and get a written receipt for what you've deposited.

Do I need two people at the booth the entire time?

Yes. The exhibition clause typically requires a minimum of two persons in attendance with the insured stock at all times during show hours. If one person needs to step away, the other must remain with the stock. This means you need at least two team members at the exhibition at all times, with contingency if someone falls ill.

What if a watch goes missing at the exhibition with no explanation?

Mysterious disappearance and unexplained losses are typically excluded from JB policies, even with exhibition coverage. If you can't prove how the item was lost (no CCTV evidence, no witnesses, no sign of theft), the claim is likely to be denied. This makes stock discipline at exhibitions even more important: count items regularly, track what comes out of the display case and what goes back in.

Does exhibition coverage cost extra?

Yes, the exhibition extension is typically an additional endorsement on your JB policy. The cost depends on factors like the value of stock you're bringing, the exhibition location, the duration, and your existing policy terms. Contact MINT for specifics; each exhibition trip is assessed individually.

Are private watch meetups or pop-up events considered "public exhibitions"?

It depends on the policy wording. The exclusion typically refers to exhibitions "promoted or financially assisted by any Public Authority or by any Trade Association." A private meetup organised by an individual collector may not fall under this exclusion, but a pop-up event sponsored by a trade body likely would. Don't assume either way. Check with MINT before attending any event where you're bringing stock outside your premises.

What if I'm just attending as a visitor, not exhibiting?

If you're not bringing stock, you don't need exhibition coverage. But if you're carrying any inventory (even one or two pieces to show a specific buyer), the personal conveyance and exhibition conditions apply. There's no minimum value threshold for the exclusion to kick in.

MINT Conclusion

Exhibition season across Asia runs almost year-round, with major events from January's JWX in Jakarta through September's HKTDC in Hong Kong. Every one of these events is a business opportunity, but also an insurance exposure that most dealers haven't checked.

The gap between thinking you're covered and actually being covered is one phone call. Check your policy, arrange the right extension, and go to the show knowing your stock is protected.

MINT provides jeweller's block coverage with exhibition extensions designed for watch and jewellery dealers attending trade shows across Asia and beyond.

Speak with MINT about exhibition coverage for your next trade show