Because of the coronavirus, the Gemological Institute of America has canceled the career fair it hoped to hold next week in New York City—but the American Gem Society and the JA New York show say they plan to hold their annual events as scheduled.
The one-day GIA Jewelry Career Fair was supposed to take place March 13 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
“We believe this is in the best interest of all participants’ health and safety,” said a statement on its site. “We will look for a future date to reschedule the event.”
The career fair is the only jewelry event to be canceled in the United States so far this year due to coronavirus concern. Most other organizers have indicated they plan to hold their events as scheduled. At press time, the U.S. government had not put any restrictions on, nor it is recommending against, domestic travel in the United States.
The JA New York spring show, set to take place March 15–17, also at the Javits Center, will take place as planned, said a statement sent out Monday from show director Drew Lawsky.
“We are working closely with our partners at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, who have increased cleaning protocols and other safety precautions,” said his statement.
The American Gem Society sent out a statement Wednesday saying its annual conclave, set to take place April 27–29 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, will take place as planned.
“The team at the American Gem Society headquarters is monitoring the latest news and updates on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and will continue to do so,” said a statement by the group. “The safety and well-being of the AGS community is our top priority.… [W]e are working with the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, as well as with the Denver Convention & Visitors Bureau to monitor the status of COVID-19 in Denver.”
The AGS statement can be seen here, along with links to resources about the coronavirus.
On Tuesday, Reed Exhibitions and the Reed Jewelry Group, which own the JCK Las Vegas and Luxury shows (as well as JCK magazine and JCKonline.com), said that the 2020 edition of America’s two largest jewelry events would take place as scheduled this June.
JCK Las Vegas runs June 2–5 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center and Venetian Hotel, with Global Gemstones, the Exchange, and JCK Talks opening on June 1. Sister show Luxury starts on May 31 and runs through June 5 at the same venue.
Top: Last year’s GIA Career Fair (image courtesy of GIA)
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