The Mandalay Bay Convention Center is growing up. JCK Las Vegas showgoers can expect to find a rearranged show floor that includes new neighborhoods and a brand-new buying event from the folks at JCK’s sister show, JIS. Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of Reed Jewelry Group, spoke to JCK about the best way to navigate the shows, where to relax, and what additional changes we can expect in 2017. 

 

With all the changes at JCK, what’s your best advice for buyers?

Yancy Weinrich: The mobile app is the important thing. It’s your exhibitor listing and event listing and helps you navigate the event. Between all the exhibitor moves, the app helps you go from booth to booth, and event to event. Just go to the App Store and search for the JCK mobile app.

 

What do people need to know about JIS Exchange at the Tropicana?

YW: JIS Exchange is your destination for immediate delivery of jewelry. Your JCK badge gets you into both shows. And we offer daily express service from Mandalay Bay to the Tropicana. JIS is open on the same dates as JCK: June 3 to 6. The show has about 100 exhibitors. We took on more space—an extra ballroom—because there’s so much demand for the show. JIS is a real bright spot in the portfolio. With the trend of mixing fashion and fine jewelry, there are tremendous finds at the Tropicana.

 

What’s the Oasis at JCK about?

YW: The Oasis is located between LUXURY and Plumb Club on the upstairs level of the convention center. It’s an area to grab something healthy to eat, enjoy a cup of Starbucks, sit back, and relax. There will be daily events up there—for example, book signings and a fashion party put on by Plumb Club. Think of it as an area to regroup and collect your thoughts amidst some of the finest exhibitors at the show.

 

After JCK, what’s next on the show schedule?

YW: We’re looking ahead to LUXURY Privé in New York City. If you don’t finish all of your buying or confirming orders, Privé is the perfect place to do that. We’ve got over 30 top brands already signed, and it’s at the Waldorf Astoria, which retailers love. The dates are July 24 to 26, right alongside the Women’s Jewelry Association Awards for Excellence on July 25, which is moving from Pier 60 to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and the AGS Circle of Distinction event on July 26.

 

Finally, what’s this about new show dates for JCK Las Vegas 2017?

YW: In 2017, our dates are changing to accommodate the Shavuot holiday. We are being sensitive to our religious community, which numbers a few hundred exhibitors, and have worked with Mandalay Bay to shift dates. LUXURY will start Friday, June 2, and go through Sunday, June 4. And JCK will start Monday, June 5, and run through Thursday, June 8. The other benefit is that this gets us off the Memorial Day weekend. For many buyers, research tells us that these JCK dates are more desirable. Check the schedule for the other Las Vegas events during jewelry week. 

Inset: Yancy Weinrich; top: ring in 18k pink gold with a 19 ct. pink opal, 5.35 cts. t.w. diamonds, and 0.35 ct. t.w. diamonds, $17,250, Andreoli, NYC, 212-582-2050, andreoliusa.com