WJA’s 13th annual In the Know conference in mid-March, themed “Blurring the Lines,” served up a smorgasbord of education, inspiration, and networking. Meanwhile, the Baselworld fair suffered a dip in attendance, but enthusiasm for new watches and jewels remained high.
IN THE KNOW
(Top) NPD Group’s Desiree Hanson, speaker Randi Zuckerberg, Synchrony Financial’s Shelly Schulz, and Luxury Brand Group’s Jen Cullen Williams
IN THE KNOW
(Inset) Zaiken Jewelry’s Malak Atut and jewelry and art consultant Marlene Richey
IN THE KNOW
Designer Kara Ross in conversation with WJA president (and Rio Tinto Diamonds executive) Brandee Dallow
IN THE KNOW
Hannah Becker, aka @Diamondoodles, leads a seminar on the ins and outs of Instagram.
IN THE KNOW
Benali Consulting’s Fran Pennella, designer Alexandra Mor, and branding consultant Caragh Wilson
IN THE KNOW
JCK Events’ Lauren Laramore, Kate Nellis, and Katie Dominesey
IN THE KNOW
WJA Shining Star Pheap Lorn-Canossi, owner of Phenomenon Jewels, and JCK Events’ Isabel Cajulis
IN THE KNOW
PGI’s Jenny Luker, JCK senior editor and WJA Shining Star Jennifer Heebner, and Mercury Ring Corp.’s Phyllis Bergman
IN THE KNOW
GIA’s Craig Danforth and The Smithee Group’s Ben Smithee
BASELWORLD
Swatch Group’s François Thiébaud, Rolex’s Eric Bertrand, Baselworld’s Sylvie Ritter, and MCH Group’s René Kamm at the ’16 press conference
BASELWORLD
Jermaine Jackson at Coronet’s Guinness World Record–setting event (for most jewels on a guitar)
BASELWORLD
The atrium outside the Herzog & de Meuron–designed convention center
BASELWORLD
Swatch Group’s Nick Hayek Jr., Nayla Hayek, and Marc Hayek
BASELWORLD
Swiss Federal Council’s Simonetta Sommaruga and Chopard’s Karl-Friedrich Scheufele
BASELWORLD
Hall 1.0, ground zero for the biggest brands in the watch business
(In the Know photos: David Stewart Brown)