Welcome to JCK Las Vegas!
It’s the most exciting week of the year on the jewelry industry calendar. The 2017 show promises to be no exception, with several especially noteworthy highlights.
As a member of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance board, I’m particularly excited about the debut of the show’s first JSA Security Pavilion, near the Design Center. This area will feature exhibitors from many sectors of the security industry and will include presentations and educational seminars from JSA and others. I’m so proud to be affiliated with JSA, as it tirelessly addresses one of the most important aspects of our business: keeping retailers safe from harm.
Speaking of new, the beautiful magazine in your hands is the third issue of the “new” JCK. It is my honor and delight to walk the floor of the JCK show this year with this beauty in my hands. If I appear to be standing a little taller and smiling a bit more broadly, you’ll know why!
All of us at JCK are thrilled to attend the Jewelers for Children Facets of Hope dinner June 7 honoring our very own Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of the Reed Jewelry Group portfolio of events. In addition to being our fearless leader, Yancy is one of the industry’s most passionate advocates: She gives her time to numerous boards and supports all the key jewelry associations. No one is more personally involved in helping our industry respond to its challenges. Yancy will be honored along with Forevermark’s Charles Stanley, so it’s sure to be a terrific evening.
Later that night, it’s the debut of JCK Rocks the Bowl, held at Las Vegas’ Brooklyn Bowl. This amazing 3,000-person bowling and entertainment facility will provide an awesome opportunity to rock out to great music, relax, network, and celebrate yet another outstanding show.
April saw the 2017 edition of the American Gem Society Conclave, held this year at the Loews Hotel in the heart of Hollywood. As an ex-Angeleno, I was thrilled to go home and see so many industry friends while there. It’s always a blast to drink and dine with retailer friends like Craig and Laura Underwood from Fayetteville, Ark.–based Underwood’s Fine Jewelers. Craig and Laura are not only a heck of a lot of fun, but they also possess the kind of passion and drive that makes their store unique, beloved, and successful. Congrats to new AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh on her first Conclave!
Here’s hoping you have a rewarding—and fun—week at JCK. See you on the show floor!
(Photograph by Nicholas A. Prakas; grooming: Claudia Andreatta/Halley Resources; Las Vegas: John Kellerman/Alamy)
