Fine jewelry trade organization Jewelers of America (JA) has announced that its second annual Jewelers of America National Convention will be held virtually May 26–28.

The education-focused executive forum, which is open to jewelry professionals, was scheduled to take place in New York City in July. But because no one can predict how safe large gatherings will be, even months down the line, the organization pivoted to an online format.

“COVID-19 has completely shifted the way our industry is having to operate,” said David J. Bonaparte, JA president and CEO. “The decision to transition our national convention to virtual was not an easy one to make. However, the education we had planned is extremely important for our members, and we felt it was best to push the convention up to May with the hopes that business will be in full swing as soon as possible and retailers can focus entirely on their clients and stores.”

Now dubbed the Jewelers of America Virtual National Convention, the event will feature many of the presentations that were planned for the live national convention. Session topics will include omnichannel marketing, social media, security, investment trends, and “keeping up with retail evolution,” according to a JA statement on the event. 

The convention will comprise eight virtual sessions. One will feature the return of political forecaster Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report, who will “share his nonpartisan take on what may be one of the most critical—and contentious—election seasons ever, with control of the presidency and Congress in play.” The other session topics will be released/revealed in the coming days, according to the same statement. 

The Virtual National Convention will be free for Jewelers of America members and their business employees. And nonmembers can sign up for JA’s limited-time free membership offer to watch the entire event. 

The event’s cosponsors include Synchrony, DeBeers Group Industry Services, and Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group.

For more information—and updates—about the convention, click here.

Emili Vesilind

JCK Senior Editor